Professionalism in dress is a slightly weird thing in library land, since as a professional culture we are unconcerned with clothes and this usually means dress guidelines are something along the lines of "erm, yeah, wear clothes".* This tendency is mirrored in academic culture, and therefore even stronger in academic libraries. For instance, I have often heard the advice that when working in a service profession one should try to dress about one step nicer than the average patron. Our average patron is a science grad student, so as long as my nerdy and/or swag t-shirt isn't stained or a legitimate bio-hazard....
If we have a dress code I have never heard of it. On the other hand, this attitude means people find it odd, even a little suspicious, when you dress at all fancily. I have never been told I was dressed too casually (even on that day that I actually wore my one pair of jeans and a t-shirt, in fact I believe I was complemented that day, but it was a nerdy t-shirt), but have gotten a comment or two suggesting I might be a bit over-dressed. I personally as both disinclined and don't feel comfortable dressing as casually as I could, not just get away, but be considered perfectly well-dressed, with.
Below are two work outfits. The first is in fact the upper limit of formality that I can get away with (and I think might have elicited comment had the Dean of Libraries not been visiting that day). I actually myself think of this one as pretty office-appropriate and would consider wearing it (with different hair, foot and leg-wear, obviously) to an interview or something.
Blouse: Lane Bryant outlet
Belt: Torrid
Skirt, Socks: Target
Shoes: T.U.K.
This one is obviously much less formal and, while eccentric, considered totally acceptable by my colleagues and boss.
Tights, Hat: Torrid (best opaque tights ever)
Shirt: Think Geek
Skirt: Rose Mortem
Same shoes as above
Hair ribbons (for both, son't know why I have been in such a braided pigtail mood lately): 1$ ribbon bin in Michael's
*Except for front of the house public library work, which has most of the usual constraints of dealing with the public.
When the abuse of power is assumed
21 hours ago
6 comments:
I love them all!!
You have the coolest job!
I love your hair the way it is in these pics!
Outfit no. 1 looks like a fantastic work-appropriate outfit to me (minus the socks, maybe). I don't think it's overdressed.
BUT! What I LOVE MOST about it: THE SHOES!!! Send them here, please!!! They're so cute. :)
Great outfits! I especially love the first one. That belt is awesome! The whole look is classy and striking. I agree that it's not overdressed at all for work. It's funny how these days it's so easy to be accused of dressing too nice for the office. I get that a lot, even though we do have a dress code! But it's always nice to be the best dressed person in the room, isn't it? :-D
Funny, I am wearing braided pigtails today too! But I will probably roll them into buns before photographing my outfit for my blog tonight because they are getting frizzy after a long day. :)
Sarahbelle -- Well sure, I mean it's all fun and games until you contract ebola.
Sal -- Thanks! The shoes are made by a U.K. brand so you can probably get them in Germany.
VictorianKitty -- Yes, I am not sure why it is supposed to be such a problem to dress too well. I was raised to think that dressing well shows respect, but some people perceive it as pretentious or snooty.
Agreed, great outfits. I especially love the hat and the black/glittery skirt in the second one.
And of course, the parasols! I have been thinking a lot today as to whether parasols have a chance of making a comeback. I think there is hope.
Ever since I first used a parasol, when I lived in Shanghai where their use is ubiquitous among women (who even use them while riding bicycles), I have thought that anyone who really tries it will be an instant convert. Not only do you have less worry about sunscreen/ sun damage, but I swear it is a good 5-10 degrees cooler under a dark parasol. So I agree they should definitely make a comeback.
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