Coworkers keep commenting on my clothes - what should I be wearing?

[Anonymous]

It’s very rude and unprofessional. You can just clearly and respectfully call it out and establish a boundary.

“When you comment on the cost of my clothing it makes me uncomfortable, and I don’t think it’s an appropriate topic for the workplace. Please don’t comment on the cost of my clothing.”

Then just cheerfully move on.

[Anonymous]

You should look for a new job with less trashy coworkers

[Anonymous]

Say nothing. Walk away. This happened to me, it's bullying. They also commented on my apartment, neighborhood, vacations, and hobbies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work in a small office and know my coworkers pretty well - enough to know DH and I have the highest HHI by far (though still low by DCUM standards, maybe $220k). I don't flaunt that, but I do tend to dress nicely and carry better handbags than them, for the simple fact that I'm very overweight and can't get away with cheaper fabrics and less structured accessories - I look like a fat slob! I'm not even talking super pricey - maybe a Coach or Brahmin bag and Talbots or J Jill vs. Target or LuLaRoe. I do have a pair of Louboutins I used to love wearing but had to stop, because...

...they continually comment on how pricey my clothes (and the few purses, especially) must be. Where is the happy medium here? Nothing has giant logos on it, so like I said, I'm not flaunting. Our dress code is business casual, but lots of people wearing leggings and tunics, something I just can't do. Do I really need to buy a cheap purse for work purposes? I love spending a bit more on them because handbags don't care how much I weigh.

This is a tough call OP. We all have stories, about money, backgrounds, etc. Not all of us grew up rich...but really, what you do with your money is no more their business, than what they do with their money is yours. You have learned not to care, they have not. You have received some good short and sweet shut downs to use. It is simply not their business. Where I work, I play down some of my clothing and accessories, because of the environment. There are certain things I will definitely not be wearing or using at work, both because some would be deemed too casual, but also because others would be deemed "noteworthy". This can backfire, so be careful - as can being "too anything". Do what makes you happy - you owe no one any explanations. I am telling myself this as much as I am also telling you this.

If it were me, I would answer their "compliments"/comments with a flat "okay".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Say nothing. Walk away. This happened to me, it's bullying. They also commented on my apartment, neighborhood, vacations, and hobbies.

+1

I have coworkers who live in new housing in DC on the water, commenting on other people's homes/living situations as "rich" - GTHOH.

[Anonymous]

I had that happen with my hair! I have very thick, coarse, and curly hair. I have been dealing with it my entire life. It absolutely changes my look when it is straight and so with more money, products, tools, I have learned how to maintain my hair through the years.

I’m short, 15 lbs more than I should be, but my hair always looks great. I get compliments but I also have gotten a few times “ what, do you go to the hair stylist every day” in a mean way. It hurt my feelings at first.

That I spend time, money, energy on this one thing should not impact anyone but me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Say nothing. Walk away. This happened to me, it's bullying. They also commented on my apartment, neighborhood, vacations, and hobbies.

+1

I have coworkers who live in new housing in DC on the water, commenting on other people's homes/living situations as "rich" - GTHOH.

I agree it is irritating when people chose to comment on someone else's situation that they really know nothing about (maybe you have family money to spend on expensive clothes and bags). Everyone chooses to spend their money on something, whether it's vacations, cars, property, pets, hobbies, saving for early retirement -- the list is endless. Coworkers sometimes gang up against one person and his/her perceived privilege but in reality, they all spend money on something themselves and shouldn't be judging anyone's choices.