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Original poster

How short is too short?

31 replies

Athrawes · 01/05/2018 07:04

I have a colleague who is not used to dressing in a work environment. We are a school and she wears very short skirts.
I am torn; on the one hand I feel that she has the right to wear whatever she likes and that her legs are no-ones business but her own, on the other hand, she doesn't look professional. But again, professional is so subjective and maybe I am looking at dress code from a rather middle aged perspective.
Our work dress code simply asks us to dress professionally and is not prescriptive.
How can I tactfully say "people are talking about how short your skirts are, tone it down" in a supportive way, without undermining her right to wear what she wants.
Also - without getting into the wider debate because it is not relevant to this actual issue - she is a trans male to female.

OP posts:
AllyMcBeagle · 01/05/2018 07:13

I'm not sure how this is Feminism related? This might be better in Style and Beauty.

Original poster
Athrawes · 01/05/2018 07:12

Yes I think I would fret about telling them if they weren't trans. Absolutely I would! For the very reasons outlined above.
No, I am not her boss but am her friend - so as a friend shouldn't I say something?
I have had the same issue with very young female teachers and chosen not to be the one to tell them that the kids can't help but be distracted by the acres of flesh. It is a very tricky issue hence my seeking opinion.
How would you feel if someone told you your skirts were too short?

OP posts:
TerfinUSA · 01/05/2018 07:12

I don't think short shorts or short skirts are considered professional, no.

BOO32 · 01/05/2018 07:09

No-one has a right to wear "what they want when at work. That's why they ask for professional dress. Just say what you said here, they can do what they want in their own time but are currently not professional enough at work.

ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat · 01/05/2018 07:09

Would you fret about saying something if they weren’t trans and were a woman?

MNscum · 01/05/2018 07:07

Don't think trans makes a difference. Are you her boss? If not leave it. If you are just tell her that the dress code says professional, in your opinion the length of her skirts aren't professional and you'd appreciate it if she could buy some longer ones.