Recently, I came across an interesting article from Racked about the dress code of public relations professionals. As the writer points out, PR is a field known to be inhabited mostly by women — a “pink ghetto,” as it were — with many from both inside and out of the field firmly believing that women are naturally suited to take on the “fluffy” work of PR; sending spammy emails to editors and planning parties for brands. It’s a stereotype that diminishes not just the skill involved in PR, but also the critical role of publicity to propel any successful brand, product, or individual. But it’s a stereotype that persists, and as such, PR women are usually represented in pop culture as a caricature closely related to Elle Woods.
I couldn’t help but laugh-out-loud as the article went on to discuss how statement necklaces were at one time an essential article of clothing for PR women – particularly because when I began my career, I spent an embarrassing amount on a slew of pencil skirts and statement necklaces from J. Crew. Much like the author, in my personal life I would never have gravitated toward such brutally gaudy accessories. But buying up a new collection of cheap jewelry that wasn’t in line with my own style seemed like a low-stakes way to try to fit in. I shared her belief that somehow, an accessory could double as an indicator of my competence and belonging.
After a few years working in the business, I’ve learned that dress code is irrelevant when it comes to delivering and succeeding at work. More and more companies are doing away with the idea of “casual Fridays” and instead embracing a casual dress code that encourages employees to feel comfortable in their workplace. In fact, I’m writing this blog post in the yoga pants that I wore to work today. While not everyone is lucky enough to work at a company with as relaxed of a dress code as Fish, it’s nonetheless a step in the right direction that employers are realizing that employees can be just as productive in jeans and sandals as they can be in a pencil skirt and heels. In today’s highly competitive job market, companies are having to be more creative about how they attract and retain good talent, and the workforce of today views dressing less formally as a perk. Goodbye to statement necklaces, hello to comfortable dress codes that encourage employees to embrace their personal style, even in the workplace.
