Is it better to dress conservative or dress like your co-workers in the workplace?

Question

The dress code is business casual. You can wear suits if you would like. During my first week of work, one of my co-workers told me I didn't have to wear pantyhose (I was wearing a skirt and hose). She will wear pant suits, but will wear low-cut shirts under it. Basically, she doesn't dress all that professionally, and some of the other ladies that I work with are kind of laid back on their attire.

So, is it better to dress like your co-workers to fit in the environment? Or, to dress conservatively and follow the saying: Don't dress for the position you have, dress for the position you want?

In the workplace, stereotypes can be formed and work images are formed based on dress and appearance. I just want to give off a professional image. Thoughts on that are also appreciated.

Answer 1

I think you've already answered your own question. Why are you working in this place? Do you want to move up within the company? Are you there to impress your co-workers or to do the very best at what you do?

Don't let "the crowd" influence your decisions. Make the best choice for yourself and what you want out of this position.

Answer 2

I think if a good majority, say 80% of the workplace is casual you should be too. When in Rome...........

I recently started a new job. In the handbook, it says no jeans. But, when I got there, everyone was wearing them. I asked around and a lot of veteran works told me they had been doing it for years. The person I report to each day (my higher up), told me it was ok and she was doing it and never was told not to.

Also, you can dress nicely and still be casual. "Sloppy rags" I highly doubt my $50 sweater from Banana Republic and my Gap Jeans as being sloppy.

You also need to be "insync" with the environment of your office. If you try too hard, people will start to dislike you. You need to keep up with the office morale and standards. No one likes a show off. Dress like your going on a job interview everyday, is going to make you seem stuck up or not able to mesh well with your co-workers.

Answer 3

You can still be very professional and wear open shoes & no pantyhose. Thats what I do. The higher up females do the same. Hose went out a few years ago for the younger generation!

Answer 4

relies upon on the dude if he's large paranoid attempting to electrify that warm secretary in the different place of work and thinks that each and every different guy interior the construction is attempting to electrify her additionally, then he's for valuable gonna care what he feels like and what he wears. ?RfD? cheers

Answer 5

Dress for the position that you want. Just don't dress nicer than the boss/manager.

Answer 6

It seems to me that if you want to be accepted as a professional, you should dress like a professional. Apparently your coworkers don't want to be taken as seriously?

Answer 7

i too believe in dressing for the position i want., i dont care what sloppy rags my coworkers wear, i wear what i feel is appropriate to me and my goals