I Worked in Finance And Wore Whatever TF I Wanted

This summer I worked in New York City. In finance. At Bank of America. I know, it seems like a pretty intense job and it totally was. I have an alter ego who is actually very technical and serious… supposedly.  When I first received the offer I was absolutely thrilled and immediately began the search for appropriate office wear. I read the dress code for my office on 114 W 47th St. and planned to completely comply, despite it feeling like a personal heresy. I bought things like black slacks, turtlenecks, turtleneck blouses, and even bras. My mom and I walked around uncomfortably at places like White House Black Market and Banana Republic, looking for anything we could imagine me wearing. I did debate in high school and would dress somewhat professionally but often would wear hot pink blazers and stilettos so it felt a little bit more like myself than what I would need for this job. I later went to my nail tech and asked him for a French tip on my demolished natural nails… we both cringed. Despite these fashion changes that pushed me out of my comfort zone due to boredom and lack of self expression, I was pumped about my job and the many "going out” black mini dresses I saw in my future.

I moved to New York and began the occasional SoHo shopping, it also didn’t help that I worked a ten minute walk from 5th Avenue. I loved wearing my studded tops, obnoxious lip colors, and sunglasses on nights out but at work I felt as though what I was wearing was only further contributing to my burn out. Everyday I sat in front of the obnoxious glow of giant monitors, occasionally catching a glimpse of myself, drained of light and love by the interrogating blue light. After a few weeks, I even stopped getting IDed. I looked around my office and caught glimpses of women in bright heels and acrylic nails, slowly inspiring me to just dress like, well me. After about week three I walked down to a nail salon in the Bronx where I was living and explained my situation. They all laughed but agreed with my mission to see what I could get away with. I started by wearing my new set of light blue, decorated nails and from there I got more brave. I dressed how I wanted at the office. I knew the work I was doing was good and helpful. I knew I was wanted so I took the chance. I dressed how I felt that day in puff sleeves, patterned skirts, and even the occasional tank top. Gasp. 

I was nervous at first, of course, but I ultimately was rewarded for my fearlessness ten fold. My office was pretty evenly mixed between women and men, all of them being older than forty. I received compliments from everyone, even being asked where I had bought some of my items. I was surprised to see how well received my outfits were since everyone else around me, even the other interns my age, followed the neutral, professional dress code. Dressing how I wanted even opened up conversations with new people who enjoyed my whimsy. It prompted more chill, open conversations between me and my coworkers, allowing me to form new friendships and connections that continued outside of the office.

In doing this, I learned many valuable lessons but most importantly that you often have much value beyond how well you can follow rules. I felt extremely empowered by my choice to continue expressing myself in a space where it was discouraged. The responses I got were encouraging for many reasons, but mainly because it gave me hope for the future of corporate fashion. The concept of “professional” or only dressing in a way that allows you to be taken “seriously,” are results of a patriarchal system that often attacks feminine, queer, and well, fun fashion expressions. There is space for growth, though. The responsibility falls on us: young people filtering into these careers who can decide what should be accepted and what should not. In my personal experience, I did much better, more creative work when I felt confident and comfortable in my appearance. I obviously am in support of respectful and practical clothing when in an office space, but ultimately the current dress code often implemented in finance spaces could surely be made more joyful. I encourage you to stand strong in your identity, know your value, and ultimately you will be rewarded for having a little more fun than everyone else. :)