Working 9 to 5 in Blouses Meant for 5 to 9, or Even Later
Dear Fashion Police: In your response a few weeks ago to the woman whose company had just announced a more casual dress code, you stated that “belly shirts, miniskirts, and anything see-through are, of course, verboten.”
I don’t see what the problem is with sheer clothing as long as you wear something underneath. Isn’t it only a problem when you don’t wear proper undergarments? Even though I wear tank tops under sheer blouses, my co-workers hint that I’m violating the company’s dress code. Since I’m a modest person and don’t want to look inappropriate, please advise.
--IT’S SHEER MADNESS
Dear Mad: So your co-workers are letting you know they’re not happy with your choice of clothing? Don’t hold it against them. That is the job of co-workers: to keep others in line through subtle intimidation and gossip.
Even though technically there’s nothing wrong with your outfit--you have all the important stuff covered--sheer fabrics are tricky.
Maybe it’s guilt by association, since filmy, see-through material has throughout the years mostly been used for lingerie. That was before lingerie came out of the closet, so to speak, and started showing up as streetwear. We all owe a big debt of gratitude to Madonna for the trend of turning undergarments into outerwear.
Designers began using sheer fabrics for day and evening wear for blouses, dresses and skirts, usually over a more solid fabric for a layered effect. Some women pushed the envelope a little further and wore nothing but a bra underneath.
While this look has been around for a few years, some people still think of sheer as risque or, at the very least, something worn only for evening. That’s probably why you’re getting the evil eye from co-workers. If you worked at a casual office, or in an industry where hip, trendy outfits were the norm, no one would raise an eyebrow. But it sounds as if your company may be on the conservative side.
Should you stop wearing sheer blouses altogether? There are several factors to consider. Do you interact with the public or with clients? If so, you may not be projecting an image that represents the company.
Request a copy of the dress code to see if you actually are breaking the rules, or ask your boss if what you’re wearing is inappropriate.
If you’re not violating the code and your boss gives you the OK, then the decision is yours. You’ll have to decide if you want to defy that Greek chorus you work with and take a stand for women everywhere who like sheer blouses.
If we were in your position, we’d stop wearing them. See-through looks just don’t project a professional image, even when everything is covered.
Dear Fashion Police: For New Year’s celebrations, I bought a sparkly twin set, which I have since put away in mothballs. But I’m wondering if one is allowed to wear sparkly after the holidays, for instance to a nice restaurant for dinner, or would it be considered OTT (over the top)?
--WANTS TO SHINE
Dear Wants: Clothes with a bit of sparkle and shine are fine year-round, not just during the holidays, when you could go blind from the glare off the clothing.
Clothes with sparkle were omnipresent on the spring fashion show runways for casual and evening looks, but you still shouldn’t over-glitz. Once the holidays are over, keep the spangles somewhat toned down, unless you’re attending something very formal.
For a dinner party or nice restaurant, you can wear the twin set as is, over a coordinating skirt or pants. You can add a little more shine with rhinestone earrings or a bracelet, but don’t pile on the jewelry and accessories.
You can also mix the twin set with other pieces; wear the cardigan with a silk tank, or the short-sleeve or sleeveless sweater with an organza blouse.
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Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.
