An episode of “The Office” waiting to happen

Yesterday, we had a meeting about dress code. Yes, dress code.

All of the women in my department were huddled in a conference room to discuss this wonderful topic, but we weren’t really aware it was about dress code at first. And the separation of the guys from the girls brought on all kinds of junior high level jokes about when we got to watch “the film” and learn about “our monthly visitor.” Which reminds me of that awkward moment in the locker room in elementary school. The meeting yesterday, equally awkward. I really wish the writers of “The Office” had been watching. They’d have some material.

And while I understand it’s importance, I think that some of the dress code requirements are a bit weird. No jeans has been a standard here. . . but now there are no denim skirts. I don’t know about the status of jean jackets, which is going to make me really mad if they’re on the no-no list! Also, any pants that have rivets (i.e. all my super cool corduroy pants) are now off-limits. Actually, we were told not to wear any pants that have patch pockets as they might be construed as jeans. I think this was a bit of an overexaggeration, but the person saying this was dead serious.

There was also a long discussion about low-cut tops, leggings, and capri pants that rise higher than mid-calf. All of which are off-limits. AND if we have to stop in the office to get something on a vacation day or on the way to an off-site meeting (meaning while wearing the afore-mentioned sinful jeans) we’re advised not to wear our ID badge and instead sign in as a visitor. Yeah. What they don’t seem to realize is that that means we’re going to have to say we’re coming up to see someone in the department and the front desk will have to call and confirm before they let us in. Which means a 5-second errand now becomes a 15-minute ordeal.

Working in an office sure is fun. (And yes, everything I have on meets dress code requirements today.)

Fun times!