Too Much Too Soon?

[Norbydog]

My situation is different. I actually would choose to not wear a kilt at work.

But for court...that is different. I have thought about it, but I decided not to for two reasons:

1. The administration will start a new policy of only allowing officers to wear uniforms to court. Now that may not seem too bad, but to put on a uniform takes about 3 times as long as a sweater and slacks. And many of the night shifts guys (like myself) want to get up as late as possible, and get back to bed as soon as possible.

2. The people I see at court usually don't have the same maturity and intellect of the general public. So, when I see them again on the street, and I always do, I think that I would be the target of jokes, loud mouths, and drunks. Not that I care, but it is difficult to work a case when you are interrupted about questions about your "dress."

But, I do make it a point to show off new kilts to the office staff on my days off, and even my chief could only say one thing "You look like a real swinger."
I wear a kilt when ever it is appropriate to off duty functions. If I am not on the clock, little they can say.

In your situation, I would say this.....go to the commitee, maybe with a few pictures, and find out why they would say no. Document, document, document. Maybe tape record the session if minutes are not taken. Then, when the time is right, use a snipet to remind them of the decision. Respectfully. Ahear to what they have to say. I would not suggest a lawsuit while you still work there.

A supervisor of mine one told me I'm not "paid to see the big picture." So, when I screw up, even when I really should have known better, I remind him of that statement. Again, respectfully.

[ByDand]

My thoughts echo some already written. You have gone this far so follow through with the meeting. Stay calm and take a few seconds to gather thoughts before answering any questions. Present a good case for wearing the kilt. Explain that it is not a fashion statement, but an acceptable form of attire for men. Remind them that not too long ago it was not acceptable for women to wear slacks in the workplace. Be concise, be cordial and be a good example for the rest of us that may have to follow in your foot steps.

Good luck with your meeting.

[ronstew]

My advice changes to "What Ugly Bear said."

[Kilted KT]

Who Moved My Cheese? Time to reread that book if you haven't already.

Ron

Excellent book! I've got a copy of it here on my desk!

I highly suggest anyone dealing with change of any kind read this book..amazing insights in a book that will take no more than two hours to read.

[David Thornton]

Sure are a lot of opinions issued without first gathering the facts. Shame on all of you, I cannot be the only employer here.
We can discren that you are in the midwest, please read conservative.
We don't know what you do, who you interact with, what industry you are in,
yet we are to help you decide what to wear to the job, impossible.
I used to wear blue jeans and cowboy boots to work, but I was riding bulls. Sorry, a kilt would have been the wrong choice.
I have a new producer, he likes designor suits. I counciled him to go with a button down and tie, nice slacks at most when meeting with our trade contractors, his hit ratio went up immediatly. At this stage in his career, a kilt would kill his credibility with those clients.
I'm not saying no kilt, I'm just saying we don't have enough info.
David

[ronstew]

Reggie asked for opinions. It is up to him to weigh them. My responses are made with the assumption that he is smart enough to know that any advice he gets here will have a pro-kilt bias, and may not be appropriate for his situation. Also, many people have emphasised that he should seek his wife's wisdom, and that is certainly good advice.

Give us all some credit, David.

[Bob C]

Sure are a lot of opinions issued without first gathering the facts. Shame on all of you, I cannot be the only employer here.
We can discren that you are in the midwest, please read conservative.
We don't know what you do, who you interact with, what industry you are in,
yet we are to help you decide what to wear to the job, impossible.
I used to wear blue jeans and cowboy boots to work, but I was riding bulls. Sorry, a kilt would have been the wrong choice.
I have a new producer, he likes designor suits. I counciled him to go with a button down and tie, nice slacks at most when meeting with our trade contractors, his hit ratio went up immediatly. At this stage in his career, a kilt would kill his credibility with those clients.
I'm not saying no kilt, I'm just saying we don't have enough info.
David

I'm not saying a kilt is a good choice for all jobs. I'm just saying that discrimination is against the law.

[GatorUK]

The committee should not be meeting to hear reasons from you why you want to wear a kilt. I should be meeting to determine if there are any objections to your wearing the kilt and whether those objections have any merit. A kilt is considered a formal, semi-formal, dress and casual item of men's clothing. Just because a supervisor doesn't like it is not a valid reason. Is he/she going to ban the wearing of colors that he/she dislikes?
But don't be surprised if you are turned down. If there is a committee you can bet they have already met and have had discussions on the subject and will have made up their minds before you walk into the room. Having you meet with the committee is a CYA move in case the discrimination issue arises.

[jjoseph]

#1 question to ask: are the women allowed to wear pants? If the answer is yes, then they cannot forbid you from wearing a kilt. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander.

Yes, they can. I'm a supervisor and responsible for hiring and firing and I sit on one of those committees. Dress codes promote the company's image, not yours. They often demand a measure of uniformity, hence the word uniform for those who wear them. And commitees like that are most often to act as conflict resolution mediators.... getting both sides to productively tell their side of an issue. Most often the actual decision is left in the hands of the supervisor or manager, but if the committee makes a decision, be prepared to live with it unless you decide to put your job on the table as a bargaining chip.

On the other hand, if you work in an environment where wearing a kilt poses no health / accident risks and won't project an unwanted image of the company, you have every right to ask for accomodation. The issue of women being able to wear trousers may or may not carry weight depending on how your job interfaces with the public since it is the perception of the company which you create as their representative which is paramount, not a woman's nor your right to wear a particular item. The possible exception to this would be attire required by a religious belief, something which touches a matter of conscience.

Like any ruling of law or policy, it is less about justice or fairness and more about the group's or society's approach to resolving conflict. There is an understood social contract that individuals will abide the group's decisions (be they made by judge, jury, committee, or manager).

Pick your battle well. And remember, that if they say no, and it's really important to you, there really are other jobs out there. Find one with boundaries where you will be happy. Companies losing good people is actually one of the things which affects longterm change.... just not in time for those who are its spearhead.

Best wishes and good luck.

[Streetcar]

There is often a vast rift between how thing "should be" and how they really are.

Sadly, few notice how wide this chasm can be.

It boils down to your choice. How important is it (to you) to wear your kilt to work? Is making this particular statement really worth your job?

Granted, they might not be able to fire you for violating terms of a non-existent dress code, but do much do you wish to raise the ire of your employers?

My wife works for a major financial instituion. In her branch, actually "firing" someone is unheard of. Instead, they find ways to make an unwanted employee "decide to leave."

I am constantly impressed by the intelligence, professionalism and wisdom of the participants on this board. And while we share an affinity for a particular garment, I submit that none of us are defined solely by our clothing.