Put it on the Agenda
No. 37
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Why are we not putting dress codes on our meeting agendas more often? Or at all, for that matter.
Dress codes can be obscure, wacky, or near impossible to decipher, but they are essential for people to engage with one another in a cohesive or leveled playing field. Whether a dress code is clear and concise (often requiring do’s and don’ts), abstract, or flat-out unknown, it creates dialogue among people. We talk and think about clothing more than we give ourselves credit for.
When was the last time you thought about what you needed to wear for something on your calendar? My bet is that it wasn’t all that long ago. But were you clear and confident in your clothing choice? Did you call a friend or text a colleague, asking what they were planning to wear? It's a common strategy to suss out your peers' choices to better guide your own attire.
I recently spoke with a military official about a dress code predicament he was in. At the time of this experience, he was working (in a civilian capacity) as a political consultant for a senator on the defense committee. In charge of advancing their team to meet with a large tech company out on the west coast for a considerable contract, he instructed the special forces reps to clean up their facial hair and put on a suit. They were representing the US government, after all.
So this clean-cut group shows up ready to talk business with tech execs, clad in t-shirts, Tevas, and jeans and this guy tells me how concerned he is for a moment, that they’re entrusting people who’ve opted for super casual wear to pitch a massive project and technology that would need to be relied on heavily in the field. He wondered why they wouldn’t dress up, knowing that this team was flying in from Washington.
Here is this military guy putting effort and thought on his end to show up with the expectation that they have for a business meeting, without talking to the tech partners. By the time you're reading this, you likely already know that there are bound to be some misalignments in dress code culture between industries. He asks me how to mitigate these moments. And I asked him, “have you thought about adding the dress code to the agenda?”
Something for you to think about as you prepare for your next meeting.
The Tailored Vest Has Returned
Asked & Answered
The vest is a humble hero piece that adds a sense of simplistic style and androgyny, and they are cropping up everywhere this season. This novel item originates from a menswear-infused, three-piece suit. Today, waistcoats are available in endless options: classic cuts with belts in the back, longline double-breasted styles, and even oversized silhouettes.
But what to do with it? How to wear it? Buttoned or unbuttoned? With or without a suit? Watch for three ways to style the tailored vest this season + shop my vest selects!
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Interested in working with me? Let’s chat! Reply to this email or send me a note to set up a complimentary call: laura@lauraksawyier.com
LKS Consulting works with corporations, non-profits, start-ups, universities, and associations in various capacities including dress code policy consulting, style seminars and confidence clinics, keynotes, and individualized wardrobe and executive presence coaching.
3 More Things
Wear white after Labor Day? Yes! That old rule is long gone. Get inspired with tonal white ensembles to take you into fall.
Seasonal shifts: Ask yourself this question the next time you go to get dressed.
How’s your casual Friday look looking?
