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Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success
Skorts, Shorts, Capri Pants?Question: I am the Financial Aid Director at a local small Tech College. Our employee manual states that our dress code for women is "professional casual dress." My question here is can the following articles of clothing be fitted into this category: Capri Pants, Dress Shorts, Skorts?
I am the youngest person on our administrative staff. I am 29 yrs old.
Everyone else is between the age of 45-55. And they dress what I consider
"old fashion," ie, polyester pants. Since spring & summer have
begun I quit wearing long pants (dockers), and started wearing capri pants,
and skorts. We are allowed to wear mini skirts there but not skorts. I'm
confused what's the difference in the two. I personally believe skorts look
a lot nicer since there is no chance of sitting the wrong way and showing
off something you shouldn't. If you could assist me in this big issue, I
have I would greatly appreciate it.
Answer: Although casual, none of the garments on your list qualify for full tilt professionalism, especially for a Financial-Aid Director of a technical institute. Most companies do not allow any of those items, even within the framework of a Business Casual dress code. Why? It’s still the workplace; and capri pants, dress shorts, and skorts all fall into the category of smart-casual social attire or sporty kickback wear. They do not convey professional attitudes. Please take another look at your employee manual. The dress code statement that requires "professional casual dress" for women makes it highly unlikely that mini skirts are acceptable, as mini-skirts are not professional attire, in any form. I have reviewed thousands of dress codes for varying types of industries and companies; to date, I have never read one that specifically allowed mini skirts. With that in mind, what is your definition of a mini skirt? A true mini skirt usually hits in the mid-thigh area or above, beginning somewhere around 8 to 9” above the top of the knee. Most companies allow short skirts that come to 4” (5 inches maximum) above the knee when they are worn with hosiery. The Wharton school of Business, one of the most prestigious business schools in the U.S., recommends that the shortest length that remains professional is only 3” above the knee. It pays to check your company’s dress code carefully; if the dress policy is not clear, ask for clarification on this issue rather than assuming mini skirts are acceptable and potentially ending up with a leg down on your career rather than one up. Some companies allow dress shorts if they come to the knee and if they are worn with hosiery. If your company doesn’t allow skorts, it’s doubtful that they allow dress shorts. But if so, wear hosiery with them and be sure to create an outfit look, just as you would when wearing a short skirt. I agree with you on the skort issue versus sitting down in a mini-skirt; however, I suspect that skorts are not allowed because they open the door for sports attire, such as tennis skirts, to enter. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you must wear extremely summery attire to work in the warmer months. Your office does have air conditioning, doesn’t it? There are other ways to lighten your look without sacrificing your professionalism, which does not have to equate with old fashioned! Your age, or you being the youngest administrative employee, can not be an issue. It would be illegal and considered discrimination for a company to allow someone younger to wear a popular fashion item and not allow older employees to do the same. Dress codes must be enforced equally throughout any one department. Different departments can require a higher or lower standard of dress, but the policy cannot vary in any one department. For example, a sales team may be required to wear dressier attire than the administrative department. Yet, in either department the code must be enforced equally with all individuals. One person cannot be told that they cannot wear short skirts or dresses just because they have large legs, because they carry extra weight, or because they fall into a particular age group. To get ahead in your career, follow your company’s dress policy to a tee and remember to "Power Up" when you dress down!
Best of Luck to you,
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