Never Dress Better Than The Boss???

Question

I just read in an article (http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1173&SiteId=cbmsnhp41173&sc_extcmp=JS_1173_home1>1=10563&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=98c012b354b84a1795e1bc8e0f3ede80-248432749-JP-5) that said you should never dress better than your boss. Who agrees with that? If your boss dresses like a slob, "bamma", etc., does that mean you should downplay your attire or style. Personally, I dress for success. I don't try to outdress anyone.

Answer 1

I disagree, I dressed better than my boss, and got a promotion in five months. It's not just because of that, but also because I worked my butt off...Dressing well makes you stand out, so do it, but make sure you do a good job at whatever you do!

Answer 2

I think they are telling you to be sure you don't look like you are trying to out-do you boss with the way you dress. There is nothing wrong with showing up to work neat and well-groomed, if your boss doesn't, don't make that your problem.

If your style is a complete mismatch to the office, re-think it--you shouldn't be wearing a suit or tie if the rest of the office is in jeans. But wearing a nice collared shirt instead of following the boss' t-shirt dress code should be fine.

I have both lost a job and been promoted and think dressing better than my peers and boss played a small role both times. It can bite you if they think that you are after their job. At the job I have now, the dress code is 'must wear shoes', but I definitely find I get more respect on days I'm wearing a collar. Yes, that little bit of difference changes others' perception, even when they already know you and your work.

Answer 3

There is always an exception to the rule.

However, the question is little out of context. The article also suggests that you don't dress worse than your boss. What they mean is that you should keep in tune with the company's usual attire. Still, I don't think it would really hurt if you dress better than everyone, but not too much, like wearing tie and jacket in a company where people wear shorts to work.

Answer 4

I think this article meant this as a warning not to out-shine your boss or go above and beyond of what is appropriate in the office.

That being said, wear what you think is the most professional and don't worry about dressing better than your boss.

Answer 5

A professional attitude goes along with a professional look. Your appearance is everything. I once worked for a man who wore the same wrinkled suits and smelled like he crapped his pants. If what you are saying has merit, then what would I have wore to under dress him?

I believe looking good every chance you get.

Answer 6

Dress in what you feel comfortable. You do your job and it is always nice to look good. You never know when opportunity is going to come knocking and if you dress badly you might never get that offer of a brilliant job from someone else. You are what you eat and you become what you wear!!

Answer 7

Codswallop. Dress appropriately for the occasion. I always wear a lounge suit to University, for instance. If the boss can't even dress appropriately it suggests that there are other more pertinent things he struggles with... such as his duties laid down in his job description.

Answer 8

Does YOUR boss have a boss? It's likely you will run into them at some point. Look your best because you obviously take pride in your professional appearance and understand that it reflects upon your company positively. Upper management will recognize this in you.

Answer 9

I read that same article and thought this must have been written by someone who has never worked in a corporate environment and has seen too many movies about it.

A lot of just flat our bad and wrong informationin that article.

Answer 10

In the book 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene it says ... "Never Outshine the Master"...... bosses love the limelight so just give it to them or else you'll be the target of their wrath ....