Basic Business Wardrobe....?

Question

In may professional development course they provided outlines for a basic wardrobe for men and women, I'm curious as to what feminists think of the different expectations for men and women? It says here that women should have three to four skirts, three to four blouses, one to two dresses, six pairs of hosiery, one to two good pieces of jewelry and several other items. The men need suits, jackets, pants, shirts, socks, shoes and ties.
I'm just curious if feminists ( or anyone else) think there's a hugh difference in dress expectations?

Candi M: The choices don't bother me either except the pantyhose! LOL I'm also not a feminist either -- I'm just curious if this is something that most would be opposed to?

Answer 1

No, but there are certain reality's that must be addressed in the "customer's" perspective. I remember thinking when I was younger, that people need to accept me for how I am, whether dressed in surgeon scrubs for a football game or a suit down at the local tav.
Preconceved notions of what a lawyer "should" look like at the office come into play, whether or not we agree with them from the "business" side of things.
Those who think otherwise Femnazi's can dress as they like, but they still have to deal with a decline in confidence from the consumer based on preconceptions.

Answer 2

Pantyhose = socks, so there’s a direct comparison.

I see the two lists as being comparable. Men will wear nice watches as jewelry wear I work.

When I first start working at a company, I will wear pantyhose with my dresses and suits, but if I see that the atmosphere at the company is more relaxed, I’ll loosen up and go without pantyhose.

How come the business development course does not mention women wearing pants? I’ve worked at law firms and large corporations, and many women wear suits with pants. Some wear Hillary Clintonesque pantsuits, but that’s a personal choice.

Answer 3

I think the course was outdated. Most of the professional women I know rarely wear skirts/ dresses. I have only one skirted (only) suit out of 12. Two others came with trousers and skirts but I've only worn each skirt once.

When I teach this course I suggest that each male and female have 8 professional outfits, and 2 business casual.
Both need watches, appropriate shoes, and hosiery (socks or panty hose, depending on preference). Accessories are personal.

Now in my non-professional attire I have a mixture. I may be in my 50's but I have great legs and wear flippy skirts.

WHITE SUITS are so non professional for men. Light gray yes!

Answer 4

It sounds like you're talking about expectations in an office environment. I don't have a lot of experience with that, but I did work a lot of retail jobs when I was younger and I know there's definately a great difference in expectations put on men and women there. I've had employers tell me I need to wear more makeup, or "do something fancier" with my hair, or dress "more feminine." I had a market job for awhile, and was fired for refusing to wear high heels. A big part of my job was doing the heavy lifting and assembling the booth- like hell if I was going to do that in heels. Frustrating, since it seems all guys have been expected to do in these retail situations was not smell bad and get a hair trim every 6 weeks.

I am confused that they insisted that women wear skirts in the scenario you described. Seems like there's a ton of nice suits with pants made for women's shapes these days.

Answer 5

personally I think women look great in pant suits and and a nice pant/shirt combo. a nice pair of low heels and suit socks.
I am not one to wear a dress to work although when laundry has been forgotten I have worn a dress or two to work in an emergency.
what I have a problem with is the women who dress professional hooker... where they have a nice wardrobe
but everyday they have one piece that is very reveling a very low cut or see through shirt or a very tight short skirt, its not professional and its very tacky. I have worked with women that dressed like this and they never got any respect but made them selves open to many sexual comments and jokes.
If you want to be a professional in the work place dress for respect whether in a nice pant suit or a nice dress suit.

Answer 6

I know that list is current but pantyhose is the worlds worst invention, their uncomfortable and ruin so easily, plus I'm taller and it is hard to find well priced pairs, I've just given up skirts at work I'm a pants suit women. As long as it's appropriate for the business world wear whatever.

Answer 7

Yes. In conservative circles, women have to work harder in the look department in order to be taken seriously. That's why skirts and dresses and not pants are specified. Old school dictates that women should look feminine, because only men are supposed to wear pants. It has to do with what image you want to project in order to gain trust.

On the plus side, though, you can use the forced-feminine dress to your advantage, by making sure your power suits are well-tailored, emphasizing your female shape. That can go a long way when someone is looking for an alternative to the typical male response.

Answer 8

I'm pretty reasonable about conforming to standards for personal attire but I wish the women's choices included pants and less jewelry. I never wear rings or bracelets. Does that make me seem less professional I would rather wear pants than pantyhose or I don't like wearing anything that interferes with my hands?

Answer 9

Well, I'm no feminist...but, any job that tries to make me wear pantyhose are crazy! I do NOT need a job that bad! I HATE those things! LOL
And btw, in the business world, the clothing choices don't sound too offbeat!
If you worked hard for something, would you put it in the hands of a stinky old guy that needed to shave wearing a t-shirt and cut offs with flip flops?
I dont think so! :)

Answer 10

I think that when it comes to clothing, that men are the ones who are limited by sexism. They basically get to choose between varying shades of tan, brown, blue, and black. Maybe have some pinstripes or solids.

Women can wear either skirts or pants. They can wear just about any color. They can wear solids, stripes, plaids, or flower patterns. Pumps or flats.

If you are just starting out, I suggest that you purchase just one or two outfits. Purchase the rest after you get hired and see what your co-workers are wearing.

As for companies requiring female employees to wear skirts at all times... that's very rare these days.