To Dress or Not to Dress… That is the Question The new normal... A hybrid schedule of socially distanced in-person appointments, a cadre of Zoom appointments, and in many cases still many workers are 100% work from home. The elephant in the room for all workers is now, “What in the heck do I wear to work?”
STYLE NOTES By Doug Kidd Executive Summary: Today’s business dress code has been turned upside down—or has it?
For months, many people have been wearing a pressed and presentable shirt or blouse up top in the camera’s eye, and below the video’s horizon they have been concealing shorts or comfy sweats... the sneaky little fashion secret! It reminds me of a decade-old ESPN commercial where the hosts think they are off camera and stand up with suit and tie tops and athletic shorts below. If you are chuckling now, I feel you! I have lovingly nicknamed it, “COVID casual.” So back to the question at hand, what do we wear in the new normal?? And how does one go about shopping for needs in today’s socially-distanced retail obstacle course? Being a wardrobe consultant for the past 25 years, I have spent much time in thought trying to help my customers and associates figure out what to wear in the new normal these past few months. Having many conversations with individuals, I have found some people welcoming the thought of getting back to the habit of getting dressed for work. They feel professional and take pride in putting together a polished look. I have spoken with others that feel like they will never go back to dressing up in the same way they had pre-COVID. Needless to say, opinions are all over the place. My best attempt to bring some clarity to the subject will be the following guidelines: •
Each position will differ. As businesses return to their normal, each answer will vary. Therefore, a fashion response as it relates to your pressing wardrobe needs should be individually based. Will you be client facing? Will you continue to work from home? How do you want to be perceived in your clothing? Does travel need to be factored into the equation when purchasing clothing? These questions should be considered when looking into thinking about your current apparel and future purchases.
• As an image consultant, I will say that studies over the years have proven that you will be judged on your
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