Does business casual dress code give women an unfair advantage in the workplace?

Question

what you wear is important in the work arena, plain and simple. Now, I'm not talking about the fact that women know more about fashion than men. Im talking about how a lot of women i've noticed are dressing way too sexy at work. I'm talking about tighter pants, form fitting shirts, sexy heels, showing more skin, etc.. It just seems like men can't dress to kill in the same way women can. Nothing against the women, but it disturbs me bc all the "higher ups" are older men. Look, business casual was designed so you can be more relaxed, not so you can go to the club after work without going home first to change.

obviously its a mans world bc much of upper management today started at the bottom years ago durring a time when women did not have a strong pressesnce in the work force. things will change in time, but until then, i only wish to focus on fashion.

Can't climb the latter based on what you wear? i hope your right on that or i'm screwed as well as most men. I agree, too many factors at play, but we can all agree that what you wear plays a small role. And please, enough with the, "its easy to be a man" angle. maybe in your day, sure, but now, i can't agree so much.

Answer 1

I just think with business casual there is a double standard for men. Right now we can wear skirts without hosiery in most cases (not that I do) but you guys can't wear like bermuda shorts to work. Personally I don't see a difference. Maybe because I think wearing a skirt without hosiery is unprofessional but it seems the rest of the business casual world doesn't think so.

Answer 2

Well business casual was created to be more relaxed, just like you said. Therefore if women are more relaxed in dressing that way I really don't see what's the issue. The problem would be if they are not following the rules of the "casual Dressing" women are not supposed to wear sleveless shirts and skirts that are shorter then their arms, no see throughs or anythign liek that. You may be focusing too hard on your females co-workers, instead of finding something that will flatter you. Nowadays is about being comfortable and trendy at the same time. Yes I agree, men doesn't have that many choices( unless you are willing to become a trend setter by wearing a skirt or or one of those Irish outfits) But there are ways to make your clothes look better, you can still ware semi-casual shoes with jeans and a blazer. You can wear print t-shirts undeneaththat matches your shoes.....maybe you need to start watching the Style channel lol and compy some of their trends!

Answer 3

Many women often wonder what is the right attire for the work place. It depends on several things, together with your line of work, your company culture, and your audience. There is a large number of options for you if you want to appearance stylish and professional concurrently. It is all about knowing how to have the right look and more based on outfits that are budget friendly. Could business clothing can simply incorporate the latest fashion trends. There are actually different types of business attire which can be used at the workplace.
The main varieties of dress codes are Specialized Dress and Business Laid-back. The former type is old-fashioned whereas the second category is usually nothing but a more relaxed variation of the business dress. The principle factors that you should focus on when shopping for business clothes are whether or not they are comfortable and aceptable. Your dress should always be compatible with the work atmosphere.

Answer 4

You have a point but are these women taken seriously? Do you really think that they will climb the ladder of success just by the way they dress? Don't worry so much! It's still a man's world out there! If women were half as well off as men are, do you think they'd bother will all the makeup and waste hours every day trying to compete with the other sex??? They just know you're better! even without trying!!! Isn't it a fact that men use "logic"? And women "emotions"? When the two meet and become one, then we are complete! Remember? what is written: "... and the two shall become one".

Answer 5

I guess that those "higher-ups" figures depend on the industry and specific company---however in general I disagree that a promotion to President or CEO has anything to do with attire; once you get to that level in the professional heirarchy, they look more toward merit rather than what you wear---its a given that if you are being considered for that type of position that you must already know a thing or two about professional business attire.

For those women who dress too sexy and innappropriate, they simply don't understand that appearance is imporant in making a positive first, second, third, ...... impression within the company. Unfortunately, some women still believe that looks are more important than brains and talent, and so they believe that sexy attire will get them noticed-----it will get them noticed, but in the wrong way.

As far as men not being able to "dress to kill" it simply has to do with the male physique vs the female physique-----a womans body is simply more attractive (whether clothed or not). For homo-sapiens, the women are scientifically built to attract the males, unlike ducks, where the males are more colorful and attractive than the females. Men are able to "dress to kill" as well, but it has less to do with dressing sexy and more to do with confidence and personal style.

Here's what I would consider to be the male equivalent of "dressing to kill" (but in a good and appropriate way):

An impecable and 'sharp' style of clothing, paired with a muscular, tall physique. Well groomed facially with minimal hair and a chiseled jaw-line. Good haircut, trendy, yet professional---short and dark. Great shoes and a great briefcase. Overall, the James Bond look.

Answer 6

I understand your agitation but you are not giving men enough credit. Your bosses boss did not get to his position by being a complete idiot. Unfortunately what these women don't understand is that while dressing provocatively may provide instant attention it won't get you to the top of the corporate ladder. Numerous studies have been done showing that women dressed in a revealing manner are seen as more attractive and LESS INTELLIGENT. Let's face it, in our culture we do not equate super models with the Nobel Prize. So relax, it is not an unfair advantage for men. It is an unwittingly disadvantageous situation for women.

Answer 7

I've never really thought of it that way. In my workplace, our dress code is business casual, but the two men that work here both wear full suits every day. I can see where that would present a problem though.

Answer 8

Let's face it: women have the advantage when it comes to fashion anyway. Even in a formal business atmosphere, there are so many more options available to women in terms of cut, style, skirt vs. pants, blouses, colors, fabrics ...

But as for being taken seriously, a smart woman would limit the amount of skin she shows and make more tasteful choices in her selection of tops, bottoms, and shoes.

Answer 9

It does give women an unfair advantage in the workplace. In many office workplaces the men must always wear e.g. long pants, shoes and socks. The women e.g. in summer can wear sleeveless top, shorts and open toed shoes.
Many men are so complacent about that. Men have to fight for our rights, just like women did.

Answer 10

If you were a "higher up", would you want someone who comes off as a sexy bimbo to be in a position of responsibility in your company?

Dressing sexy may get women more leeway when it comes to bending rules and getting away with it, but do you really think that makes for a good impression when a position of more responsibility comes open?