Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Study: Sexy Attire Works Against Businesswomen
Live Science ^ | 11/29/05 | Staff

Posted on 11/29/2005 12:38:34 PM PST by Millee

Attractive people may sometimes have a leg up in climbing corporate ladders. But sexy presentation on its own can work against women who are already well up the ladder.

In a new study, men and women where shown videos of a businesswoman discussing her backgrounds and hobbies. In different tests, she played the part of either a receptionist or a manager. And in one round she wore flat shoes, slacks, and a turtleneck, all considered typical professional attire. In the other, she donned high-heels, a tight skirt, and a low-cut blouse.

The test subjects rated the businesswoman on competence and guessed at her college GPA and the quality of her Alma Mater.

The sexy outfit didn't affect their assessment of the receptionist. But the sexy manager was viewed as less competent.

"A female manager whose appearance emphasized her sexiness elicited less positive emotions, more negative emotions, and perceptions of less competence on a subjective rating scale and less intelligence on an objective scale," the researchers write in the December issue of Psychology of Women Quarterly. "Although various media directed toward women …encourage women to emphasize their sex appeal, our results suggest that women in high status occupations may have to resist this siren call to obtain the respect of their co-workers."

The research was led by Peter Glick, a professor of Psychology at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: fashion; women; workplace
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 341-358 next last
To: Millee

I find women dressed in business suits or blazers to be sexy in and of itself. Although some guys find them intimidating.


21 posted on 11/29/2005 12:54:05 PM PST by CTOCS (The Menorah is not just a candlestick)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Mr. Jeeves

You know I was thinking the flip side of

this could be a married boss

whos wife tells him

"OVER MY DEAD BODY"

or he just doesn't want the temptation


22 posted on 11/29/2005 12:54:08 PM PST by PaulaB
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: LongElegantLegs

Thanks!

I've been looking for a picture like that!


23 posted on 11/29/2005 12:54:26 PM PST by najida (Blood on the floor....a Thanksgiving Tradition at my house)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: PaulaB

Exactly! She'll spend more time on her back or her knees than in the board room.

Sexy is also well manicured fingernails, well groomed feet, beautiful stockings, and a slight bit of knee.


24 posted on 11/29/2005 12:54:45 PM PST by peacebaby (I'm not overwhelmed! I'm just the right amount of whelmed.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: WhiteGuy
This thread should deteriorate into a "sexy attire" pics fest in no time. Well done.

Yep, worth a bookmark.

25 posted on 11/29/2005 12:54:52 PM PST by 1Old Pro
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: LongElegantLegs
I don't think Max will be happy when

he sees you posted his photo

on the internet
26 posted on 11/29/2005 12:55:17 PM PST by PaulaB
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Millee

I would rather work with a female in class A hazmat gear. Nowadays, a 5-10 second oogle the the old wow wow's and you are written up on harassment charges. AGAIN!! Harrassment? Her a$$ ment nothing to me, it was the wow wow's I liked.


27 posted on 11/29/2005 12:55:40 PM PST by Fierce Allegiance (Posts by Fierce Allegiance are copyright © 2005. Reuse without permission subject to $250 fee/ word)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Comment #28 Removed by Moderator

To: peacebaby
I think it makes mens brains

in both places run in overdrive

most can keep the above on conquer

mode on the one below...

when boobage enters the equation

their equilibrium is off
29 posted on 11/29/2005 12:57:24 PM PST by PaulaB
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: PaulaB
These guys are dressed for success!!!


30 posted on 11/29/2005 12:57:31 PM PST by Peepster (Saying that guns kill people is like saying spoons make Michael Moore fat!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Baynative

ew


31 posted on 11/29/2005 12:57:37 PM PST by PaulaB
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Mr. Jeeves

I was faced with the choice between two well qualified job applicants... one an ok looking male and the other a very good looking female.

After two interviews with each, my partner and I both thought the female was more qualified, but we were very concerned that we were arriving at that conclusion based on her looks and that she really wasn't better qualified.

We ended up hiring her and she has been a very good employee. I hate to think we almost did not hire her for fear of being sexist/lookist.


32 posted on 11/29/2005 12:57:53 PM PST by r-q-tek86 (My mind works like lightning. One brilliant flash and it is gone)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: Fierce Allegiance
Harrassment? Her a$$ ment nothing to me, it was the wow wow's I liked.

LMBO

33 posted on 11/29/2005 12:59:50 PM PST by r-q-tek86 (My mind works like lightning. One brilliant flash and it is gone)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: Millee
"...our results suggest that women in high status occupations may have to resist this siren call to obtain the respect of their co-workers."

 

Consider it done.


34 posted on 11/29/2005 1:00:30 PM PST by Fintan (Okay, we'll go with the cigar. Happy now?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Blood of Tyrants

Straight men WILL LOOK AT SEXY WOMEN IN REVEALING CLOTHES...period!! Even if she's not the "marrying type" girl...we're still gonna look!


35 posted on 11/29/2005 1:00:42 PM PST by RockinRight (It’s likely for a Conservative to be a Republican, but not always the other way around)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Baynative
My Governor is sooooo sexy...

No, mine is...


36 posted on 11/29/2005 1:01:15 PM PST by Peepster (Saying that guns kill people is like saying spoons make Michael Moore fat!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Millee
Can't wait to hear from the guys on this one ping!

The study points out only what superficial judgements can be made based on first appearances. Competence and professionalism come out in the long run, regardless of attire choices. When meeting with clients/customers, dress professionally (this goes for men, too), otherwise dress however you want, as long as you fit within the company's dress code.

37 posted on 11/29/2005 1:01:36 PM PST by kevkrom (403-3)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Fierce Allegiance

Actually, a good a$$ is worth a look...or 2...or 10...


38 posted on 11/29/2005 1:02:09 PM PST by RockinRight (It’s likely for a Conservative to be a Republican, but not always the other way around)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: Baynative

Blech!


39 posted on 11/29/2005 1:02:19 PM PST by RockinRight (It’s likely for a Conservative to be a Republican, but not always the other way around)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: peacebaby
The receptionist can show her boobs all she wants, and she'll stay in the $30,000 slot.

But what will her husband be making? :)

40 posted on 11/29/2005 1:02:22 PM PST by BostonianRightist ("Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue." ~ Senator Goldwater)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 341-358 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson