<p>I’m wearing my CK suit today. The guys wear ties, sometimes suits, when there’s a client meeting. So yes, there are some places where business attire hasn’t completely relaxed. (As a personal rule, though, I don’t wear makeup at work, and I always wear my hair pulled back in a ponytail, and I wear glasses instead of contacts. I’ve found that when I doll it up, something goes a little haywire with my male coworkers. I save my Pretty for special occasions.)</p>
<p>Might be nice, sometimes, sure. We’re a polished-looking group, and clients are always impressed. The downside of “nice” is very apparent, though… No jeans, no spaghetti straps, nothing low-cut, no sandals, <em>ever</em>. No dressing up on Halloween. Holiday parties are formal. Your desk must be kept clean at all times. You may keep some photos and small personal mementos on your desk. Keep your books straight.</p>
<p>Pushpins may be aluminum-milled, red, black, white, or clear.</p>
<p>I’m not kidding.</p>
<p>So it’s really cool to look professional… but yes, there are downsides to it, and it does get really old pretty fast. I miss the days when I was in diagnostics and could wear boots, jeans, and a button-down or plain t-shirt every day, but on the other hand, we didn’t get nearly the respect as professionals that I get now at my current company. At my old company, we were treated kind of like plumbers or electricians by our clients. Here, we’re treated like lawyers or doctors by our clients. There are pros and cons.</p>