  British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, shown wearing the same V-neck dress for which one columnist publicly asked, "Is Premier Clark's cleavage-revealing attire appropriate for the legislature?" (REUTERS/Andy Clark) |
Recently the Premier of British Columbia, the Honourable Christy Clark, was criticized for showing cleavage during question period. Appropriate office wear is an issue I see come up all of the time with women in the workplace. One of my clients was asked to wear hose and closed toe shoes to work. Another was once reprimanded for wearing a short skirt.
Women have a challenge merging fashion with their personal style and creating a work-appropriate wardrobe. It tends to be easier for men, who for the most part have an established framework. A suit, shirt and tie or pants, shirt and jacket fit most tailored work settings.
It is not as simple for a female to make a stylish, professional statement. When a dress code is in place, the parameters make an individual's choices simpler. However, there are often grey areas that need to be clarified. How short a skirt is too short? How low a neckline is too low? How much colour and pattern is acceptable? What footwear is preferable? Hose or no hose? Is it wise to look creative and or contemporary? How conservative is stodgy? Will smart casual dress soften the message and work in one's favour, or against the role?
As far as Ms. Clark's outfit goes, I searched high and low for a written dress code for the legislature and found none. However, there is a tacit understanding that it is best to dress conservatively to show respect for the position one holds.
I also took a look at the photo of the outfit in question and saw a well-dressed, well groomed attractive contemporary in a tailored suit, V-neck top and classic pearls. She was not making a provocative visual statement. To the individual who publicly pointed out the cleavage, I offer a suggestion. If you wish to make a comment on someone's wardrobe or image, do so discreetly and privately.
For women who work in offices, your first step is to check if a dress code exists and ensuring that you follow. Express your view when you feel this code is dated or not appropriate in some way. Work to make positive changes, but stay within the existing rules until they are altered.
In general, conservative workplaces prefer the following:
Dress tastefully to suit your workplace. Be mindful of your professional message.
Avoid exposing cleavage of all kinds - front, back and foot.
Wear hose and closed shoes.
Avoid wearing see-through items
Resolve to be neatly dressed and impeccably groomed.
Avoid tight-fitting, revealing clothing.
Use good judgement to determine your skirt length. A seated test in front of a mirror is helpful.
Never wear tops that have imprints or brands, unless they are from your company and requested.
Reserve bold prints, patterns and accosting colours for your casual wear.
A public recrimination of how someone looks reminds us how powerfully our image can impact others. It is now a proven fact that first impressions are created in the time it takes to blink. Each of us needs to be mindful of how we present ourselves in our lives and especially in our workplaces. It is about pulling a total look together, so include your grooming, how you carry yourself and how you dress from the inside out. Resolve to be remembered for your good qualities, competence and your abilities. Reinforce your message with your look and you will be comfortable in your work setting and others will be as well.
"Wardrobe Doctor" Marilyn Wetston is the owner of Marilyn's in Toronto's fashion district, the host of a weekly radio program and the author of columns helping people with their fashion dilemmas. Visit her site at Marilynwetston.com
