Traditionally, dress codes were for church, school, and social affairs. When I came out of university, I signed a written dress code as a condition of employment. Recently I noticed that two gasoline chains in England were refusing to serve customers that were dressed a particular way. Without comment on the latter, I find it interesting to note when a dress code is palatable (at least to me) and when I rebel.
When I was first employed, a colleague refused to go to the final interview knowing that if a job was offered that it would come with a dress code. He was talented. I was confident that he would receive an offer before I did. He also had his opinions. One was that a written dress code on the job was a step to far (specifically, it was the hair portion of the dress code).
In contrast, I get excited when I receive an invitation to a black tie event. It is fun to dress up with friends! It is as if the attire proclaims that we are going to have a great time together. I cannot remember ever having a negative reaction to this dress code. I willingly accept that the organizers have the privilege of setting the standard.
The petrol station standard caught me off guard. It seemed odd, almost against the goal of making as much money as possible.
I missed the reality of the statements we make in our actions. Everything we do – our actions, dress, and boy language – tells a story. In prior generations, head attire was the subject of discussion. One writer commented on their situation. “This is basically the origin of these customs we have of women wearing head coverings in worship, while men take their hats off. By these symbolic acts, men and women, who far too often butt heads with each other, submit their “heads” to the Head: God.” (1 Corinthians 11.7,8) We, at least I, have temporarily misplaced my attention to my statements to others and to God. Today is an opportunity to change that.
