Fashion Forum

How does everyone feel about dress codes in the work place? Had to laugh at this article at the recently dictated dress code for women working at the Bank of England.

"be careful with perfume; always wear a heel of some sort -- maximum 2 inches; always wear some sort of makeup -- even if it's just lipstick."

The guidelines continue in a similar vein, advising their staff not to wear ankle chains in case they are mistaken for a "professional, but not the one you want to be associated with"

They don't stop there, adding more items to their blacklist including "white high heels, an overload of rings, and double-pierced ears" the mystical "overstuffed handbags" and the frustrating rule that shoes must be the same colour as skirts.

The statement that hurt the most was the order to "look professional, not fashionable" as if the two are mutually incompatible.

Source

Thats hysterical! I think I would find that infuriating to stick to. I pretty much just wear what I like to work but im finding it really hard since its been hot, to not just wear shorts.

I really struggle to work out with is "professional" and what is just "cool". My mum is always telling me off that I am not dressed appropriatly or professionally enough. It confuses the hell out of me!

i dress depending on my mood, even at work. our dress code is simply "corporate" which includes any interpretations of the word, and being female you can get away with most stuff. i tend to wear dresses or skirts a lot, and always wear stockings (mainly because its cold!) and find myself quite a bit better dressed then most other females there- but i thinks thats cuz i have fun doing it.

hahah by the sounds of it.. they rekon dressing professionally requires looking like a matron

i think if youre at work then there should be some limits as to what to wear

I like a dress code to state exactly what's what. when people say 'smart casual' business casual' 'professional' I have no idea what they mean. I start to think 'professional what?' I'm sure a proffessional sponge diver and professional investment banker wear completely different clothes to work.


and also when I go out people tell me to just wear what I'm comfortable in... im just comfortable with my shoes at a high sheen and my white bow tie perfectly straight as I am when I'm wearing my old torn jeans and an old t shirt.

a clear guide of what's expected is a good thing

Couldn't agree more!!

Post by The D

I like a dress code to state exactly what's what. when people say 'smart casual' business casual' 'professional' I have no idea what they mean. I start to think 'professional what?' I'm sure a proffessional sponge diver and professional investment banker wear completely different clothes to work.


and also when I go out people tell me to just wear what I'm comfortable in... im just comfortable with my shoes at a high sheen and my white bow tie perfectly straight as I am when I'm wearing my old torn jeans and an old t shirt.

a clear guide of what's expected is a good thing

But then how are you supposed to find fun loop holes, like the fact they didn't mention anything about kilts, togas or ponchos?

tehe, it's a bit OTT but i have to agree with some if not many of them, especially "white high heels, an overload of rings, and double-pierced ears"

noooooo claire, don't do shorts in the workplace! surely you have air conditioning during summer.

i agree too ruru, ALWAYS wear stockings... females that is, not you The D! :P

oh while i can have my whinge... there is one woman in my work place who is dripping in designer wear & is very attractive but most times i see her i just think she is dressed for a cocktail lounge/bar! she looks good but so so unprofessional.