Awkward conversation!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is wrong with linen pants and open-toed shoes?

Np, and I was getting ready to post the exact same thing.

[Anonymous]

When I was about 19, unaware, I wore something inappropriate to a job interview. At the end of the interview, the interviewer told me it was inappropriate. She was plain spoken but polite, and I valued the feedback.

I didn't get the job but I learned an invaluable lesson on what not to wear to an interview. Sometimes young people just need a nudge. We aren't all born with a manual. I do agree with others that your boss should find someone else to deliver the news, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is wrong with linen pants and open-toed shoes?

They are just too casual for the environment. Majority of men and women wear suits; the ones who are not are wearing dark trousers/long pencil skirts and conservative tops. I agree they would be fine in many workplaces!

Why can’t you just say that? That your workplace expects suits, dark trousers, pencil skirts, and conservative tops?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is wrong with linen pants and open-toed shoes?

They are just too casual for the environment. Majority of men and women wear suits; the ones who are not are wearing dark trousers/long pencil skirts and conservative tops. I agree they would be fine in many workplaces!

Then that's the conversation -- with both of them. As part of a larger conversation about what's going well. "One thing you should know is that this is a conservative industry, and my recommendation is that you might want to dress a little more conservatively if you want to get ahead."

Also, if you are not in a direct line of supervisorship, you are merely recommending, not requesting. If there's a dress code requirement, it's an HR issue.

[Anonymous]

There is no way I would say a word to anyone about their physical appearance or attire, and I'm a woman.

Is it in the HR policy? Is there a dress code? That's all. This man could have the opinion women should wear panty hose and never have their legs showing.

I personally think that when out of shape men wear "revealing" and clingy golf shirts to work, or when their beer bellies are hanging over their way-too-tight khaki pants, to be offensive.

I also dislike when men wear scuffed shoes. They only have to care for their stupid shoes to look somewhat professional, considering every detail women need to put into their appearance.

I absolutely hate when men wear long beards and long hair in a pony tail. Hate it.

And I also hate when men wear a wig or a comb-over.

[Anonymous]

I would just email them a copy of the dress code, if there is one.

[Anonymous]

Email *everyone* a copy of the dress code and other policies, and ask everyone to read and sign off.

Then follow up with a reminder to violators.

I've never seen a dress code at work, although I assume there is a secret one.