boss has offered clothing allowance.

ckerrd

Has the boss specified what you he expects you to buy with this allowance?

You will have to pay tax on any money he gives you as this money would be classed as earnings.

Insomniac666

If you're going to take him up on this option nows the time with the sales on.

doesn't hurt to have a good black suit in your wardrobe.

adg1

henpecked1 wrote: »

I can afford a £500 suit but my role does involve client face to face and dealing with dusty files, on hands and knees sorting computers out, humping stuff around the office so I choose not to waste hundreds on clothes

You don't have to spend £500 on a suit to look sharp?! Find a nice, posh area (like Richmond/Kensington/Chelsea for example, not sure where you are but you get the idea) and trawl the charity shops for suits. You get a nice, expensive suit for a cheap price and the charity makes some money.

And before you turn you nose up - I've just bought myself a nice Hugo Boss Tux (it is the dinner party season after all) for £25 from a local charity shop. :j

If he's offering to buy you a suit or two take him up on it. He obviously values you as an employee and wants to to look the part. I've always worked with the motto "...dress for the position you want, not for the position you have...".

jdx

adg1 wrote: »

I've always worked with the motto "...dress for the position you want, not for the position you have...".

:T Love the motto!

HellsGranny

When I worked as an Image Consultant, I always gave the advice to look a grade above.

What I couldn't seem to get through to the ladies was 'get the correct fit'. so many would wear clothes so tight they were straining the seams. It doesn't look smart, doesn't give a good impression and makes you look fat. The fit is crucial. In an office a man should always wear a tie and a woman should always wear earrings.

Cheers, HG

terra_ferma

I'm sooo glad that in my line of work it does not work like that...

A few yeasr back my boss at the time used to wear leggings and pink trainers (and she was in her 50's).
She was still promoted to Assistant Director (but she then made allowances by buying a jacket and not wearing leggings...).
She is now a Director, but I don't know what she wears as I have not seen her for a while...

However I agree that if the boss is prepared to pay for your clothes, he must think you are worth investing in. It could be a good signal (otherwise he would be telling you to buy smarter clothes yourself!).

HellsGranny

That's why you should research the company's Dress Code , so you can look appropriate for interview.

In media offices, for instance, the outrageous may get you more brownie points, but if you are meeting the public and acting as 'Front' person for your company, then the right clothing is essential.

There may not be an obvious uniform, but there is always an implied one.

Cheers, HG

Fluffi

I would feel valued, your boss is obviously trying to help you by giving you advice (and cash) to improve your career and help you get taken more seriously. Not all careers or companies are like this and judge you on what you wear but some do and it sounds like your company might be like this. Sadly its an unfortunate fact of life that you are judged partly on appearance. I know people who's career's, responsibilities and pay have soared after deciding to "dress up" a bit more - it shows the bosses you are serious about your job.

ckerrd

Will the OP come back and answer the many questions on here?
I hope so

ckerrd

HellsGranny wrote: »

That's why you should research the company's Dress Code , so you can look appropriate for interview.

In media offices, for instance, the outrageous may get you more brownie points, but if you are meeting the public and acting as 'Front' person for your company, then the right clothing is essential.

There may not be an obvious uniform, but there is always an implied one.

Cheers, HG

What is a media office?