If you’re taking a job in Donald Trump’s West Wing, you’re going to have to dress for the occasion, according to an Axios report about the incoming Trump Administration staff. And some people are calling the strict dress code “sexist.”
Men are required to appear “sharply dressed,” pursuant to Trump’s corporate outfit guidelines, and ties are expected to be worn at all times. Steve Bannon is the only exception because, the report claims, “Steve is Steve,” and will continue to dress like he just rolled out of a sleeping bag in the wilderness, circa 1987.
Female employees are expected to “dress like a woman,” which seems to mean dresses or skirts and heels, and “even if you’re in jeans, you need to look neat and orderly.”
The dress code is surprisingly strict for both genders, though not necessarily by DC standards (even interns in Congressional offices are expected to come dressed for the job). But women on social media were taken aback by the command to “dress like a woman,” pointing out that that could mean anything from army fatigues to a space suit.
Maybe like this? #DressLikeAWoman pic.twitter.com/9TJmPIjaCQ
— Eve Silver (@Eve_Silver) February 3, 2017
#DressLikeAWoman, space edition. pic.twitter.com/BLVOuxpkgH
— Mindy Weisberger (@LaMinda) February 3, 2017
POTUS: This is how I #DressLikeAWoman pic.twitter.com/FFcHILp54G
— Leilani Münter (@LeilaniMunter) February 3, 2017
For Trump, image is everything, so the “dress like a woman” edict doesn’t seem as woefully sexist as it does hyper-critical—an effort to make sure everything, including the White House staff, is painfully, aggressively on-brand.
Trump is famous for touting “dressing for success” as a top “secret” to his level of accomplishment. “If you look successful,” the former CEO said in a business advice column, “you’re going to be successful.” And on that point, he’s actually not anti-science: dressing better for your job can make you look and feel smarter and more confident.
The Trump family, as a whole, seems to have adopted the mantra. Ivanka, for example, has almost never been seen (outside of marathons and school pickups) wearing anything even remotely resembling sweat pants. Her guidelines for office dressing include polished suits, skirts and pants, well-constructed heels, a smart bag, a tailored blazer and subtle yet trendy makeup.
Trump also seems to look for a level of clothes-based professionalism among his employees. Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, for example, is a noted anti-leggings activist.
The branding has proved an excellent strategy for Trump’s business empire, which looked consistently successful even when it wasn’t. It’s clear he hopes to bring the same technique to the White House. Now, if only he can get Bannon to wear slacks.
