Lori Johnson was honored to be one of the members of the Board of Directors from the South Shore Chamber of Commerce (SSCC) invited to represent the group in Washington D.C. For two full days the SSCC Board met with congressional and senatorial representatives in their personal offices to discuss issues related to our regional area. Topics included our current economy, transportation issues, casino gaming in Massachusetts, and more.

The picture to the right is Lori with Senator Kennedy on the terrace at his office.

Warm weather is here, the debate is hot, should we wear stockings or not? The current trends are very skin-revealing. Nobody is wearing stockings, and just try to find a closed-toe shoe for summer.

Is it appropriate to go bare skin? The answer is difficult. The standard guideline for professional appearance is - the more skin you show the less professional it is. This would mean yes wear hose, no do not wear open-toe shoes or sandals. Are there exceptions? Business-casual dress, weekend-wear, and some evening-wear are sometimes acceptable for bare legs and open toes.

Research Findings

The Wall Street Journal reports sales of pantyhose and related products are down. According to their report, women have not worn stockings in a long time.

ABC Television's, Good Morning America asked men and women on the streets of New York their opinion. They found only a small number who felt pantyhose are necessary to complete their professional look. Most women poled said pantyhose are not practical and have an outdated look. The men they interviewed seemed to have mixed feelings.

What are a few of the larger companies in the United States doing?

Coca-Cola - business casual, no hose
Microsoft - business casual, no hose
Aflac Insurance - business casual, no hose
Talbots - Business casual, no hose

Solutions

Wear slacks or long skirts to minimize skin exposure. If bare legs are not for you, thigh-high hose or toeless hose will give you a bit more freedom.

Shoe solutions; keep the shoe a bit on the conservative side for business. A leather open-toe, sling-back, or sandal may be acceptable but never flip- flops or minimal coverage strappy sandals in a professional environment. If you are wearing open- toe shoes, the trend is no hose and a good pedicure.

Conclusion

There is no simple answer. Many factors need to be assessed when choosing to go with no hose and open-toe shoes. Dress codes, corporate climate, are the men wearing suits and ties, the condition of your legs, comfort in the heat of the summer, and current trends. The right decision is personal preference. Choose on the conservative side to not offend or make uncomfortable the others around you.

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