Kathy Garland | Transformational Leader | Innovative Speaker | Business Coach | Kathy Garland International

Christina Binkley wrote a great article in the May 29 Wall Street Journal discussing how “Sex and the City” has influenced what women wear to work. Over the last ten years, more and more cleavage and midriffs have been shown at work, in part due to the styles worn on the wildly popular TV show.

My opinion is that low necklines and short hems belong in the party and leisure world, not at work, unless of course you work at Hooters. Think of being in a room with a lot of men. Do you walk into a meeting with cleavage or thighs showing and expect to be taken seriously? While it is fun to be admired for our looks, it distracts from business.

Binkley’s article struck a nerve with me because we’ve done so much to advance over the last 30 years and she cites in her article some statistics that shows we are losing ground in compensation. Could it be related to how some women dress?

Of course, women are able to express ourselves with clothes, whereas men have a more uniform look. Unfortunately a good number of women seem to be stretching this concept beyond a professional look.

The new “Sex and The City” movie will undoubtedly influence fashion again. Consider whether the styles suit you and the position you are in. Choose clothes that make you look great, but not so great that you look sexy at work.

On my next post, I’ll share some ideas about appropriate business casual this summer that I learned from a professional shopper at Nordstrom’s.