Alternative fashion in the workplace

Hey everyone! So today I thought I would talk about alternative/goth fashion in the workplace, more specifically, getting a job while still presenting and dressing how you want to. Since society is so dead-set on people looking a certain way, we kind of have to readjust our look in order to 'fit in'. Keep in mind these tips are for those working at stores that sadly, aren't as progressive.

Now, I myself have struggled a lot with this, because I absolutely love body modifications and colorful hair, and pretty much any means of self expression through clothes...which is fine when I'm going to school or something, but it obviously won't fly at a work setting.

So here are a few tips to help you still keep that spooky/ alternative vibe but still be able to obey the corporate rules that they so lovingly set for us.

1. Hair
Now this is kind of a challenge. It depends on the manager and store policies, but for the most part you can't really have dyed hair that has unnatural colors. I've seen a lot of progress with this, but I would try to avoid bright, unnatural hair colors. If you love having dyed hair, maybe a wig would work well just for the workplace/interviewing. Dreadlocks (synthetic and real alike) are usually not allowed when working with food, but I have seen people rocking them at Taco Bell. It depends on the store/ manager! With my experience, piercings and unnaturally colored hair were not allowed.

2. Clothes
Usually you'll have a uniform if you work fast food, but for other types of jobs like retail, consider toning down your look a bit. Unless you work somewhere that allows alternative fashion, like Hot Topic, I wouldnt advise you to get all decked out only to be sent home. Buttons and pins would be great to spruce up a uniform, and small pieces of jewelry and bracelets would also be a great way to stay spooky and still obey the rules. As with all of these rules it totally depends on your work environment or where you work.

3. Staying creative
Often times you'll find small loopholes where you work, and the longer you work there the more you find out what you can get away with in terms of dress. I highly recommend checking out the Corporate goth look, to get some inspiration flowing. I feel like in this case, jewelry and accesories will be your best friend, because they are subtle yet still very personal. Painted nails and make up can also contribute to the look you want without going 'over the top'. If I ramble too much about this it will piss me off...(especially considered alt. people are constantly getting discriminated at the work place even though they may be more qualified than the candidate who dresses 'normally' and gets the job.)


I left a lot of stuff out, but I feel like I will continue to add to this the more jobs I get. An ever updating checklist I guess. I wish you the best of luck on your journey!! Stay crooked!!