The Controversy Surrounding the Senate's New Dress Code

The recent relaxation of dress codes in the Senate has sparked partisan debates, with Republicans criticizing it as a lapse in decorum and order, while Democrats dismiss it as a distraction from more pressing issues. However, the author argues that how we dress carries significant meaning and is intertwined with political issues. The new dress code poses challenges for women, as business attire was originally designed for men, and women's fashion requires constant microdecisions that can risk being perceived as inappropriate. Furthermore, casual wear may undermine women's authority and dignity, exacerbating existing inequities. The author also highlights the potential class stratification within the Senate workplace and the importance of dress codes in fostering a sense of unity and shared ideals.