How do i approach this dress code issue?

Question

if you have been shopping lately, you will know the "in" thing to wear are bermuda (knee length) shorts. well i recently went shopping for work. since summer is coming, i decided to get some bermudas. i got nice "business casual" ones that were polyester and had cuffs. well i got sent home and told shorts were not acceptable. i understood and haven't brought it up since. WELL, now i'm a little more aware of what the other girls in the office are wearing, and some of their skirts are WAY more unprofessional than my shorts. today one girl wore a skirt that was like two inches above her knee and had a slit that went up to her mid thigh!!! i would be so mad at myself if i didn't bring it up to HR...so i did and explained i just wanted things to be fair and consistent. i over heard them talking and i heard "here goes the fashion police, you can just call me Joan Rivers". i felt like they were taking it as a big joke! was it my right to say something or should i have kept my mouth closed?

Answer 1

OF COURSE you had the right to go to HR for clarification of the rules, and they certainly should have taken you seriously. What you should do next depends upon exactly what the HR person said to you. Is a dress code discussed in your employee handbook (many companies have one). Did HR point out a specific part of the employee handbook that discusses dress code? If not, you should check it out and, if necessary, go back to HR and talk to them again, book in hand, if it seems to be in your favor or doesn't make any sense at all. If there is no written dress code, ask your manager, supervisor, HR or whomever is the "higher up" to devise a written policy for appropriate dress in the office. If your business has a Union (and you're a member) this is a matter you could take up with them; they should back you.

Answer 2

I agree with you... but what can you do sometimes things that go on in the office you just have to take unfair or not. The grlz wearing the skirts could be friends with someone in HR or etc. So basically you lose! I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it just do what your suppose to and dont worry about everyone else I know it is hard but thats the way it is, making a big deal out it may get you into more trouble and they are obviously not taking you serious. Just let it go. Personally I think bermuda shorts are appropiate depending on the material and with some cute tights or somethin underneath but it just depends on the office.

Answer 3

You were right to say something to HR - it's a shame that it sounds as if they didn't take it to seriously.

I wore pants to a Christmas service in a Southern Baptist Church ... I heard "whispers" about it for the rest of the day ... but for some reason it was okay that the PK (preachers kid) was wearing a mini skirt so short you could see her panties!

Next time you see someone wearing a skirt shorter than the shorts you wanted to wear - say something again - if you hear the same jokes again ... try the next level. (HR manager)

Answer 4

I deffinatly think you were right for saying something and its good you were calm and mature about it because i would have flipped! haha! and by the way what kind of dress code is that no bermuda shorts?! i could see the problem with short shorts but bermuda?

Answer 5

Do you really want to stay at a company that employs such people? You aren't likely to win and only set yourself back.
You did nothing wrong but you work with idiots. Get out of there as fast as you can but use caution it is Always best to look for a job from a job.

Answer 6

I think that shorts are absolutely inappropriate, where as a skirt is more business like. Perhaps you didn't like the cut or design of it, but it is still a skirt and you are working in a business-place. The only reason I can see for you reporting it is pettiness. You know shorts are inappropriate. If they were appropriate, would you complain that someone's shorts were too short, or had a slit? REALLY.

Answer 7

i wouldnt have told, but if you think your are getting unfair treatment about something speck up about it, the more you let things slide the more people are going to think your overly passive and thats not such a good quality,then people are going to start to take advantage, well the situaltion i just mentioned is a bit extreme but you really have nothing to worry about unless these other ladies are being unprofessional and spreading rumors about you calling you names, and suck, well its not a be deal dont let it get to yah, good luck :)

Answer 8

Where do you work, Nazi Germany? I can't believe they "sent you home" for your shorts -- like you violated the highschool dress code or something.

If you felt like you were being treated unfairly, you had every right to say something to HR. Honestly, if my boss said she was sending me home for wearing anything (as long as it wasn't showing a ton of skin) I would think it was a joke.

Answer 9

There jerks. They have problems! That is so unfair! You did the right thing. So what if they tease you. There the one's that are going to get into trouble!

Answer 10

i think you should talk to the manager. i would just ignore the girls. also try to dress proper for where ever you work. and then maybe on liek fridays or something you coudl wear them.