How do you figure out the dress code where you work? I dress modestly in things like black slacks, knee-length skirts, and flats. Not an office siren, if you know what I mean. Lol! But my boss still tells me I’m “too casual” while my coworkers wear streetwear with zero consequences. Is it just me, or does dress code enforcement feel super inconsistent these days? https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-attire
Everywhere I’ve worked, the dress code has been spelled out. Example-Jeans: what color, style, condition, in what circumstances (not when meeting with clients), and in some cases even what type of earrings are allowed. If it’s not clear where you work, I’d ask for more specifics. Ask what is allows and what is not. It’s the job of HR to lay out in detail what you are allowed to wear and what is not allowed. If they are not willing to specify and you keep getting comments, negative reviews, etc on your dress, then they are opening up themselves to a lawsuit. If they keep picking on you for your dress without being specific, I would ask them to put it writing and save copies outside of work. They may be nitpicking as a way to let you go.
I've dealt with this a lot too. Dress codes can be so inconsistent sometimes. I think it really comes down to the company culture. If your coworkers are getting away with streetwear, it might just be that your boss has different expectations. I'd just dress slightly nicer than your coworkers to play it safe.
Mentor
I hear you. I dress in what's considered business casual, some others on the admin team are a little more professionally attired. Then you have the money makers above us walking around in jeans. I will on Fridays wear nice jeans for a since we are a little loose on the dress code. Though if I know we have clients coming in to the office, on any given day I will dress a little more professionally with a blazer. Getting answers when I got the job regarding wardrobe was like pulling teeth and there is no clear dress code. I've brought it up a few times since and it's always, "you always look nice, we aren't worried". But then it's hard to also know what goes when it's a remote day too. I'm totally dressed down at home but will toss on a nice top for any random virtual calls. But then I see others in tshirts and ball caps.
I always try to gauge the dress code by looking at what my boss and the senior staff wear, but even that doesn’t guarantee consistency. I’ve seen people come in wearing hoodies and sneakers while I get side-eyed for wearing dress pants instead of a skirt. If your boss thinks you’re “too casual,” but others are dressing down with no consequences, that’s beyond frustrating.