Andersen Consulting

Pages from an employee's handout on dress code policy in the workplace

This 1991-1994 dress code policy donated by Julie Newby was a reference for new hires as part of a new staff orientation handbook.

Although dress codes still exist in the professional world, the approach used in these documents shows a significant change in policy and language used within an occupational setting.

For instance, suggestions such as “The best compliment she can receive is ‘you look nice’…” or wearing specific clothing, make-up, nail polish, and accessories according to one’s body type would now violate sexual harassment and sexual orientation policies. Further, this dress code would also violate laws against disabilities by telling women that they must wear a certain style of glasses or contact lenses to avoid appearing frumpy.  

In a changing world where individualism and inclusivity are expected, this document is a stark contrast to what would be considered appropriate by today’s standards.

Sources: 

Navigate Law Group. “What Counts as Sexual Harassment - Employment Attorney - Navigate Law.” Navigate Law Group, March 16, 2024. https://navigatelawgroup.com/what-counts-as-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/.

Stamarski, Cailin S, and Leanne S Son Hing. “Gender Inequalities in the Workplace: The Effects of Organizational Structures, Processes, Practices, and Decision Makers’ Sexism.” Frontiers in Psychology, September 16, 2015. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4584998/.