I was on the train, this morning – coming into work as usual - during the peak hour rush. There I was, dressed up for not only my day at work but for a fashion function I have to attend later this evening. Given that I work in the fashion industry, the stakes can be pretty high when attending functions, so a little extra care is always called for. Not only am I representing my magazine, I also need to look like I know something about fashion. In short, I can’t really turn up to an evening event in joggers and jeans.

So there I was, waiting on the platform in my high heels and  a “herve leger” inspired dress complete with statement coat, when the train pulled up.

As manners decree, we stepped back to let the other commuters off. Now, when I say we, I actually mean me. Every other person seemed to be trying to get on while others were trying to get off. This is not unusual in itself, although it is extremely ill-mannered, but what was even worse, was that when I was finally able to board, two men pushed past me to grab the last seats that were available. Literally elbowed me out of the way. And it is not the first time!

Now, I’m not pregnant or extremely old, but I was definitely affronted. There I was in towering heels and a skin-tight dress clutching on to the hand-rail for dear life, as the train swerved along its course. Not one of those “gentlemen” stood up so I could sit down.

That got me to thinking: Why should we women wear heels, pencil skirts and the like (all the things that men say they appreciate) when we have to pay dearly for the privelege?

I’ll let all of you men in on a little secret  – I would have been much happier and so much more comfortable in trousers and a pair of brogues. Something along the lines of YOUR dress work code. I would have looked more comfortable and felt more comfortable, but I would have looked a lot more masculine.

So it’s up to you men to decide. If you want women to look like women – and don’t get me wrong, a lot of us enjoy looking feminine - well then you are going to have to treat us as such. Don’t push past us when we’re balancing on heels and don’t ever take the seat before us. Unless you are wearing heels that is – and then we’ll completely understand.

I know some of you are saying – well it serves you right for wearing high heels or a tight frock that doesn’t allow much movement. But, before you condemn me, think about it. Most of us have dress codes for work. Most corporate women have to wear suits and heels most days. It’s Company policy and they don’t have a choice. Just like many men have to wear suits. My job is to wear fashion.

Of course I can wear flats some days, and I do, but if I have to dress for an event well then that’s a different matter altogether.

And before all you men out there jump on that old bandwagon… “You women wanted equal rights, well you got them!” kind of rubbish - think about this. Feminism might have given men the right to take a seat before us, but it also gave women the right to wear what they want. So unless you never want to see a woman dressed in heels and skirts again, don’t take the seat!

Well that’s me off my soapbox for another week. But honestly, I’d love to know what other women think, if they’ve had similar experiences and how they feel about their work dress codes? Be sure to leave your comments below.

Oh ok then, in the interests of fair play, and maybe even from some of you men.

Until next time

Lee-Anne