When is pink too pink? Some thoughts on workwear
The other day someone senior in work commented on my outfit.
I was wearing a pink skirt. Sorry, it was more of a PINK skirt. I think his comment was something around “being able to see it from space”.
I’m pretty sure this was more in jest than criticism (I hope so, anyway). But it’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently so it stuck in my mind.
To set the scene, my workplace doesn’t really have a dress code.
There’s a bunch of people doing a hotpotch of different jobs: straight-laced management types, colourful designers, casual developers, relaxed relationship managers. We also have casual Friday (but not everyone does it, and some people do it all week anyway). Also, while I work in a public sector organisation that can be fairly corporate, I have a creative role.
Because of this, the realm of what I can get away with at work is fairly broad. I feel like I could wear a full suit or jeans, and nobody would really care too much.
Clothing means a lot to me. I make a lot of my clothes myself (space-visible skirt included). I find it difficult to buy simple things, like most standard work attire.
Case in point, I’ve had three suits in my life. The only one that’s stood the test of time is made of Black Watch tartan.
I recently tried to top this up on a fabric-buying trip. My first compromise was to pick the more exciting polka dots instead of a plain stretch cotton. Then I found myself constructing a bomber-style jacket rather than a simple blazer.
When it comes down to it, I don’t like to buy, make or wear clothes that don’t make my heart flutter.
I also think there’s a line between being mildly unconventional and being unprofessional.
For instance, I wouldn’t go to my office job with a bare back, midriff or shoulders. I don’t wear my tutu or the dress with the bare-chested luchador print. I might wear my pink beanie to keep my head warm on the way to work, but I take it off when I get to my desk.
On the other hand, things I’ve worn to the office include: a matt silver pleather skirt; my Beastie Boys tshirt; my favourite necklace that says “did ye, aye?”. All of those were on casual Friday. Arguably they might push or at least touch on the loose boundaries we have.
It might sound shallow, but if I’m not happy about my outfit, I’m uncomfortable.
When it’s bright and bold, I feel the same. Sometimes, wearing something like that pink skirt is what’s made me face the world on a miserable day.
I dress as I do because I want to feel confident and capable at work. I just hope that’s what’s valued by people who think my clothes are a little colourful, too.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you wear to work, if you fancy sharing them.
