Redefining "Dressing For Success"

Dressing for success used to imply looking professional while at work, but it is becoming increasingly noticeable that this is not a concern in many offices anymore. More and more employees are taking the business casual dress code to a new extreme. Muldoon suggests that "In a world where profits are down, bankruptcies are rampant, and the most entrenched I-bankers are getting the heave-ho, you can't afford to look as though you spared an extra second thinking about the cut of your Charvet shirt" (Muldoon, 2008).

In fact, it is possible that if you look too put together at the office, co-workers and superiors may think you are spending more time getting dressed in the morning, than doing your job! Women are especially criticized for their appearance. If they appear to be dressed up or well put together, they can be criticized for not working hard enough, and trying to distract others from their work.

Personally, I resent the notion that one may be judged based on their clothing in the workplace. Obviously, implemented dress codes should be adhered to, but where is the harm in looking good if you have the time?

What would you typically wear to work if the dress code was up to you? Why?

Muldoon, A. (2008). Dressing for Success Now Means Looking Like Hell. Wired. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/news/2008/08/portfolio_0814