Dressing for Success. Or Not.

Years ago I worked in a military office in which we routinely wore civilian clothing. Many of my young soldiers and airmen had never had the experience of working in a professional office environment, and sometimes needed a little guidance on how to dress appropriately. Blue jeans and t-shirts were one thing, but I reached the limit when a young lady showed up for work one morning wearing a hot pink track suit. She looked like a stick of bubble gum, and I sent her home to change clothes.

There are many things they don't teach you how to handle in ROTC.

Nowadays I wear civilian clothes all the time, being a civilian again. This is not an easy thing for someone with wacky color vision, but since I have Agnes to help vet my wardrobe each day, I manage well enough. And we won't even talk about having to wear a tie every day.

Well, I told you all that to set up this series of memos which tell the story of 'Casual Friday'...

Memo #1: "Effective immediately, the company is adopting Fridays as 'Casual Day' so employees may express their diversity."

Memo #2: "Spandex and leather micro-miniskirts are inappropriate attire for Casual Day, as are string ties, rodeo belt buckles and moccasins."

Memo #3: "Casual Day refers to dress, not attitude. When planning Friday's wardrobe, remember: Image is one key to our success!"

Memo #4: "A seminar and fashion show on 'How to Dress for Casual Day' will be held today at 4 in the cafeteria. Attendance mandatory."

Memo #5: "As a result of last week's seminar, the new 14-member Casual Day Task Force will prepare guidelines on proper dress."

Memo #6: "The Casual Day Task Force has attached its 30-page manual, 'Relaxing Dress Without Relaxing Company Standards' to this email. Review the chapter entitled 'You Are What You Wear' and consult the 'Home Casual Versus Business Casual' checklist before leaving home each Friday. If you have doubts about the appropriateness of an item of clothing, contact your CDTF representative. "

Memo #7: "Effective immediately, Casual Day has been discontinued because of lack of participation. "

Isn't that just how it goes?

Have a good day. Dress appropriately. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo