The Speedo Question: What to Wear to a Work Pool Party
A corporate recruiter warns that pool party work events can be “little landmines” and says it’s OK to opt for more conservative clothes instead of a bathing suit.
Meredith Moore, a managing director at Boyden Global Executive Search in San Francisco, tells the Wall Street Journal she was well-covered up for a white-water rafting trip several years ago, with a windbreaker, two layers of T-shirts and Bermuda shorts.
“If they say bring your swimsuit, it doesn’t mean you have to do that,” she told the newspaper.
Her advice is echoed by Renee Brissette, described in the article as a partner in a New York law firm who has overseen associates for her firm’s events in Florida. She says swimwear is particularly dangerous for women lawyers. “The double standard is in full force: Men are wearing swimsuits, but women are perceived as wearing underwear,” she told the newspaper.
Stylist Jill Markiewicz thinks white pants would work for women at such events, along with a clutch purse, shoes in neutral colors and a substantial piece of jewelry. For men she suggests long-sleeved button-down linen shirts, and longer shorts or softer pants.
Brissette suggests that women might want to choose Capri pants, sleeveless dresses or maybe Bermuda shorts. “This is not a pick-up scene,” she told the newspaper. “It’s your workplace with suntan lotion.”
Hat tip to Pat’s Papers.
