Ask a Mentor: I Guess My Sundress Didn’t Go Over Very Well at My New Office

Written by Sandra Kleinsasser.

Dear Mentors,

The arrival of warm weather seems to have created an issue in my downtown office. I have worked there about for about six months.

Last week I wore a sundress, a light sweater and sandals. Maybe I imagined it, but I think I was getting the stink-eye from the pantyhose set, a group of more senior women.

No one ever said there was a dress code here. Do I ask or wait to see if someone says something?

 

Welcome to summer in downtown Austin where we face 100+ temperatures simmering at the sidewalk and icy air-conditioning blasting in the lobby. In a city where casual Friday may last all week, it can be challenging, but important, to understand office culture and expectations.

Here’s some help from WCA mentors who have walked in your espadrilles.

 

Let’s just say less is more when it comes to flesh in the office!
–Julie Tereshchuk

 

Ask! Definitely ask about the dress code. If there is one, you want to comply.

If there isn’t one, it makes sense to dress in a way that others in the company dress. And it isn’t your call – there most likely is a dress code even if it isn’t official. It makes sense to conform to it – official or unofficial. It is a job, and someone is paying you. Your appearance is not an incidental piece of this – it’s important and it matters.

Office attire may well be different than normal summer or spring casual wear, and that’s as it should be. Whatever a company decides the culture is, that’s what it is. If it’s not sleeveless, then so be it.

Don’t dress down to the degree that everyone in the office is more dressed up than you are. This calls attention to yourself in a way that is not a benefit for you, your daily interactions and your career.

As I heard someone say last week, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
–Jan Gunter

 

Another tactic is to ask someone you don’t know well as a way to get to know the person better. It can be a simple question: Is there a dress code in the office, especially in the summer? Do we have casual Fridays?

If you work in a law, corporate, or government office, I would avoid sundresses. A sleeveless dress or blouse is fine in Austin for the hot summers as long as it’s not too low cut, but you should still have a tailored sweater or jacket for meetings or for greeting people (or air-conditioning!).

Flip-flops are out in almost every office except a very casual environment. Dress sandals or open-toe shoes are fine for most offices in summer.
–Barbara Putrino

 

Wait! Who the heck wears pantyhose in Texas?!
–Glenda Beasley

 

Well, from flip-flops to pumps, sundresses to suits, no-hose to hose, this is a tough one!

I’d have to say that you are best off matching the attire of your industry and office as best you can without losing your personal style.

For example, folks who work in media (TV, magazines, film) – whether in NYC or Austin often dress very differently from those in banking, high-tech or education.

Each company, institution, business or agency has its own unique culture, style and dress-code and that usually is determined (and emulated) top-down by its leadership.

If hose and suits are the norm, you can still be creative in your color choices and use scarves, statement necklaces or jewelry for personality. The right jacket, sweater or accessory can set you apart without intimidating or upsetting your co-workers.

Perhaps you got the stink-eye because they were just jealous you looked great, though not appropriate, even in casual Austin. You want to look professional always – not as if you are on your way to a picnic or Sunday brunch.

Arms, limbs and cleavage should be covered — especially if what you have is rather substantial or not perfectly toned a la Michelle Obama.

Support hose and a sweater can make all the difference!
–Mary Anne Connolly

 

And to represent the other gender…

A young man I mentor has just started his first fulltime job in an office where he is very junior. He took a look around and decided his Austin hipster uniform of tight tee, tighter jeans and high-tops was not going to help establish his credibility.

Although others often dressed down, he resolved to help create an image of competence by wearing a tie, slacks and a casual jacket every day. He picks patterns, cuts and colors that are rarely traditional, but his professional style comes through.
–Sandra Kleinsasser

 

Other thoughts on this topic? Let us hear from you.