I really do not care to be audibly apprised of your sweaty feet.

Le word.

We were formal for a long time. About 10-12 years ago, that started breaking down. Oddly enough in light of the comments about dress codes being sexist (and I'll just point out that the sexism seems to be more in the wording/enforcement than in the concept of a code), it was the women that started dressing down first. OK, along with one man who was good enough at what he did that he thought he could thumb his nose at the dress code.

About 7-8 years ago, we went to the higher end of business casual. No jeans, no T-shirts, no sandals. Dress up if you're meeting with someone from outside. I've been known to push the envelope a bit with Hawaiian shirts but never been scolded.

I think the big difference between the sexes, clothing-wise, is that women have more gradations to work with. Men basically have four levels -- suit, jacket, khakis, jeans/shorts. And there's a pretty clear delineation between each level. Women seem to have more subtle gradations to take advantage of or maneuver through, depending on whether you like the idea or not.

you know what's addictive? craigslist. now if i could only find an affordale, nice sectional couch.

it's also addictive to constantly look up real estate in my area.

Women seem to have more subtle gradations to take advantage of or maneuver through, depending on whether you like the idea or not.

Absolutely. Although I wonder about the appropriateness of the male sr. manager here who sometimes wears like guayaberas with pants and sandals.

especially since i'm not as skinny as i once was when i had "work appropriate" clothing.

This will be a major problem for me if I have to go back to office work, none of my work clothes fit.

shrift, I just sent some clicky-links to you.

Monday was vintage pink cotton and lace sundress with medium heeled white sandals. Tuesday was vintage-inspired black dress with ballet flats. Wednesday was blue scooter dress with high heeled black sandals. Today is square-necked shiny black tank, maroon cardigan, jeans and ballet flats.

Tomorrow is so far a wide belt (maybe cincher), pencil skirt and cuban heel stockings an high-heeled t-strap MJs. Last week I wore a corset.

I will wear the corset with non-high necked tops. I don't think that's why I got the attention. I think it was my hips.

I have nipples. I wear bras. That's as much responsibility as I'm gonna take. Hiding them would be a trial.

I think the big difference between the sexes, clothing-wise, is that women have more gradations to work with. Men basically have four levels -- suit, jacket, khakis, jeans/shorts. And there's a pretty clear delineation between each level. Women seem to have more subtle gradations to take advantage of or maneuver through, depending on whether you like the idea or not.

I think this is a good point, and why the dress code affects women in a seemingly unfair way. Also because sexiness is less of an issue with men in the office.

Dress codes are so expensive for women. A good men's suit is expensive, but they last and don't look dated so soon. Not to mention how unnoted they can be. It makes the bare minimum for men cheaper than same for women.

And variety is cheaper for us.

I'm in education, but I tend to dress fairly business-like. Also, I sometimes go more casual in the summer (i.e. no hose) today, I am wearing a more casual outfit -- brown sleeveless top, black suit jacket, ankle length, flowy black skirt with brown leaves on it, black low heeled slides (closed toe).

For me, it's very much habit. In the law world, I tended to dress up because people assumed I was admin if I wasn't wearing a suit. (not that there's anything wrong with being an admin, but I went to law school and passed the bar, do not ask me to make your goddamned copies. it has happened). Here, I do it because I'm following my boss' example, and he wears a suit. I like suits, I don't find them uncomfortable at all, and I don't even mind hose if it's not too hot out. I generally wear flats, though. I own and occasionally wear heels if there's a meeting or a presentation or something.