All jobs have appearance or “grooming” standards whether you know them or not. Even the most relaxed positions have select do’s and don’ts when it comes to the work wardrobe. For example, my old gymnastics coaching position didn’t allow “fashionable leggings.” However, “yoga pants” were acceptable. The truth is, you’re probably going to get ready differently for a night out than you would at your day job. You’ll probably dress differently for an 8:30 am class than you would at your internship. It’s an unspoken rule that you need to “dress for success,” whatever that may mean for the company. But… how far do these rules go?
These standards don’t just contain clothing attire and overall appearance (aka the company shirt and generic hygiene), but they can also be as specific as mandatory makeup application. When it comes to this issue, there is a fine line as to where this becomes unacceptable and pushes too far. Legally, a dress code can insist on women or men wearing makeup. However, if an employee feels discriminated against due to their gender (ie. Plaintiff feels they are at a disadvantage due to the requirements of what they have to wear/how they have to groom in the workplace), they can pursue legal action against their employer. For me, the problem lies with the fact that in order for a person to look professional and acceptabl in a workplace environment, they have to be wearing makeup.
Hello! I can be totally personable and carry on a great, intelligent conversation without mascara! Can I answer your questions and deliver excellent customer service barefaced with a zit? ABSOLUTELY! But, there is a chance that my audience will “like” me more and feel more comfortable around me if my eyelashes are on fleek. Let’s just sit back for a second and ponder what the problem is.
How you look is more important than anything you could possibly say.
That’s what’s being rewritten by these professional standards. How can any employer say they hired you because they thought you would be a good employee and not based subconsciously on how you look? Makeup is and should not be for anyone but yourself. It represents who you are and shouldn’t be a mandatory piece of who you are if you don’t want it to be. Believe it or not, wearing lipstick doesn’t help me become a better employee.
“Readiness” should always be determined by the energy you’re willing to put into your work. Makeup does enhance confidence, but so does listening to Beyoncé. However, neither of those things are essential to being able to talk to a customer. So please, don’t make me wear eyeliner when I’m not feeling it. I long for the day when I’ll be able to proudly say, “Hi my name is Daniella. My zits and I can help you on this cash over here. Would you like a bag today?”
Cover Photo, 1, 2, 3, 4
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