Why does it seem that women can get away with wearing much more casual clothes to work than men?

It might be that it’s hard to find clothes for men that are in-between work-dressy and casual. I work at an office and I definitely know what you mean…the men wear slacks and button-ups, sometimes ties, and the women, while they always look professional and appropriate, don’t really wear “corporate” attire like suits and stuff. They wear nice-looking skirts or dresses, linen pants, flowery tops, etc. I feel like there’s just so many more options for women to look professional without going all corporate…they don’t really make linen pants and office-appropriate loose-fitted shirts for men :P

In most work environments, women can’t. However, your perception might be that women dress more casually because of the odd variety of women’s “dress clothes”. In some cases, if a halter top is elegantly crafted and tasteful, it could (maybe) pass as dress clothing, no less than a man’s button-down shirt.

Now some women do push the envelope of good taste and wear “sexy” outfits trying to pass them off as professional – but don’t think they’re getting away with it. Many bosses take note and frown upon the behavior. Many women I know have been even written up for their dress.

And just in case you’re thinkin’ the grass is greener, at least you don’t have to worry so much about what you wear! It’s widely known that women are judged much more harshly professionally based on their appearance.

…plus we have to worry about the whole “in skirt length” thing, panty hose etiquette, and high heels. Be grateful. Not so great on the woman end of things. :)

You could wear them, too, and get the same amount of respect that they get.
Seriously, I expect male superiors hesitate to open that can of worms.

I’ve always worked in hospitals and, in hospitals, there is a dress code. Such attire would not be allowed.

I love not having to worry about this.

Hm, I was taking his halter top reference as just an exaggeration to get his point across, am I wrong about that? Women really wear halter tops where you work? Unless it’s worn under a nice blazer or something I definitely think that’s totally inappropriate in a corporate environment, no matter how classy it is, lol. Does your company not have a dress code?

It totally depends on the company. In most business offices here, bare midriffs are not allowed.

Halter tops would definitely not be allowed on any gender in my office. Bare stomachs and bare shoulders are not permitted.

I just find that their isn’t much variety in men’s clothes especially when it comes to work wear or more formal occasions. You have your standard slacks and your choice of a button up with tie or maybe a polo and that is really it. Women have this whole slew of casual wear, work wear with many varieties of skirt options, dress options, top options, it is almost ridiculous don’t even get me started on the shoes. I almost think you have it easier to pick out the next pair of slacks and then the next shirt and be done but then again their are no choices and everyone likes choices. For women their are gradual steps down from work wear to casual to weekend. For men it is a fast drop from work to weekend. If your lucky try to work from home and be able to wear your pjs! That is what I suggest!

Here is my company’s dress policy, straight from our intranet:

Acceptable (tops):
 Polo-type shirts, cotton or knitted shirts (short or long sleeved); collared, collarless or banded collar shirts
 Blouses and knit tops, short sleeved and sleeveless* blouses and tops
 Sweaters and cardigans (lightweight, turtlenecks, crew, v-necks)
 Vests (worn with a shirt)
 Jackets
 Company logo attire
 Dresses (short sleeved and sleeveless-florals, knits and jumpers)
*Sleeveless tops with a collar or that completely cover top of shoulder are acceptable.

Unacceptable (tops):
 T-shirts, jerseys and sweatshirts
 Cropped shirts or tops (midriff showing)
 Tank tops, tube tops or halter tops of any kind
 Spaghetti straps
 Shoulder-baring blouses or tight fitting clothing
 Obscene/offensive language or images on clothing

Acceptable (bottoms):
 Casual pants, slacks
 Skirts, skorts and Capri pants
 Suits (slack or skirt)
 Dresses
 Jumpers (only with full-length shirt or blouse underneath)
 Stretch or stirrup pants*
*Stretch or stirrup pants with matching hip-length jacket, sweater, shirt or blouse to mid-thigh or longer

Unacceptable (bottoms):
 Shorts and mini-skirts*
 Spandex exercise or bike shorts
 Exposed or layered boxers shorts or lingerie
 Swimwear
 Jeans/pants that are torn, too tight or too baggy
 Scrubs, fleece sweatpants or spandex leggings
 Obscene/offensive language or images on clothing

* Skorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer. Therefore, no shorter than 3 inches above the knee is acceptable.

Acceptable (footware):
 Medium to thick leather or rubber soles; loafers, flats
 Open-toe dress shoes
 Boots, mules and clogs
 Hosiery as appropriate

Unacceptable (footware):
 Sandals, flip-flops, swimming shoes, slippers, unlaced athletic shoes

Acceptable (other):
 Turbans (only if worn for religious reasons)
 Hats, scarves (only if worn for cultural or medical reasons)

Unacceptable (other):
 Hats, bandanas and scarves (unless worn for religious, cultural or medical reasons)
 Non-prescription sunglasses are not to be worn indoors

On Fridays, we add to the acceptable list:
 Blue or colored jeans
 Denim pants or skirts
 Overalls (only with a full-length shirt or blouse underneath)
 Athletic shoes (including tennis shoes and sneakers-clean and in good condition)

Many years ago, I had the opposite problem. I worked in a ‘business casual’ environment, wear the women mainly wore skirts or business slacks and dressy, shiny shirts with or without a jacket. My supervisor called me into his office one day because he felt that I (a woman) was dressed too casually. I was wearing a blue oxford cloth button-down shirt, khaki pants, and penny loafers. So was he. I said, “Brad, look down.” He didn’t understand and asked, “What?” I said, “Look at yourself. Look at what you’re wearing!” He realized we were dressed identically, sighed, and waved me away.

I have never had any experience with a corporate environment, but when I was still in high school, I noticed the opposite. The male teachers often wore jeans, polos and relatively nice sneakers. The female teachers mostly wore long skirts, button down shirts or some nice equivalent and heels. I’ve found in the college environment, professors have a greater range, both male and female and comfort is more important than looks, though they all look professional.

@MrItty what about bare chested with a logo spraypainted on?
on a Friday of course