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Women In Marketing Question

by thunderbird
14 replies
I vaguely recall a news report (not that I actually trust the news) that if women at the workplace are dressed in certain ways, they get taken less seriously and are less likely to get promotions. My question is, how should a woman dress to be taken more seriously in the workplace? Ah, here's one such report:
USATODAY.com - Study says flirtatious women get fewer raises, promotions
I ask because I might be shooting a corporate video. Thanks.
#marketing #question #women
  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    I'd like to think this would apply to both males and females however, the news story was probably correct.

    I am a former member of "corporate america" (Canada actually). I think staying away from anything that may be perceived as provocative would be safe.....professional, stylish but not sexy.
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    • Profile picture of the author summer07
      I think it depends on the corporate culture of the workplace. If the male execs wear conservative suits and ties, the female execs will also dress conservatively to fit in: traditional suits with hose and heels.

      For conservative businesses, you can pretty well take a cue from observing how women in top political offices dress -- from Sarah Palin to Hilary Clinton.

      On the other hand, at the corporate offices of a movie production company, Playboy Press or a modeling agency, sexy apparel might be de rigueur.

      The point is that corporate culture is based on 'follow the leader', so people who move up dress like the leader.

      If the workplace is not corporate -- is more entrepreneurial or artsy -- the dress code, and who gets promoted, will still depend on the likes and dislikes of whomever is in charge.

      I think it's one of those cases where statistics can be provided to prove theories, but human nature prevails in reality.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        I guess they had to do a study to get percentages - but seems like common sense.

        I think women who dress provocatively in an office setting dilute their perceived competence factor. "Look at my work" becomes mixed with "look at my cleavage". Your dress should draw attention to your facial expressions, eyes - the parts of your body nearest your brain.:p

        kay
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      • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
        Originally Posted by summer07 View Post

        <snip>

        On the other hand, at the corporate offices of a movie production company, Playboy Press or a modeling agency, sexy apparel might be de rigueur.<snip>
        When it's guerrilla film production, frayed t-shirt and salvation army jeans are de riguer. If you're fancy, an anime shirt.
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        • Profile picture of the author summer07
          Originally Posted by thunderbird View Post

          When it's guerrilla film production, frayed t-shirt and salvation army jeans are de riguer. If you're fancy, an anime shirt.
          LOL...and when you're a freelance writer who works from home, it's whatever's left that's clean enough to wear before you absolutely have to do laundry, plus your favorite flip flops. An anime shirt would be positively formal!
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          • Profile picture of the author Entreprenette
            I think you should wear what you feel comfortable in. That goes for men and women.

            Clearly if you are working for someone else and there are clear cultural guidelines about dress etc, you should adhere, but for yourself, particularly if you're shooting a video, it's going to be about what makes you feel the most confident.

            Sigourney in "Working Girl' says something like, 'when you're confident and classy they notice the woman not the dress' - don't quote me on that as I can't remember the exact quote.

            Where one guy may be comfortable in a suit another may be comfortable in shorts and their message might be exactly the same. One woman might feel great in a shirt up to the neck while another may feel incredibly comfortable in a low cut top. If a woman looks tarty in her clothes, it's the woman not the clothes.

            If a gorgeous and voluptuous woman wears a suit she will still be at risk of flaunting her goods probably just by the way she walks or looks at others!

            I believe (and have read extensively), a man will notice a beautiful or very present woman no matter what she's wearing and so will other women!

            It's not about the clothes, it's about confidence and presence. Think Erin Brokovich.

            Just wear whatever gives you the most confidence and makes you feel good and don't be shy about being a woman!
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    There's nothing sexier than a competent, capable, strong woman.

    So when a woman decides she needs to dress or act provocatively, it seems like she's covering something up.

    Trust me: there's not a man in your office that doesn't know you're a woman, and that is more than enough for the average man.
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    • Profile picture of the author Naimath
      I have been in an MNC for quite some time, and I must say, women who wore provocative dresses definitely got more attention than those who wore decent clothes. In my opinion, while wearing what you are comfortable is important, wearing clothes that does not draw unnecessary attention is also very important.

      So, it must be a balance of both.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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    When I was in the full time work force in corporations, I always dressed in conservative suits (women suits, not pant suits). Actually, I dressed up (like the women executives) rather than dressed for my position.

    The flirts that wear provocative clothing don't get taken very seriously and actually, if they dress that way for the interview, often don't get hired to start with.

    It was already mentioned though that there are many different types of corporations and working for Hugh Hefner will be a whole different ballgame.
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  • Profile picture of the author abbie kye
    To add my 2 cents I think you get taken seriously when you are more appropriately dressed (formal if you can) in the office environment. i have worked for a company who insisted on that and even states it in your appointment letter. I have moved on from this company but my current manager is more than happy to see his team formally dressed all the time as it gives a 'better image'. Serious people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris W. Sutton
    I guess they had to do a study to get percentages - but seems like common sense.

    I think women who dress provocatively in an office setting dilute their perceived competence factor. "Look at my work" becomes mixed with "look at my cleavage". Your dress should draw attention to your facial expressions, eyes - the parts of your body nearest your brain.:p

    kay
    I'm sorry Kay but I am going to have to disagree with you. My cleavage has NEVER gotten me anywhere! I am also afraid that if I wore a dress, people would NOT be looking at the parts of my body nearest my brain!!!

    Take care!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lilach
    It really depends on the dress code of the company.

    For example, if it's casual then it would be acceptable to wear jeans and a top etc.

    If it's corporate and suits are required then a woman should wear a suit/dress etc.

    At the end of the day as long as a woman doesn't dress provocatively and is neat then you can't go wrong.

    Lilach
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Think Martha Stewart.
    I think this would be the way to go for project in question. Thanks!
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