With all the talk about dress codes and “age limits” on what people can/cannot wear, I thought I’d write about what I have “issues” with. First of all, I’m a big fan of dress codes. Maybe it just comes from my background – I wore a school uniform for seven years, after all – but yes, there certainly SHOULD be limits. And limits beyond the whole “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rule most businesses have.
Non-traditional lipstick colours like the turquoise shade above are a big no-no in my books!
So what are my issues? They’re:
- Super short shorts/skirts on males AND females outside of the pool/beach or while playing racquet sports – my general rule is mid-thigh or longer (it really hasn’t been much of an issue for me since I’m a bit on the shorter side. And I don’t own short shorts/skirts outside of racquet sports gear anyway)
- Pants where half of one’s behind shows (this mostly applies to guys – I have yet to see girls/women wearing pants like this! Maybe we just know better)
- Speedo and similar bottoms on guys – unless they’re in Europe, where it’s okay (I suppose)
- Non-religious, safety or uniform headgear indoors (ladies’ dress hats and fangear at sporting events excepted – but only with appropriate clothing. In other words, suits (or even business casual outfits) and ball caps = BIG FAT NO!))
- Lip colour outside of the nude/reds/pinks/berry/etc ranges. Basically blue, green, black, etc shades…I am okay with nails in these colours for some reason, however. Hair? Well, it depends. Is it for a sporting event or school spirit reasons? Halloween? If not, then NO!
- Bra straps showing on bare shoulders. Go clear or strapless, please
- PJs in public. This is probably more of an issue on campus than with the general public (I haven’t been in school for a while, so I’m not even sure if people still do that). What’s the deal, anyway? You have REAL clothes. Wear them to class. Thanks
- LEGGINGS AS PANTS!!! Leggings ARE NOT PANTS! Wear a tunic/longer top (or a long cardigan), for goodness sake! Unless you’re at home or at the gym, of course
- Guys who look like 80s rock stars – especially if they’re of a certain age. Seriously, dudes, have you NOT changed your hair since 1985? You’re 50! This applies to women as well, but I don’t see too many who do this. Men are WAY WORSE OFFENDERS
- Speaking of guys of a certain age – seriously, dudes, tight tanks when you’re obviously in need of a good workout and change in your diet? PUH-LEEEEZE!
- Of course, clothing with obscene language is a no-no as well (I don’t see this very much, thank goodness!!!)
- The OVER-USE OF BRONZER, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED WITH OVER-BLEACHED HAIR. Certain Hollywood celebs are among the worst offenders
- OVERUSE OF SCENT. Do people not realize that there are others who have sensitivity issues? There’s a reason why many doctors’ offices are scent-free
- White bottoms after Labour Day in North America. Unless you’re a bride, debutante, flower girl, getting baptized, wearing tennis/racquet whites
To be quite honest, I would prefer that everyone just be a few notches more casual than business casual (or “smart casual” as they used to say). In other words, I’m okay with denim – if it isn’t too distressed. I actually did not wear denim for a few years. In university, I was completely off. In fact, I only wore dress pants/khakis and dresses or skirts to class – and even on weekends! I’m sure people at school thought I was odd, but I didn’t care. It was just what I “did.” I didn’t start wearing jeans again until I was 26 – basically when I started going out with a guy who is now my husband!
I’m sure much of this was influenced by my middle and high school years – I wore a school uniform then. I considered that to be “normal” and I suppose I expected things to extend well beyond graduation. I just wasn’t exposed to unusual dress – not even in university (other than all those sloppy dressers – haha) and have extreme difficulty “dealing” with anyone who anyone who strays too far from the so-called “conformist” line. And I also feel dress codes DO belong in many situations and we shouldn’t be too riled up on the fact that they exist. But again, that’s just me. And I shouldn’t have to be shamed for believing so.
Image courtesy of: Elisanth/Shutterstock