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Imagine walking into the office on a Monday morning and being met with the sight of monotonous open desk layouts that have transformed into a celebration of individuality. The air buzzes with creativity as high heels and loafers stride together in unison, with traditional suits and skirts taking a backseat to androgynous silhouettes and styles. Ties mingle with bold accessories and power suits cozy up to chic ensembles, as employees enter the workplace like canvases of self-expression. This scene is a testament to the ability of professionalism and non-conforming fashion to work hand in hand, rather than separately, in today’s society.
A cursory glance at celebrity red carpets or high fashion runway collections provides evidence of this increasing popularity of androgynous and non-conforming styles. As Fashion Dive points out, 94% of respondents in a Highsnobiety report said that they would “consider mixing masculine and feminine styles.” And even as the State of Fashion 2023 report by the Business of Fashion and McKinsey shows, half of Gen Zers worldwide have “purchased clothing outside their gender identity.” This shift is symbolic of a broader cultural movement toward dismantling restrictive gender expectations, especially by blurring the lines between masculine and feminine fashion. But as society embraces a spectrum of gender identities and diverse fashion tastes, the question remains: shouldn’t workplace dress codes also evolve to reflect this era of transformation and inclusion?
Historically, traditional dress codes have reinforced gender norms, prescribing specific attire for men and women. However, these policies can be exclusionary to individuals who have non-binary or non-conforming identities. The harm of these policies is evident when the few rulebreakers who dare to journey into the world of creative attire are seen as unprofessional. The Human Rights Campaign found in its “A Workplace Divided” study that “1 in 5 LGBTQ workers have been told or had coworkers imply that they need to dress more feminine or masculine.” Such strictly gendered dress code norms can drastically affect the self-confidence of employees who seek to express their authenticity and individuality through their fashion choices, creating an oppressive working environment. Updating professional dress codes to reflect the gender nonconforming and androgynous trends in fashion isn't just a matter of style; it's a step towards creating spaces that champion diversity.
Implementing inclusive dress codes in workplaces also has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency of employees by fostering a more positive and collaborative work environment. As global hiring firm Vintti points out, a relaxed dress code can contribute to increased job satisfaction and employee morale, leading to heightened productivity. When employees feel comfortable and able to express their individuality through attire, it increases their overall job engagement and motivation. Additionally, as a Forbes article suggests, employers can even experience a competitive advantage simply by offering their employees increased flexibility with how they choose to dress. By allowing employees to choose attire that aligns with their cultural or personal preferences, companies can create a more welcoming atmosphere, and ultimately boost teamwork and efficiency in the workplace.
As a member of GLSEN’s National Student Council, I am privileged to have been selected for an incredible opportunity to advocate for safe educational spaces for LGBTQ+ students across the country. Alongside 19 other dynamic youth leaders with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, the National Student Council is an opportunity for young people to take the lead in championing inclusivity. The NSC has empowered me as a youth leader, making a stark contrast to many adult spaces that alienate youth voices in the change-making process. Our partner opportunities with organizations like the U.S. Department of Education, Hollister, and Netflix have presented invaluable experience working with advocacy groups in political and corporate spheres. The heart of the National Student Council’s mission is creating a future where every student, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is safe and has the ability to thrive.
However, I recently realized that our cause of creating inclusive educational spaces must also extend to creating inclusive workspaces. As students develop within the education system, it is important for them to learn and grow in places that value them holistically. It is imperative for these same students to be met with a familiar sense of belonging and inclusion when they enter the workforce, with professional standards that allow them to be who they are. As society continues to break down outdated and gendered fashion norms, my hope is that professional spaces will do the same by upholding dress codes that promote self-expression, creativity, and inclusion.
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