Back in the 1990’s it was standard protocol to wear pantyhose. It was part of the working woman’s wardrobe essentials and the epitome of professionalism. You wore them to dress up. And most importantly you wore them to work. No exceptions, the weather and your geography didn’t matter. Contemplating not wearing them wasn’t an option. Deciding the color was the problem. During colder months pantyhose was a necessity for extra-added warmth,“magic” insulation. How about the look? Your legs were instantly tan and any imperfections were magically hidden! I’m forgetting something aren’t I? Yes, I am, the comfort factor and “runs”. Probably the least comfortable undergarment a woman has to wear due to its snug fit and overall discomfort. For me, it was almost impossible to get a perfect fit. And let’s not forget the clear bottle of nail polish each of us carried in our purse for those emergency fixes. But, boy, have times changed.
Let’s fast-forward to present day, springtime of 2012. Today’s world has a completely different view of pantyhose. Don’t you agree? For some the thought about whether or not to wear pantyhose hasn’t even crossed their mind. It simply doesn’t even exist, nor has it ever. I’m talking about the generational gap here, the difference between Generation X and Y. For those of us that are part of Generation X, each of us at some point or another ponders whether or not: “Do I wear the pantyhose?”, “Can I skip the pantyhose?”, “Is bare legs ok?”. If in-fact you even consider wearing them, right? I mean depending on your age you may not even think twice about “not” wearing pantyhose, such as Generation Y. Come on, we have all encountered this, right? Yes, you have. I know you have because I have, and so has every woman I know, regardless of age.
And lets not forget Kate Middleton’s latest contribution to fashion: pantyhose. After two straight weeks of pairing knockout designer dresseswith ’80s-style sheer stockings, the Duchess of Cambridge has proven that everything she touches-really everything-turns to style gold. Egg-crate color is out, and clear, almost fairy-dusted iridescence is in. But the song remains the same: she’s got Leggs and she knows how to use them. 
I bet your reading this thinking “wow, wait, isn’t pantyhose a mandatory workplace requirement?” Unfortunately, the answer is no. The requirement to wear pantyhose may or may not be existent at your place of business. It’s dependent on the company culture and dress code. Company culture plays a big role in the world of today. For example, if you work in a laid back, casual office setting then pantyhose is definite overkill. However, professional corporate environments can and do have mandatory requirements to wear them as do professional office settings. However, some do not due to the company culture or the present day trends of letting the woman decide what is appropriate to wear or not to wear. There is a few tricks’ to getting around wearing them though. One can opt for thigh highs, knee-highs, or tights. With that being said, take into consideration your boss, their age and his or her view of what is and isn’t appropriate for workplace attire.
So…do I or don’t I? Should I wear pantyhose to the interview? My first day on the job? My oh my, I’m not sure what to do? When in doubt, wear the pantyhose. For a more comfortable fit and feel opt for the thigh highs or knee-highs. And ladies, let me do point out that you want to be sure that your skirt length is in “check” with the thigh-highs, you don’t want a lacey peep-show. But, that’s a conversation for another time. Remember you can always adjust your wardrobe on day 2 after you’ve read the employee manual and have had the chance to see the office culture. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
What’s your opinion on pantyhose in the workplace? Is it a must-have essential in your wardrobe? Please share your comments on Facebook, Twitter and here on Spotlight.
Heather Pranitis, Guest Writer, signing off. On a side note: Heather prefers thigh highs or knee-highs to traditional pantyhose. For more buzz on Heather head over to …this & that…
