Club Foyer>Chillout Room>Covering up>
Dear Lorraine
I wear a hood nearly all the time.I've got used to it over the last eighteen months. I graduated in business and accounting and got a well paid job in the City as soon as leaving uni. For a twenty three year old I am making serious money.
When I had the interview for the job I was warned that the foreign-owned investment management company I work for had a strict dress and conduct code. Women must dress modestly and behave modestly and not drink.
Many of the women employed here are from the Middle east or Asia and wear muslim-style body- and head-covering dress normally. Europeans and Americans working here also have to cover up.
One the first day I was told to turn up for work wearing a hoody and baggy trousers. After signing complicated forms I agreed to comply with their code of conduct. I was taken to an expensive shop in the West End and provided with the company uniform. Baggy black trousers and thigh length hoody tops with balaclava-style hoods that zip up to your nose and only show your eyes. Fine black gloves and long black hooded coats that reach your calves and have a deep cowl-like hood. To start I had two of these coats - a lighter one for Summer and a heavy one for Winter. Also several pairs of heavy black leather boots.
The code states the baggy trousers and hoody must be worn by you all the time including in your own time. The hood of the hoody must be up and fully zipped up at any time when other people are present. The coat must be worn with the hood up and fully done-up at any time you are outside the office or your own home.
This took a bit of getting used to. My friends thought I had gone mad or should not put up with such an infringement of my rights. But I am making enough money to go and buy a small holding in Devon in a couple of years. To keep goats and make cheese!
You soon get used to wearing hoods. They are warm and protective and do stop you being stared at on public transport. I will wear my hood up when I start farming in Lorna Doon Country to keep the rain and snow and sun off!
Irma
SHOP | CLUB FOYER | CHILLOUT ROOM | ASK LORRAINE