It strikes terror in the heart of some of us, while others ignore it completely. Some of us are relieved there is one; others resent it…The Dress Code.

Does it affect your career, affect whether you’re hired or not, affect how you’re treated on the job? Definitely. How do you “manage” this particular area of your life? It requires emotional intelligence---some awareness, creativity, flexibility, intuition, and a whole lot of common sense.

For instance, in former years I applied for a job at a major international law firm. At the interview, we were handed one sheet of instructions. The second item listed was, “Since you have chosen to work in a conservative work environment…”

It went on to outline their strict dress code. Two of us were hired. The other one later complained to me about the dress code. She knew when she signed-up, she agreed to it, she had no leg to stand on. If you like to work out certain conflicts in your life via the dress code, that’s your choice. Otherwise, here are some tips:

The Policy

Believe what you read. Part of EQ is reality-testing. If you’re a free spirit who likes to express herself through wardrobe and accessories, don’t work for a conservative law firm. Being provocative is not emotionally intelligent.

The Reality

There’s the P&P manual, and then there’s what really goes on. They don’t always coincide. Once you’re hired and working, EQ would suggest that you observe those around you and fit in. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

The Basics

• Start with neat and clean. No rumples, stains, frayed edges, hanging hemlines. Your clothes should look and smell clean and tidy.
• Make sure your clothes fit.
• Go easy on trends. A zebra-striped accent is okay. A total zebra look…save it for a social occasion.
• Watch “heaviness.” Don’t load yourself down with big jewelry or weighty fabrics.
• Watch what you do around your face. You should "set your face off," not outshine it.
• Aim for a smooth look---no underwear lines, for instance.
• Get the classics. The Little Black Dress really can get you everywhere---wear the right “tone” of jewelry depending on your skin tone---pearls, gold, silver, it makes all the difference.
• Experiment. Black slacks and a white blouse (ivory, if you look sick in white, like I do) can take you anywhere.
• De-clutter. Less is more.
• Look at yourself in the mirror and see what you see.

If you’re applying for work at a business or corporation, err on the side of conservatism. If you work in an artistic field, of course you will have latitude. You likewise have some latitude if you’re really good in a highly competitive field. Though I might not go so far as my young friend and computer genius with the 4.0, who told me, “I could show up for an interview with a bone in my nose and they’d hired me.”

Casual Day

Often a nightmare for managers. Have you seen that memo circulating the Internet that starts out “Starting March 1 we will have Casual Day on Fridays”, proceeds through “dashikis, turbans, bikinis, and gold lame jumpsuits are not acceptable…” and ends with “Casual Day has been canceled.”