Fashionism?Follow

Ok, so it's not news to anyone that a lot of people judge others based on how they dress, wear their hair, tattoos and piercings, etc., but it seems like something we really don't address.

In many industries, wearing a suit is simply part of being a "professional." Does wearing a suit actually improve your ability to do your job? Probably only for the reason that others will judge you based on your appearance. You might be uncomfortable in a suit and work much better in a T-shirt and shorts, but that just doesn't send the image your employers are trying to create.

You sure as hell wouldn't walk into the average job interview with pants sagging, a wifebeater and a doorag, and you probably wouldn't hire someone that did, but what if that's everyday attire for that person? Does it then become cultural or racial discrimination... is the attire acceptable as long as it doesn't hinder the person from doing their job? Or are uniformity/professionalism legitimate excuses for discriminating based on fashion?

Earlier I was discussing the issue of school uniforms with some colleagues. Some people think that school uniforms reduce disciplinary problems in schools, partially because of the way it desegregates students and makes them less apt to make judgments of eachother based on dress. Makes sense enough, but is that really the message we need to be sending? Kind of goes back to that argument of cultural melting pot vs. cultural salad bowl. I myself wonder if school uniforms don't encourage students to think that the way a person dresses indicates the kind of person they are or their capability to do a job.

Then some people dress a certain way specifically to be percieved a certain way.

Well, where do you weigh in? To what extent do clothes make the man?

The appearance of professionalism is important.

Certain social situations call for different costumes. Been this way for 2,000 years. Deal with it and accept the fact that wearing sweat pants is a sign of failure.

I am not unconfortable wearing a suit, and in fact it can often be quicker and easier to dress when wearing a suit, if you pretie the ties. The big issue for me is the cost. Suits, dress shirts, ties and dress shoes are expensive to buy and upkeep. I am currently interviewing for a job that would be an upgrade over the current one. If the new job requires that I wear suits much more often, currently its once a month, I intend to ask for a signing bonus to cover the additional clothing cost.

Back when my parents got divorced, my mom took a job in a call center to make ends meet. She always took the time each morning to wear something crisp and professional despite the fact no customer would see her and the employees were allowed to wear sweats, jeans, t-shirts, etc. She said that she felt as if, if she was to start going to work in sweats and t-shirts, she would have just given up and resigned herself to staying at that job. Instead, she dressed nicely, remained upbeat, was promoted several times (including out of the center and evenually into a technical position) and did well for herself. So, in that instance anyway, dress had a motivating factor in how well she worked.

Personally, I have no qualms about wearing a suit. A decently fitted suit is perfectly comfortable and I'd wear one daily if my job called for it. As it is, I'd look strangely out of place so I don't.

How is that even possible? I thought they reproduced like cancer to eventually take over a closet and declare sovereignty.

I have 2. One white and one black. Nice and simple.

Every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.

At least I am.../swoon

Nexa

Really, what I'm lacking in are ties.

That's a travesty. I'll start a collection among the Allanois participants and we'll hook you up.

I have a tie you can borrow Joph! I don't wear it to work though.

Nexa

Sometimes I make them into Christmas Trees.

Nexa

You'll need a Superfans outfit for the times your Jake 'n Elwood suit is covered in sewer mud and at the cleaners.

You'll need a Superfans outfit for the times your Jake 'n Elwood suit is covered in sewer mud and at the cleaners.

I don't think I could pass myself off as a Bears fan what with the constant eye rolling I'd have to engage in.

You'd think I'd buy the man some cool ties, but that's the one clothing item I have absolutely no idea about, except that I know I hate bowties.