Yoga Pants are for Yoga!

As I was shopping over the weekend, I went into at least three stores where all of the staff (all under the age of 20) were wearing some type of yoga pant. Now, don't get me wrong - I have a pair of Lululemon yoga pants and think they are fantastic (though I was reluctant to buy them, so my sister got them for me as a gift). But despite the fact that yoga pants have become the new sweat pants, they do not translate into an acceptable uniform for a job. Do you remember the old cotton jogging outfits or track suits? They were never acceptable at any job I've ever had. From landscaping to grocery clerk to retail to home sales to advertising, etc. Never, ever were jogging pants acceptable. So when did the switch happen?

There is a purpose in a uniform at work: it sends a message and sets a standard. For me, the message I get from yoga pants is that our standard is just one step above laying on the couch, watching TV. The message continues: I'm here just to lounge around, so don't ask me to work or to help you. Don't get me wrong, for those who know me, I don't often wear ties and like casual attire. But I also demand that my staff at the restaurants always follow a dress code because we need to have a standard message of professionalism, style, order and service.

You have the ability to influence the dress code at your work. All of us do! So please take the time to bring it up at your office or place of work. TD Bank has just decided to move away from Casual Fridays because staff were getting too casual and the message being sent to customers wasn't appropriate. I applaud them (yes, me applauding a bank!) because they recognize that not all their staff choose appropriately and each employee sends a message.

What are your clothes saying about you at work? What message does your appearance deliver? I got this quote from a Vanity Fair article - Your appearance sends a visual message that should coordinate with the verbal message you are trying to deliver. Keep that in mind and please change out of the yoga pants for work!!