Death of the Business Suit

After ten years of being a stay-at-home mom, looking for a job became necessary. Resume submissions over the past eight months have yielded few results. Eventually, I was called for an interview at a social media company. Years of working in a corporate institution has engrained in me the need to look like a polished professional. My wardrobe as a stay-at-home mom has left much to be desired. I assure you... I own more than one pair of the ubiquitous "black legging." Sort of the "mom uniform," leggings and yoga pants have become a stay-at-home mom's best friend. Need to run to the grocery store? Black leggings and sneakers! Need to meet a friend for lunch? Black leggings and ballet flats! Need to shovel the snow off the front walkway? Black leggings and snow boots! Meeting friends for a drink on a Friday evening? Black leggings, knee high boots and some lipstick!

I no longer owned anything even remotely professional looking. That sounds like a perfect excuse to shop, doesn't it? Shopping has never been my favorite activity. I forgot how much a suit can cost. Clearance racks became my go-to spot in department stores. I lucked out and scored a couple of pieces, secretly wondering just how astronomical my new "business-y" wardrobe will cost me should I get this job. Two pairs of black pants and a blazer later, I was back in business and looking forward to walking into my interview looking like a million bucks.

After my phone interview, I was invited in for an in-person meeting. The day arrives... slacks—check! Blazer—check! Silky, fancy undershirt—check! Dressed to impress and ready to prove I mean business. I arrive at the interview and walk into the office. The setup of the office was very different to what I am accustomed to. No cubicles, no offices, and no desks, I thought I walked into the break room by accident.

First thing I noticed, Chuck Taylors propped up on the ottoman, laptop on the lap, and fingers typing away. Scanning the room I quickly realize that NO ONE has a suit on, including the CEO. He's conducting business in Air Jordans and sweats. Comfortable to say the least. Suits make me itchy... I was immediately envious of the staff's comfortable clothing but very happy because that would mean I DO NOT have to buy new clothing. My "mom leggings" would fit in perfectly here.

Interview number three is requested. I still need to look professional! Interview number four arrives and now I have run out of professional looking clothing. Rummaging through my closet proved to be a sad experience. I managed to pull something together and lord help me if there is a fifth interview on the horizon.

For years, I believed that dressing professionally improves the quality of your work. You look more polished and therefore it should show in your work. I was wrong to believe that. Having met talented, professional, and creative people dressed in their comfortable clothing has made me a believer in the death of the business suit. I look forward to attending that funeral. You just don't need it to be productive in your workplace.