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Yes. This feedback needs to be handled delicately, but it is absolutely appropriate to set dress code standards that differ based on work to be done and/or audience.
"Hello <name>. As we have been working through your development plan to help advance you toward X role, there are a few tips I'd like to discuss together which are important for learning how to modulate between various audiences, particularly as you advance in your career. These include:
1. Verbal communication (high level versus in the weeds and know which audience needs what)
2. Written communication (Bluf, bullets, smart brevity)
3. Non-verbals (gestures, posture, attire)
Need specifics. Can you please give a few examples?
Being good at her job and deserving a senior role have absolutely nothing to do with what she wears. Younger generations have changed what is considered professional clothing. Don’t hold her development back because of your personal opinion.
Honestly, you sound like a hater. Focus on her performance.
Couch the feedback in a more general way such as “one of your development areas is optics. It’s all about the way we manage our tone around clients, from the phrasing we use, to how we sign emails to how we dress. This is a professional environment and semiotics go a long way into how we relate to each other.”
Or just be blunt and see how it goes.
You didn’t leave any examples or anything. Also, you don’t know her situation. Maybe she doesn’t have the money to buy an extensive wardrobe. Maybe a casual wardrobe is what makes her comfortable. During really important events and meetings, a memo could be sent out telling everyone to wear business attire. Unless she’s walking around in club clothes, I don’t see how this can affect her advancing in the company as long as her performance is good and she’s showing signs of improvement and progression
Hi, 1. I think it’s all about how you deliver that message. 2. Choice of Attire being professional is starting to become subjective nowadays. If you’re going to address it, I think it would be best to make an announcement your team warning them a client is coming in and they should be on the P’s and Q’s
Another note, body type is crucial context here. The same clothes can look different on every body type.
It’s very unfair to hold someone back due to your view of their personal appearance. Also you may not know their personal situations and what they have financially going on. If you’re very concerned it would be wise to give her a stipend to buy a professional wardrobe.
I would say ask your HR representative. If her attire meets the company dress code then you might find yourself in HR if you address it without talking to them. If you think someone should dress differently when a customer is visiting then HR might need to adjust the dress code to accommodate the difference and it would need to be the same for everyone.
If you have dress code policy, use that as an anchor for your conversation. Before talking to this person, talk to a peer or your colleague where you can safely ask for another perspective. Sometimes culture of the company sets code of conduct which may be unwritten so good to validate your next steps with someone who works in the same company
I agree that this must be handled delicately. If the attire is completely unacceptable, i have found that its really helpful to have " Team" shirts - or vests to loan..something with the company logo, really low key. if it is situational- such as the " upper ranks" are in the office.
Crop tops and joggers - no matter how stylist or influencer hip they may be - are simply not acceptable in most business settings. Properly fitting and covering clothing is necessary - this can still be stylish. For example, black ankle dress pants with high-end sneakers (e.g. Ferragamo for example) look great for a trade show. In a client meeting however, and depending on the client's styling, these shoes might change to a heel or something more dressy. I don't think it's an issue of "style" but really what's considered appropriate client-facing work attire. And crop tops just aren't it.