Dress Code

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on June 4, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

On bright, warm, sunny days such as we’re having here at the moment, I’ll usually start the day off wearing my kilt. Work clothes go in my bag, and I make the walk from home to bus stop, the bus ride, and the walk from the bus stop to work as comfortable as possible. Once at work, I duck into the restroom and change.

Yesterday I needed to grab something to drink about an hour after I started my shift, so I ducked over to the Starbucks Coffee next door. The barrista gave me a quick look up and down, then asked, “Hey! Where’s the Utilikilt?”

I laughed. “Not appropriate for work, unfortunately.”

“What? Why not?”

While our company dress code does specify that either slacks or skirts can be worn — and I’m of the opinion that a kilt should be acceptable — regional and district heads can specify their own rules for their area, and our area apparently specified slacks only. Not only does this keep me from wearing the kilt, but one of the ladies I work with is a little miffed that she can’t wear a skirt. I’m not sure why this is the case, but so it is.

Still — it’s rather nice to know that the entire female staff of the Starbucks next door to my job (since the rest of them soon chimed in on this discussion) are of the opinion that I should be allowed to wear my kilt at work.

Now we just need to convince the Powers That Be.

iTunes: “Killing Moon, The” by Echo and the Bunnymen from the album Rock and Wave Vol. 1 (1983, 5:44).