Every Employer's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp Dressed...Woman

In a recent New York Times article about how the suit - be it pant or skirt - is making a come back, I must say, I highly agree.  While the idea of a "casual" office always been appealing, what does "casual" actually mean?  And wasn't the idea of a "casual" office actually supposed to support individuality and freedom?  The problem with that is that everyone's interpretation of "casual" ranges from a DNKY City Style or LandsEnd skirt to overalls (yes, I've worked in an office, not a farm, where a woman wore overalls to work every "casual" Friday!).  In this particular office, and I'm sure in many others, the powers that be had to define "casual", which kind of defeats the purpose, don't you think?  But a business suit....while there are many kinds - pant, skirt, traditional navy or black, pinstripe, solid - everyone knows what one looks like.  

Wearing a suit shouldn't be making a comeback, it should have never left.  Do you really think that Alexis Carrington could have been as powerful and manipulating as she was in Dynasty, or Kitty Walker, first a right-wing media personality, then a senior member on Senator McCallister's staff, had they taken the casual attire at-work route?  Alexis' shoulder pads alone had to make her feel more powerful.  Just looking smart in a navy pinstripe suit had to command some respect for Kitty when she walked into the Senator's office.  I am by no means saying that clothes alone will forgive you from actually being and working smart, but dressing like a real business person sure will give you a head start.

You feel as good as you look.  As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I have heard with admiring submission the experience of the lady who declared that the sense of being perfectly well-dressed gives a feeling of inward tranquility which religion is powerless to bestow".  Of course, "perfectly well-dressed" also may mean many different things, depending on the situation.  But remember when you were waiting to grow up to wear "big-girl" clothes?  Well, you're a big girl now in a big-girl world.  I, and the New York Times, suggest you wear them.