Dress Code

I have had mixed feelings with regards to dress code in my career.

I was brought up to have no regard for my clothes or style, something I used to own with pride in a virtue signalling fashion. 'why waste time worried about what you look like when you could be focusing on doing good deeds or good work?'

My mum's motto was 'comfort first' and only once can I remember her commenting on me not brushing my hair at the doctor's which i remember finding really surprising and quite amusing.

And then a mentor of mine early on in my career made a somewhat spiky comment to me on a staff night out; 'you might not care what you wear as you've always been blessed with money, in my family I had handmedowns and so now I wear expensive clothes as I am incredibly proud I can afford them'. It was definitely food for thought and I often think about how thankful I am that I had someone who was able to have these open conversations with me, especially when our starting perspectives were often so different.

Another relaity check came when I precociously bemoaned the company I was working for's policy of taking women on the leadership programme shopping where someone helped style them.. I felt it sent the wrong message- that success for women is reliant upon appearance.

One response that got me thinking, was that some people lack confidence in this area, and it's important to let those individuals have access to guidance that may help them feel more confident. After all, females need as much help as they can get to end the disparity between genders.

This conversation helped shift my mindset.. (until I heard that one female leader I looked up to has been told she should wear lipstick that makes her face 'pop' if she wants to progress!)

Anyway.. I came around to thinking appearance is far more complex than I previously gave it credit for. There is no doubt that I too feel the joy when an outfit comes together. In these (normally completely by chance) scenarios I am free to think about good work, as I'm not left wondering if anyone can notice my unironed trousers or whether the fact that my lack of jewellery today is even a thing.

Since working in the hotel world, Uniform is always a hot topic and I see why. We want our team to feel comfortable and a sense of belonging, so that they have one thing less to worry about. Of course it also gives the guests some comfort as it indicates who can cater to their needs. There's something about a smart dresser that makes you feel in safe hands.

Nevertheless, when my own company grows, I think 'comfort first' will be my motto. Not with regard to what fibre we choose, but how does it make the individual feel. After all, I believe that people who feel comfortable and at ease, tend to exude an energy that helps others feel the same, so that everyone can then focus on getting good work done.

What are your thoughts on dress code and uniform?

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