20060329 Always Dress better than expected
HAT TIP Wonkette
OMG - It would appear that there is a war of the wardrobe occurring in the pressroom these days. Since journalists have always been know to be such slaves to fashion, this blogger is simply aghast that such memos are even necessary. Thank goodness, according to the mainstream media, all it would appear that I need to wear while slaving away at the keyboard is my pajamas.
Many thanks to Wonkette for keeping us up to date on such pressing matters.
DC Examiner Dress Code: Only Due Attention To Ones Self, Please
This just in from Wonkette:
http://www.wonkette.com/
March 29, 2006
“
What, you think working for a free paper is all loosey-goosey anything goes hippie bullshit? It's a business, dammit, you'll treat it as such! Here, for your perusal, are samples from the dress code at the DC Examiner (instututed, no doubt, after Vivienne Sosnowski showed up in torn denim mini-skit and studded collar) -- we note that it doesn't appear to have been written (or read) by a copy-editor.
From the "Appropriate" column:
Dresses (length cannot be more than three inches above the knee). ["more than"?]
Pants in business suitable fabrics. [Satin, leather, vinyl, etc.]
And the more fun "Inappropriate" column:
Any type of denim (including jean dresses, denim shirts, denim pants, denim skirts, etc.).
Any material resembling denim.
Khaki or Docker- style pants. [Harsh, but fair -- we have a similar rule against tucking your t-shirt into your jeans]
Stirrup pants and leggings. [That, along with their anti-sweatband and big sunglasses provision, explains their disappointing lack of hipster coverage]
Camouflage clothing [Despite this, they still manage to poach Wash Times staffers]
Clothing is not to be overly tight nor draw undue attention to ones self.
Full memo after the jump.
It is important for all employees to project a professional image of Washington Newspaper Publishing Company, LLC. To create this image to our clients and /or visitors, WNP has implemented a dress-code policy. The following list is a guideline of what attire is appropriate and inappropriate. This list is not all inclusive but is a guide.
APPROPRIATE:
Dresses (length cannot be more than three inches above the knee).
Suits/pantsuits/ties.
Skirts (length cannot be more than three inches above the knee).
Blouses/shirts.
Blazers.
Vests.
Walking shorts/skorts in business suitable fabrics (length cannot be more than three inches above the knee).
Pants in business suitable fabrics.
Any type of business shoe (heels, flats, etc.).
INAPPROPRIATE:
Any type of denim (including jean dresses, denim shirts, denim pants, denim skirts, etc.).
Any material resembling denim.
Casual/sport T-shirts (including logo merchandise).
Casual shorts.
Khaki or Docker- style pants.
Stirrup pants and leggings.
Casual sandals, athletic or canvas shoes, casual boots, flip flops,
Flannel shirts.
Camouflage clothing
Bras, sport bras, tank tops, etc. (must be fully covered by clothing), short/crop tops. Mid drifts are not to be visible.
Employees dealing with and interacting with the public and clients are not to wear facial piercings.
Clothing is not to be overly tight nor draw undue attention to ones self.
Employees violating the code may be sent home, without pay, to change and may be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including termination.
Employees are also reminded that it is your responsibility to keep your work area clean. Papers are not to be stockpiled, work information is to be put away daily, excessive trash must be removed. If you see papers on the floor in your area or common areas, take the minute necessary to pick it up and throw it away or straighten it up. Employees are not to eat meals at desks or in work areas. All locations have break rooms! Do not keep food at your desk or store food in your work area.
”
Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org