Revealing Attire Seeps Into Offices

Today's office dress wear is more relax than previous generations. According to a recent survey, a total of 85 percent of employers allow some form of casual dress, either once a week or every day of the week.

However, some may argue that lax rules have lead to inappropriate clothing in the working atmosphere.

During summer hours, not only is casual attire more pervasive but revealing attire is also seeping up in offices. Fashion liberal attitudes are reeking havoc on dress codes.

The Early Show invited some fashion experts to discuss what is appropriate and inappropriate for the office. Mary Lou Andre from Organization By Design, Inc is a fashion consultant for corporations. Amy Barnett is editor-in-chief at Honey Magazine and managing editor of Essence Magazine's fashion almanac. The panel was also joined by fashion designer Edward Wilkerson of Lafayette 148.

The three agree that the culture of casual wear spread like wildfire in the 1990s — especially with the boom of dot-com businesses in the late '90s. Now, offices are trying to reverse that trend. However, office wear, they say, should be relative to the working atmosphere. A style of dress would be different for a law firm when compared to a fashion magazine.

In July's issue of Vogue, "The New American Dress Code" rejects the standard suit as an archaic form of dress and pronounces separates what "real" women wear. Many experts would disagree. Clearly, some things have changed. Even the most diehard conservatives don't always think women have to wear pantyhose, but bare flesh on other parts? Surprisingly, an Elle magazine study, indicates only 25 percent of women feel it is inappropriate to show a "hint of cleavage".

Cleavage in the Office?

Barnett: I really don't ascribe to the notion that women have to be buttoned up in a burka. Women and men have different types of tools... But I think an attractive, assertive, confident woman can be helpful in the career. Don't wear cleavage and a miniskirt.

Andre: You should not be over-exposed in a business environment. Clothing should set a business tone. Appropriateness, boundaries and respect all of those elements should be considered when you buy clothes.

Wilkerson: It isn't appropriate for the office because it is very distracting.

Tanks

Barnett: It depends on the setting, like a large commercial bank. You might get unwanted attention. If you are wearing a tank with a conservative skirt, most people won't frown upon it. Largely the way you dress is contingent on how you carry yourself. If your demeanor doesn't change whether you wear a suit or a tank top, you can pull it off. If you continue to act like a professional, it's fine. If you act sexy, you will be known for that. You could get the same reputation wearing a suit.

Short Skirts, Hem Length and Skirt Suits?

Barnett: To the knee is not critical since miniskirts have come back in style. Don't wear a micro-mini. Don't wear a Saturday night outfit to work. Above the knee is good.

Andre: You can't get away with the sexy suit anywhere. If you are taking fashion cues from fashion magazines and pop icons, you are setting yourself up. You are spending way too much money to keep up with the trends. And most managers are men over 50. It is an ugly fact of life, but you are sending the wrong message. A lot of them will never say it to your face, but they are thinking it. If you wear a top that hits right at the waist and bend over, your thong tends to hang out above your skirt. Even someone who is not a dirty old man will take notice. Older people don't understand it anymore. They don't see why fashion has taken over in the workplace.

Is There An Alternative Suit That Vogue Has Suggested?

Barnett: Suits can look outdated but there is really any workplace uniform in most industries. The question is what is and isn't appropriate. The question is based on the individual. Behave like a professional.

Andre: We all don't have figures and budgets for that. If you are overweight, a suit is the best option. That's only for small people. But start with the suit. You have to build a base wardrobe. [Their advice] are crazy. Corporate America won't do that.

Men in Jeans?

Barnett: That is completely contingent for the workplace environment. Denim is making a comeback. If casual attire is appropriate it is okay.

Male sandals?

Wilkerson: It depends. What profession you are in? I wear sandals to work, but I'm in the design business. Is it appropriate for the corporate world? No.

Barnett: Again, that is fine. Defending on your office. You don't want to wear it with shorts, but with slacks and nice shorts, it looks fashionable.

Short Sleeves and Tie?

Barnett: I think that is ugly in general. It says, "I can't wear a suit on my job."

Vogue spoke to a variety of women who were business people, personalities, artists, mothers. And recommends the following for the workplace:

First, if in doubt, don't wear a business suit unless you're asking people to part with serious money.

Second, wear a suit if it simplifies your life. Simplicity trumps all. The example that is given is a woman who would have to change "five times a day to keep pace with contradictory situations". However, they add, "a well-chosen dress can perform the same function".

Clothes shown on the segment were styled by Misa Brim of China Doll. Clothes provided by Bergdorf Goodman and Lafayette 148.