My rant on Ties and Office Wear

**Cabaiguan Juan** · 05-19-2008, 10:35 AM

So I've been in cubical land on and off for the last year and had to acquire clothes to suit the cubical dress code: ties, non-white socks, button down shirts to go with the ties, etc. First, what is the purpose of the tie? It looks nice but feels like a leash, but since mainly it is my cubical wall that is looking at it all day long, why do i have to wear it? I was told by one of the guys at my B&M that it is to create symmetry and to break the pattern of the dress shirt. I'm in a cubical, not a Van Gogh painting, why do I need to create symmetry and differenting color patterns on my body? Does anyone else have a reason why the white-color world loves to wear ties? Even if you can tell me how to match ties to shirts, that would be appreciated.

The other question i had was socks. Do you match socks to the shoes, the pants or belt, and why?

**bigwhiteash** · 05-19-2008, 11:48 AM

I view them as a form of control in the office, as a sign of submission. I Hate people telling me what I need to wear.

Interesting reading from Wiki >> Necktie <<

Socks are considered an accesory, like the belt, and should match either the shoes or belt (which should match themselves)

**stjohnroe** · 05-19-2008, 04:00 PM

A tie is a great way to disguise the cackhanded replacement of buttons on a shirt. As for socks I only ever buy black ones anyway, easier to pair.

**cigar no baka** · 05-19-2008, 06:54 PM

It's tradition, and most businesses are super conservative about dress as they're scared to budge an inch as they're afraid they will open Pandoras box.

I'm all for burning neckties. The chicks burned their bras in the sixties, so can we go build bonfires out of our neckties and burn them in the middle of our cubicle jungle to protest?

**597** · 05-19-2008, 07:45 PM

Hey it could be worst, you could have to wear an ascot.

**Cabaiguan Juan** · 05-20-2008, 09:46 AM

BWA- thanks for the link. It was an interesting read.

CNB- I love using the bra burning reference. I have, one more then one occasion, told members of the opposite sex 'No, you burned your bra back in the 70's, you are now a 1st class citizen. Grow up and do it yourself.' I don't know if its me or the reference to the women's movement, but they tend to take it well.

**cigar no baka** · 05-23-2008, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan Juan

BWA- thanks for the link. It was an interesting read.

CNB- I love using the bra burning reference. I have, one more then one occasion, told members of the opposite sex 'No, you burned your bra back in the 70's, you are now a 1st class citizen. Grow up and do it yourself.' I don't know if its me or the reference to the women's movement, but they tend to take it well.

Yep, I am usually a gentleman, but have told some women to start acting like they're equal if they expect to be treated as equals. There are some very mixed messages out there.