The Problematic Nature of Dress for Women Managers

Argues that dress is not a straightforward issue for women managers today. It is problematic on a number of different levels. Women receive many messages via the media concerning the importance of their appearance and presentation. The “dressing for success” slogan is problematic as it infers that success is as easy as donning well‐cut clothes. Contends that this argument trivializes the difficulties women managers face when they wish to break the glass ceiling. Highlights the argument that women managers confront a number of dilemmas as they try to maintain a “feminine” but “businesslike” presentation, as well as an “individual” yet socially appropriate style.