This comes up when I google "business casual." Possibly the worst words in the fashion language (along with Crocs and Uggs.)
I have a problem with dress codes (and I am probably shooting myself in the foot by writing this in case my employers are reading) but I have a part time job that has a business casual dress code. The words business casual send shivers down my spine. And unfortunately, the dress code involves a long list of do’s and don’ts’. I have broken the dress code several times, and no one has said anything, but I think the purpose of it is so that they have leverage if someone dresses like a freak.
For example, one of the dress code rules states “No leggings.” Well, I have worn leggings several times to work, but always under a dress or skirt. I think what they mean is “No leggings as pants” (and this is an essential rule in Vancouver where everyone seems to be under the impression that leggings are pants. They are not.) So if someone comes in wearing leggings as pants, then they can ask her/him (I think the words is “meggings” if it is a guy) to dress more appropriately. So even though I hate the concept of the dress code, I can see, particularly since we are in Vancouver, that it is good to have some regulations that you can throw at someone should they decide that leggings and a baseball cap are appropriate work attire. (This is only appropriate attire if you are at the gym, on the way to the gym, or work in a gym. Other than that, it is NEVER appropriate.)
And I respect that a company should be allowed to have a dress code, providing it is clear and applies to everyone. S0 I don’t know why everyone is getting in such a huff about the American Apparel dress code. If they want young, skinny, natural beauties working in their store, then that is up to them. Personally, I find the American Apparel staff usually pretty annoying, since they tend to be busy chatting rather than helping me. I spend at least $500 a year there, and I’d like to request the staff spend more time “serving” than mincing around the shop in hot pants. Anyway….
An American Apparel ad. The model is not anorexically thin, she's not photoshopped, not a fake boob in site, and she's not wearing makeup. Shouldn't we be PRAISING this type of fashion imagery?
I think a company should be allowed to decide what they want their staff to look like, as long as they can prove it is an important part of their image. No one goes around criticizing Vogue for not having any obese, unattractive, unfashionable women on staff, do they? And, on further investigation into the American Apparel dress code (thanks to The Cut, who posted it on their blog), I think there are some very valid points on it…let’s have a look.
Women’s dress code:
a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.
I guess this is their way of saying “If you can’t look good au naturel” you can’t work here. That alienates a lot of people, and I am sure this is their intent.
Dyeing eyebrows? There are cases where it SHOULD be done. And this is a good reason to stick to your natural hair colour.
b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
Who the hell dyes their eyebrows a different colour?? Is this referring to blue/green/pink eybrows? Or bad dye jobs to try and match your fake blond hair. Both should be banned outright, not just at American Apparel stores.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-”Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.
I’ll have to disagree somewhat here, since short hair on girls can often look quite cool. But healthy is good, and bangs are not.
Another good-looking, un-photoshooped, American Apparel girl. This girl looks amazing!
For the men:
a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.
Greasy hair = gross. We don’t need a dress code to tell us that.
b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.
It is acceptable for a discreet clean up of the brows on a man, but overplucked? No! See my comments above on “dyeing your eyebrows a different colour.”
c) Males should not wear makeup.
A rule that should be followed by all men, gay or straight. Makeup is not cool on a guy.
This guy can't work at American Apparel. He has terrible "contemporary" facial hair, a disgusting gauge earring, and I am not even going to comment on the monstrosity on his neck.
d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.
Well, my husband has a beard, but he sports that Scandinavian viking look, and it looks pretty cool. However, mustaches are dodgy territory. Terry Richardson’s one is cool (it is not “contemporary”), but most are not. I agree that goatees should be “advised against.” All men should be “advised against” goatees.
e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.
Hallelujah! Those thing are disgusting.
The Cut also explained that “employees must obey the rules, which include a ban on … Uggs, Vans, Chucks, moccasins, dirty Keds … ”
Some readers will know my opinion on Uggs, but I’d like to take this moment to reiterate that banning Uggs from the earth can only be a good thing.
Here’s another great quote about Dov Charney, American Apparel’s CEO, defending the company’s dress code, from The Cut “he suggested we dress up like Kiss and try applying for retail jobs and see how far we get in the hiring process.” Point taken. Personally, I’d love to go to a clothing store where all the staff were dressed like Kiss, but I don’t think they’d be very effective wearing those crazy platforms, and the studs might snag the clothes.
Kiss outfits: a good retail uniform?
As a little experiment of investigative journalism, I am toying with the idea of sending my photo through to American Apparel to try and get a job. I have heard that they ask for a photo before they even look at your resume…could I be an American Apparel girl? It would be fun to try. Watch this space.
