When I started my career,
older partners at the accounting firm
insisted that women wear skirts,
instead of pants suits.
It was seen as more formal, respectful.
Then I joined a manufacturing company.
First day on the job,
a female manager complimented me on my skirt.
Before I could say thank you,
she added “never wear it again.”
Wearing a skirt or high heels meant
if there was inventory to be counted,
or a labor dispute with the line workers,
or a capital calculation requiring first hand observation,
someone else would be chosen.
I couldn’t do my job while wearing a skirt.
Never let your sense of fashion
hurt your career.