Tales from the Frontlines: ‘I Constantly Worry My Shirt’s Too Tight or My Skirt Too Short’
Today in reader submitted stories, from a 20-something woman working in Congress:
I’m in my first real job after college… surrounded by capable and powerful women. [But] I’m still judged largely on my appearance by both men and women. I’m constantly worrying that my shirt is too tight or my skirt is too short, and that no one will ever take me seriously if they see an inch of leg. I end up dressing like a librarian. I find that female colleagues are often the harshest critics.
Sometimes, I smile too much, and people mistake my bubbliness for a lack of intelligence. My male coworkers like to make jokes about me being stupid, which is ironic considering they also ask me to edit their work. I have stood up for myself before, but it often comes off as a little abrasive or — goodness, no — bitchy.
Coming from [college], the real world is a slap in the face.
Submit your own “Tales from the Frontlines” here.
