Some Trends Do Not Belong in a Business Setting
When you are looking to decipher a culture, clothing is always the way to go. Think about how much your clothes actually says about you. It is a way to convey your personality, beliefs, culture, nationality, or even just your favorite band without words. The impression of some clothing types make them unacceptable in the business world. So what item of clothing is trending in America that does not belong in the break room or an office cubicle? The answer is leggings. To all the female college students who rely heaving on the “versatility” of leggings, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but this trend has no business in business.
Although there are many clothing trends that help define American culture, there is probably none quite as fascinating as leggings. The fascination with leggings began in the 1960′s thanks to Mary Quant and Emilio Pucci. The designers created the garment to be used under shift dresses, and they stayed in the back of people’s closets until the 1980′s. When the fitness craze exploded, it became socially acceptable to wear leg warmers, leggings, and other fitness attire as regular clothing was acceptable. With their newfound popularity, you would think leggings had finally become a staple of every woman’s closet. But once again, leggings faded to an undergarment and was often paired with cute dresses and little bows for little girls. And although they were prominent in movies like Charlie’s Angels, most of the movie goers were not wearing them or trying to do flips and kicks either.
A reemergence did occur in the the late 2000′s. Nicole Ritchie, the Olsen twins, Lauren Conrad, and other child celebrities began to wear leggings again, and slowly they began their reemergence. What does that say about American culture? The answer to that will rely heavily on the individual. The most common answers to why a person wears leggings are:
“I wear them under my dresses.
“Leggings go with everything.”
Let’s stop to reflect on the last one because the implications are dire. Please do not wear leggings in a business setting.If you have to ask your parents, best friend, or next-door neighbor for money to buy dress pants, do it. Why? Because I care about your success in the world. Elle magazine reports that leggings are active wear and should not be worn as regular pants. If there are any fashionistas out there entertaining the idea of working in a business related field, just remember where you are and what kind of fashion statement you would like to make.
http://www.refinery29.com/leggings-trend-history
http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a30178/stop-wearing-leggings-as-pants/