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Cynthia Nellis

Is it OK to Dress Better Than Your Boss?

By , About.com GuideJune 21, 2007

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While talking to a reporter about style on the job, she said a source told her it was a no-no to dress better than the boss. There isn't much I haven't heard before, but this was definitely one of the fashion tidbits that I have never run into. Anyone have insight into this?

Comments

June 22, 2007 at 11:03 am
(1) Paula :

Totally depends on the boss. I supervise people, and it’s fun for me when others are as interested in looking nice as I am. Good to have people making me try a little harder.

June 22, 2007 at 11:05 am
(2) Paula :

Totally depends on the boss. I supervise people, and for me it’s fun when others care about fashion. It’s good to have to try a little harder and not get lazy about my look.

June 23, 2007 at 3:56 am
(3) Christina :

Your boss sets the tone for everyone else and truthfully you should go with that but, at the same time, I dont think that you should lower your standards either. Wear what works for you but thats appropriate for the job but not over the top.

June 24, 2007 at 12:47 pm
(4) aslook :

the boss ,youself, the importance of the job I think

June 24, 2007 at 9:14 pm
(5) cat :

i think a person should always try their best to look presentable, while one’s job is not a fashion show unless of course you are a supermodel. it shouldn’t matter if your shoes cost more than your boss, thats your business.

June 26, 2007 at 11:23 am
(6) Charlotte :

How can you respect your boss if they can’t dress better than you??????

June 27, 2007 at 7:15 pm
(7) MAL :

I guess I would say it depends on what you mean by “dress better.” If a woman has a particularly frumpy female boss and makes a point of looking like a model every day, I can see how that could cause problems (I hate to say it, but women can be very catty with each other, even in an office environment). However, I’m wondering if this comment speaks more to not making a show out of being a fashionista at the workplace. I work at a law firm and, although I love to buy trendy clothes, my taste in clothing or love of designer shoes is not really what I want to be known for (vs. my skills and abilities), therefore, I try to avoid being known as the office shopping queen. However, it might be totally different if you work at a fashion magazine or a hair salon — or anywhere more interesting than a law firm!

June 28, 2007 at 3:17 pm
(8) samantha :

It is not your biz or ur bosses on who dresses better. What matters is be more focused on your job and dress smartly and neat not forgetting been well groomed.The Job is primary here

July 2, 2007 at 10:56 am
(9) Lydia :

I believe that a person should strive to look well groomed and as well dressed in their job as they possibly can. If you want to be a professional, you need to have a high standard of grooming and dressing regardless of your boss. You might even receive another job opportunity and have to compete with your boss (who never dresses professional) and this might help you advance!

March 30, 2010 at 3:40 am
(10) Germaine :

What does it mean to dress better than your boss? If you have two different styles of dressing, you cannot compare. Both my boss and I dress well – however, she is into the power suit style and I am into more unconventional fashion foward trends. We cannot compare to each other. What’s important is that you work well and produce. In the end, it’s your work that will speak for yourself, not your clothes!

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