Today I thought I would blog about Office Dress 1970’s-2025. Now a days, I guess more office workers try to stretch the rules a bit during the muggy, steaming summers in the Washington area.
Office Dress of 1970’s
First, we are taking that time machine back to the 1970’s.
I remember in secretarial class, it was stressed that you are representing your boss, so a secretary should look neat and clean. We even had to “dress up” in office wear for class. Of course, the gals in class were not working and couldn’t afford too many nice things. Once, a girl wore baggy jeans and a t-shirt to class. Yes, she looked a little on the sloppy side. Yikes, she got a note in her mailbox from our teachers that was not appropriate office wear.
I believe in dressing for the job I want. However, it wasn’t my dress that got me my positions; it always my volunteer work played a role with that. Go figure out that one. I’m glad I always volunteered for interesting positions.
Well, one of my most daring work outfits was a pair of red checked flannel pants which I purchased at an upscale clothing store. I guess the flannel looked a bit like pj’s, but they were nicely tailored and obviously not for bed. I, also, wore a pair of expensive fur topped dress shoes which one the techs at work would pet.
Nude Toned Stockings
One of the big differences in the 1970’s, was you wouldn’t be caught dead without a pair of nude toned pair of stockings. Yes, wearing stockings on a hot summer day was beastly but you did it anyway. You also, kept a bottle of clear nail polish at your desk. In case the stockings you were wearing started to run, then you placed a dab of nail polish on the run until you got home. Then you tossed them out. That dab of nail polish would stop the run when it dried. Stockings were expensive, so they were carefully hand washed at home. You never purchased one pair of stockings; it was always two to three pairs at a time.
Shoes with heels were part of office wear. Note: Above is a rare photo of me wearing shoes that I would have worn in the 1970’s. I cleaned the scuffs off my shoes every night with shoe polish. I rarely, if ever, wore sandals since I didn’t like my toes showing. Strappy shoe wear was left for attending weddings or holiday parties.
Grooming, I curled my hair with hot rollers every day before work. Also, I usually painted by nails daily as they would be all chipped by the time I came home. Wow, who would do that now? I’m tired now just thinking about the good old 1970’s.
Office Dress of 2025
What’s is a big no-no for 2025. Don’t wear flip flops at the office. Please keep them for the beach or boardwalk.
Also, women in the office need to wear proper undergarments. Ladies don’t burn that bra. Please don’t show those colorful bra straps off either. If it is underwear, don’t wear it so someone can see it.
Don’t wear sweats or PJ bottoms with slippers to work. There is no way you can look professional wearing that.
Also, iron your clothing. I remember working with one gal who never ironed her clothing and looked a complete mess. We’ll for sure, she would never get out of the secretarial pool looking like that. She said she didn’t have time to iron. However, she could have placed her clothing on hangers as they came out of the dryer. Really, an easy fix if you think about it.
Ending Notes on Office Dress 1970’s-2025
Today’s blog really made me think about working again. For sure, we have come a long way from being dressed from top to bottom.
Now, in 2025 comfort is the key word but remember look professional and not sloppy.
Note to Singles – You never know who will come through that office door.