Fashion in the Workspace

Dressing for work is an everyday task but can start major problems in some work spaces. You may know of someone or heard stories on social media about an employee who has been reprimanded about the outfits they wear to work. So...can it be said that dress code in the work place is highly political, or do we just need to act right and follow the unspoken rules?

View Photograph at https://za.pinterest.com/pin/366128644721309686/

I have listened to many podcasts both local and international where black women have discussed their experiences of going to work, and being criticised of being overdressed. Either because they were wearing heels or were dressed to the nines with the garments they were wearing. And we cannot ignore the stereotypes associated with black people and the way we dress (despite the fact that the black community is not homogenous). So I have to ask the question, is it really a 'cultural thing' or, it is not that deep and anyone can want to look good when they go to work?

Growing up with immigrant parents, there were many times where my parents would speak on how you represent yourself, specifically by the clothes you wear and the way you wear your hair. And trust me, I hear that loud and clear, but to an extent! It makes sense that the outfits you wear to work should allow you to effectively perform your responsibilities. If your workplace has a dress code or policy, you would have no choice but to abide by them, or choose to leave. I am a researcher and academic in the environmental sector, and it is common practice to wear work boots, khaki pants, and K-Way jackets to work. The reason being, we go out into the field and we need to collect data effectively and safely. So it makes no sense to wear heels! Similarly with other professions, the clothes you wear are to ensure your safety and ability to perform your roles. But what about the work spaces where this is not the case (and we are sensible adults who are smart enough not to wear senseless clothes), is there really a problem with someone choosing to put extra effort in the way they dress?

On the days when I am not doing field work and I am occupied with desktop tasks, I often use that as an opportunity to try out different outfits which may be seen by others as being overdressed. So, is this an issue or a difference in culture? I do not know, and I certainly do not have the answers. This is a topic with varying perspectives and I am interested in hearing yours.

But while we figure this thing out, I want to let you in on one of my favourite items of clothing that is perfect for the workplace, and a fashion content creator who best represents my personal style. One of my absolute favourites is a blazer. When I am attending meetings with external professionals, I like to pair my blazer with high waist work pants. And when I’m not attending meetings and I’m working on my lonesome but still want to dress up, I like the idea of wearing a blazer with skinny jeans and a pair of block heels and a nice top to match the outfit. On the days where there is hardly anyone around to physically see me at work because they all took leave, or are working elsewhere, I like the idea of pairing a blazer with jogger pants. And the ultimate goal is to wear a blazer with its matching pants and a good pair of sneakers…just to pepper dem at work. And because I haven’t reached this level of affordability yet, I have added photographs from one of my favourite fashion content creators who best represents the styles I wear, and who I draw inspiration from regarding my wardrobe, Mary Bennett. So in the meantime and between time, I will have to admire these outfits from afar!

akoss.