The Daily Telegraph reports that the renowned UK firm, Allen & Overy has sent an email to 105 would-be solicitors telling them to lower their hemlines, lower their heels and brish their hair or face an “uncomfortable discussion”.
‘We’ve been asked to draw your attention to the fact that HR have received numerous complaints about the way female trainees have been dressing around the office,’ said the email. It also described how some staff turned up to work without brushing their hair and added that those who were not dressed appropriately would not be able to take part in client meetings.
It seems that a number of female trainees showed too much leg and looked “like they were ready for a night of ‘clubbing’ rather than a day at the office as the weather warmed up”. They also showed up for work without “properly brushing their hair”.
A spokesman says “the sartorial elegance of A & O’s trainees has been well known for many years. However, it seemed a good idea to suggest the gentle application of a little common sense when deciding what to wear to work in the morning as we want our clients to remember what they say not what they wear.”
Common sense seems to be the key here. What’s your opinion of Allen & Overy’s message to trainees?