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SALT LAKE CITY -- A change in dress code at one of the largest office buildings in Utah gives female employees new freedom.
Women who work at the LDS Church Office Building no longer have to wear hosiery under their skirts; bare legs are now considered acceptable.
This is just one example of ways a woman's workplace wardrobe is evolving. That solid-colored power suit is being replaced with patterned skirts and colored cardigans. Silhouettes are softer, accessories are welcomed.
- Custom-tailored pair of black or charcoal slacks
- Great fitting jacket or blazer
- Black pencil skirt
- Cardigan set in bright (but not too loud) color
- An extra pair of pantyhose... if you're into that.
Most women KSL spoke with enthusiastically welcomed the change.
"I don't wear pantyhose. I would rather go bare legs," said 20-something Mallory Moore. "When I think of pantyhose, I think of my mom or grandma. I'm sure it looks good on some people, but it's not what I do."
Before you think it's a generational thing, listen to mom-of-three Angie Denison's two cents.
"Pantyhose? No way. They are the worst thing ever," she said emphatically. "Constricts you. Kills You. No way!"
While stylist and image expert Holly Stone maintains nylons can have a place in the work setting, she admits the look can be harder to pull off.
"The weather is going to tell you when it's appropriate to wear a nylon," Stone explains. "When you wear a dark skirt, always opt for a darker nylon. Those beige and sandy nylons are good with a lighter skirt; however, a bare leg would be a little bit better of an option these days."
Many fashion watchers attribute this shift in style to First Lady Michelle Obama. She has toned down the fashion formality, selecting sweaters, slacks and even sleeveless dresses for both political and personal events.
"Michelle Obama has brought a wonderful, new style to the White House," Stone observes. "It's more of a casual style. It has allowed a woman to be more creative and a lot more free thinking with her wardrobe."
But in the end, Stone points out: personal style comes down to personal choice.
"Bare legs or covered -- it's just nice a woman has options!"
Email: bwalker@ksl.com
