January 2010

Competition and Fashionistas in the office

Most men reading this probably wont get it', after all most men don't notice anything but the size of a womens cleavage (sorry guys, I know this is harsh but I have exaggerated for effect).

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Having worked in many different office types I am privy to the inner workings of office politics, hierarchy and chauvinism along with the competitive daily fashion parades that occur. Which brings me to what I want to address. How did women in offices get so fashion competitive? Now I want to look my best all the time, like most working princesses but it seems the fashion stakes have been lifted and it seems, mainly due to our Gen Y princesses. What receptionist earning $35K can afford to pay $250 for a Sass and Bide top? What does it matter who has the most expensive dress, bracelet or dare I say it, shoes? As long as you feel comfortable and confident and nicely groomed, that should be all that matters. The office is not a runway.

Where did all the competition come from? Why do want to outdo one another instead of celebrating our workmates choices in clothing. It seems women can be their own worse enemy's. With all the pressure we face in the office as it is - glass ceiling, discrimination, lower pay, less promotions, juggling home and work, why do we put even more pressure and stress on our ourselves to look like we have stepped off the runway when we are just going to be sitting at a computer all day?

Do women treat other women poorly at the office? In January, The New York Times ran a story called "A Sisterhood of Workplace Infighting" . The article talked about the pink elephant lurking in the room, that women are their own worst enemies at work. Why are we so afraid of other women in the office - is it jealously that they are skinnier, more tanned, have nicer hair, better boyfriend or nicer car, fear they will get promoted before us, fear they will get a payrise and we wont? Whatever it is, it is all in our mind! Women aren't the enemy so stop treating each other like we are.

So who is to blame for this competitiveness to look the best in the office? We are!!!! We created it ourselves. We are the ones that buy the products in all the fashion mags, we are the ones that spend hours shopping for the perfect work outfits, we are the ones that buy into it all. Maybe women feel threatened more easily than men? We constantly feel the need to prove ourselves which causes a breeding ground of competition and politics within the office. Women can turn into bitchy schoolgirls with the flick of a switch. Are offices just breeding grounds for bad behavior?

Next time you feel the need to be catty to a fellow princess in the office try to remember these tips.

1. Think before you act (or speak)
2. Remember it is NOT a competition
3. Pay compliments to your fellow princess workmates
4. Be sincere and happy for them and their achievements
5. Don't play games

Remember the office is not a catwalk.

Princess Tanya Chic Executive Officer Princess Chic e chic@princesschic.com.au w www.princesschic.com.au