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Tag: dress codes

  • As climate changes, dress codes remain

    Patrick Crowder

    The world is heating up. We’ve known it for a long time, and the recent heatwaves across Europe and the world serve as a reminder that things are very wrong. While Summers get hotter, many businesses still enforce dress codes which leave employees sweltering. Luckily, the fashion experts at Karen Millen have come together with wardrobe solutions for the workplace.

    The first item to consider is the shirt dress – a long version of the dress shirts synonymous with traditional business. Collared shirt dresses look smart and professional, especially when paired with a light blazer, but Karen Millen also recommends t-shirt dresses as a better way to stay cool, providing that your employer allows them. They say that incorporating a belt can help dress up this light outfit into something that even more traditional employers will have trouble taking issue with.

    Free-flowing maxi dresses are also a popular option as they often come in lightweight, breathable materials. They also come in a variety of colours and patterns to fit every level of workplace dress expectation.

    A lightweight trench coat can be an interesting addition to Summer wardrobe which allows you to transition from a cool morning to a warm afternoon. Forget the heavy Winter wool – these trench coats often incorporate cotton to keep the wearer cool.

    In terms of footwear, it all comes down to what you can get away with at work, but ultimately less is more. If sandals are allowed, go for it, but if not look for smart trainers with good ventilation to keep both your employer and your feet happy.

    While cotton is the standard, it is good to remember that you can find just about any item of clothing in linen these days. This lightweight, breathable, and smart-looking fabric is not to be underestimated.

    Climate change is an undeniable threat which requires immediate, decisive action. Even with such action, it would take time for the changes in our food production, transport, and manufacturing practices to take effect. Until then, we might as well be comfortable.

     

    Looking for a change in workplace culture? Check out Finito World’s guide to the top 50 cities to work in around the world here

  • Keir Starmer is right to put his foot down about dress codes

    Keir Starmer is right to put his foot down about dress codes

    Alice Wright

    A recent leaked memo from within the Labour Party says “the use of the flag, veterans, dressing smartly at the war memorial etc. gives voters a sense of authentic values alignment.” 

    This new strategy, reportedly led by Keir Starmer himself, has met with a mixed reception and reopened a conversation about the importance – or not – of dress codes. Starmer’s vision, which aims to enact a smartening up of his parliamentary party after the shaggy appearance of the Corbyn years, amounts to much more than just an ephemeral concern about aesthetics. 

    The Leader of the Opposition, irrespective of party, should be seen as a Prime Minister in-waiting. A smart presentation that adheres to an unofficial dress code demonstrates a respect for both the role of opposition, but also the high office they hope to fill. It is about respect for institutions and values that are bigger than anyone who inhabits an office at any given time. 

    Dominic Cummings’ slovenly appearance was a purposeful mark of disdain for the establishment and the institutions that govern us. A dress code around public office is not antiquated; it is a physical symbol of continuity. Politicians, their aides, advisors and civil servants work for the people. They have worked to serve them before, and those that fill the same roles will do so after them. An adherence to the same dress represents this consistency of purpose. 

    I have never found dress codes to stifle creativity or even individuality: they are instead a basis from which to start from and to work around. Instead of being a source of anxiety and stress, they can be a great relief for people nervous about what to wear to a certain event, social gathering or new job. 

    There is no job more important than representing the best interests of a nation, making decisions on how to aid the vulnerable and care for the sick. Our politicians need to lead by sartorial example: it is the least we should expect of them.

    Photo credit: Ruthson Zimmerman on Unsplash