The elusive "fashion police" still dominate women's worries about what to wear to work. These demons send women into frenzy over shoes, skirts, pants, jewelry, fingernails and other benign aspects of getting dressed for work each day.

Women have come a long way from when they were required to "dress for success" or be excluded from it. The challenge today is for women to recognize the proven value of a professional appearance in business, and use that knowledge to their advantage. Women have penetrated the business culture, and their presence has broadened the old concept of professional dress for women. There now is a great deal of latitude and personal style within the dicta "business attire."

Many webWomans have asked me to comment on specific dress code issues. I can offer only my observations and opinions. I am not a member of the fashion police. I do not have specific expertise in style or fashion. But I do have common sense and experience in the business world. For better or worse my comments are below.

It is not necessary to spend any time or money on nails, other than to keep them neat and clean. Flat shoes, although often harder to find, are just as suitable as higher heels, and infinitely more preferable. A neat hairstyle that works with your hair type is wonderful. Jewelry is an optional, personal item. Make up is a personal choice; if you choose it don't overdo it. Wear panty hose or don't wear panty hose. Pants and pant suits; long skirts, shorter skirts, and skirt suits; dresses; jackets; and sweaters can all establish a professional appearance. I wear jeans -- but not to work. Women's lack of role models make these choices harder than they need to be.

Decide if you are more comfortable dressing like everyone else or not, and choose what is best for you. I have successfully dressed for my goals and not my peers. At times I was teased about doing so (my peers eventually chose to emulate me, or to ignore me, or to gossip about me). Management, however, appreciated my effort and frequently told me so. I was not always in upper management, but I did always do the best within my means to dress like I was. That worked for me.

On any given day I might pick up a computer, rewire a wall, go into the ceiling…[w]hich means skirts are out of the question. But finding pantsuits or outfits that allow for my many tasks without going totally geekish can be difficult. Any suggestions? (dcwebWoman)

You can be practical and dress professionally concurrently. It will require choosing your clothes with work functions in mind (which you already do). I can't help you with "totally geekish" as in my lexicon that involves a pocket protector.

Choosing, organizing and maintaining a wardrobe for a career is work. Women have to put some time and energy into it, whether they enjoy the effort or not. They have to live within a budget. They have to shop for clothes in a crazy maze of sizes and quirky fashion. They have to fit this task into a too full life.

Women certainly can choose to ignore this aspect of their career and to rationalize its significance. However, women in business would be wise to be as efficient with this aspect of their careers as they are with all the others.

"It's still an insane expense to 'look' the part of a 'professional' when I was hired for what's in my head, not what's on my body."

"A neat professional appearance helps me feel prepared, strong and confident. I also think it makes my boss take me more seriously. It's usually a good rule of thumb to take the dress cue from your boss."

"I understand we can't all afford an Ann Taylor wardrobe…but that's no excuse to come to work looking like you're going bowling at lunch time. How we look -- how we present ourselves -- says a lot about us. Until someone can get to know us, their opinion of us will be formed by what they see."

"When I need to, I can look GOOD, but it doesn't make me a better employee when I do. My work isn't better either."

"It's not fair to make a sweeping judgment that one should simply 'dress professionally' b/c in a lot of ways it really depends on what you are doing at your new media job."

"I can agree with the general point that appearance does matter, however I think the issue is getting ever more complex than the simple make-up and pantyhose conundrum. The growing acceptance of casual attire in the office is where the real news is. Especially in new media, nice jeans with well-made t-shirts, jackets, or sweaters are the norm."

Thanks to all who sent a note on this interesting, contentious subject.

Copyright © 1998, 1999 by D.E. Summerville. All rights reserved.

The advice and suggestions in the Women in Business column are solely those of the author. DC Web Women assumes no responsibility for its content.

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