This is shade, right?

[Anonymous]

I work in a federal government office. Today, I'm wearing jeans, a dressy shirt, and warm/fuzzy boots. The jeans have knee holes, but they are not overly ripped. They're cute! (I am not dressed outside of my agency's approved dress code.)

I am listening to a podcast on my nano, and I walked to an elevator bay where there was another lady--an older lady. I know her (though, not well), and we work for the same office/directorate. She's asked me for help on something before, so I know she knows who I am. She has never been overly friendly.

We wait a few minutes for the elevator. After we're on the elevator, I hear her say, "Excuse me, miss! Miss!" (through the sound of the podcast I'm listening to).

I remove the ear bud, and tell her I'm sorry, I didn't hear her at first.

She said, "What office do you work for that lets you dress so casually?" I just looked at her dumbfounded. It definitely seemed like she was insulting me. I stared at her and sputtered from being caught of guard. She repeated her question--no smile, not friendly. I stared at her, shook my head, remained quiet, and walked out of the elevator once the door opened.

You guys, we work for the same office, so it definitely seemed like a bit of shade. Maybe I'm crazy, though.

[Anonymous]

Dress better.

[Anonymous]

Shade AF. She's jealous. Hater.

[Anonymous]

Ripped jeans on a regular Thursday in the office?

She's probably being legitimately helpful. That's unprofessional. No one in charge of an office wears ripped jeans.

[Anonymous]

I suppose I'm old-fashioned, but I don't think "knee holes" are appropriate office wear.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, but I agree with the woman. Don't wear ripped clothes to work, even if they're "cute".

[Anonymous]

Appropriate shade, yes.

[Anonymous]

Ripped jeans at work are an absolute no.

[Anonymous]

If you didn't answer her question calmly and walk out, it sounds like you pretty much agree yourself you were dressed too casually.

If I thought I was dressed ok, I would answer her question and ignore the shade (which is there) and go on.

[Anonymous]

Rips in jeans are not appropriate for Office wear. Unless you are a teenager you should know better and be more respectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shade AF. She's jealous. Hater.

Haha, you made me laugh, PP.

Thanks!

My dress is not unusual for where I work. I do not expect everyone to agree, though. I wanted to know if you all thought she was being a low-key biotch.

[Anonymous]

You were incredibly rude, OP. When someone asks you a question, you answer, and when you feel it comes with judgement, you are allowed to be short instead of courteous. But failing to answer and shaking your head is grossly offensive.

This person really wants to confirm which office, even if she previously thought you both worked for the same office, because she can't believe that they would let you wear that crap to work. Yes, she's judging, but she also asked you a question and you need to answer.

You do not come to work with ripped jeans.
You do not walk in the corridors with ear buds.
You answer questions.
You say please and thank you.

Where on earth do you come from that you don't know these basic social skills?

[Anonymous]

Jeans with holes? I don't care how "cute", I wouldn't wear those even to the office picnic. (I'm a fed too)

[Anonymous]

OP, you are dressed inappropriately and you behaved rudely. Looking at a co-worker, refusing to speak to them, and walking away is rude.

You already know all of this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you didn't answer her question calmly and walk out, it sounds like you pretty much agree yourself you were dressed too casually.

If I thought I was dressed ok, I would answer her question and ignore the shade (which is there) and go on.

No, I didn't say anything because I didn't want to say something rude that I might regret later.

I'm glad you recognize the shade, though.