Have we all forgotten how to dress?
Plus: Top news stories of the week — Legislature advances school voucher bills; Governor's race heats up; New plan for former Eastland Mall site; Panthers pick their franchise QB
Good morning! Today is Saturday, April 29, 2023. You’re reading The Charlotte Ledger’s Weekend Edition.
Need to subscribe — or upgrade your Ledger e-newsletter subscription? Details here.
Today's Charlotte Ledger is sponsored by Fox Rothschild, a national law firm whose Charlotte-based attorneys provide litigation, real estate, labor and employment, corporate and a wide range of other services to clients in the Carolinas and across the country.
Column: The pandemic took a lot of things from us — including knowing how to dress appropriately for professional and social situations
What to wear to work? Or to a business event? The rules have definitely changed. (Image from Shutterstock)
By Colleen Brannan
Dressing ourselves used to be easy.
A business meeting meant suit up. Cocktail party: a black dress for the gals, slacks and a jacket for the guys.
Headed to the gym? Something Spandexy or “Flashdance”-like. Yard work: shorts and tube socks?
But now, many of us seem to be struggling to dress ourselves post-pandemic.
This problem goes beyond myths like wearing white after Labor Day or mixing gold and silver — but rather, tossing long-established dress codes to the wind. Want proof? Sit on the patio of McCormick & Schmicks uptown at lunchtime or happy hour to see the curious fashion parade of stretchy pants, hoodies, tank tops — even a woman in a miniskirt on a scooter. It’s like rubbernecking a car accident.
My much younger friend, JLL broker Alexis Kaiser, told me black with navy is now trending, which is great news for colorblind me. I have definitely purchased the same shoe in both colors and worn one of each when in a rush.
Perhaps we could all benefit from more specific direction because typical dress code terms just aren’t cutting it anymore. Here’s the evidence:
Business attire recommended: At the March Charlotte Center City Partners Vision Awards, the invitation said “business attire recommended.” Did they mean business professional or business casual? While organizers, award recipients, attorneys and bankers knew to suit up, the masses had more creative interpretations, with women in everything from sequins to sundresses and men in Lululemon ABC (“anti-ball crushing”) pants, 3/4 zip pullovers and vests. Ties were scarce, and everyone seemed to be wearing comfortable shoes.
Black tie optional: Right or wrong, if you are the guy who shows up in a dark blue suit, some may think you don’t own a tux. Same goes for galas, which suggest a full-length gown for the ladies. For the annual Hornets Heroes Gala in October, I questioned if women would all wear full-length dresses and even contacted organizers, who assured me 90% of women wore ball gowns in previous years. I caved and bought a new purple one to be in theme with the team accessorized by some pink Air Force 1’s thinking Michael Jordan might notice me. But he didn’t, and there were more short dresses than long and many high heels instead of sneakers.
Office attire: This is where true apparel anarchy appears to be happening. While most employers have relaxed their dress codes, I have heard about many employees going rogue with athleisurewear (think yoga pants and leggings), pajama pants and running shoes. Probably time for employers to be more intentional about setting policy and enforcing it. For sure, the pandemic set the tone for really needing to dress only from the waist up for Zoom calls. At least people are wearing pants to work, though.
Weddings: I haven’t been to many lately but have a few on the books and have heard horror stories about women wearing white. To be clear, there’s only one person at a wedding that should be wearing all white, and that’s the bride. We don’t need to confuse the photographer, either. As reported in the New York Post, 2024 Republican presidential candidate and former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley drew a lot of backlash when she recently wore an off-white dress to her daughter’s wedding. Comments on social media ranged from “Why are you basically wearing white and gripping the groom? Creepy” to “Ummmm why the hell are you wearing an almost white dress that easily could have been a wedding dress? That was very selfish of you to try to steal her spotlight.” To escape the ire of internet meanies, just don’t do it, especially after Labor Day.
With everyone seemingly all over the fashion map, better guidelines could help us get our fashion groove back. Some thoughts:
Garanimals for grownups: It worked for us as toddlers, and moms knew giraffe tops should not be paired with hippo bottoms. What if (I hate giving billion-dollar ideas away in a business newsletter), they did the same for adults? I could certainly get my head around the “Hyena for Work” or “Cougar Casual” collections.
Visual guidelines: If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what kind of results they might generate for your next function or in the workplace. Similar to brand guidelines for corporate identities, providing images of what and what not to wear would surely cut down on the confusion.
More literal dressing directions: Forget formal this and casual that. Instead, if you are the host, it’s your event, so say what you mean such as: “do not wear white,” “no denim allowed,” “absolutely no flip flops” or “no cleavage, please.” And, if you are the attendee, follow directions. If there aren’t any, consult Miss Manners or your host.
The post-pandemic world is challenging in every way, but dressing yourself doesn’t have to be. Think of attire as your personal brand packaging. And, if you are tempted to push your luck at work and parties, just remember it could appear in your performance review or land you on the not-invited-back list.
Colleen Brannan owns BRANSTORM PR and misses the early days of her PR career in Washington, D.C., when the uniform was a dark suit, sheer panty hose and pumps, even though she was once mistaken for an FBI agent. Follow her on Instagram (Colleen_Brannan), Twitter (@colleenbrannan). Email her at colleen@branstorm.com about any fashion violations you’ve seen or committed lately.
Today’s supporting sponsors are Ducie Stark, Residential Real Estate Broker with Dickens Mitchener …
… and Charlotte Museum of History, which is hosting the Charlotte Gem Preservation Awards on May 11, honoring the people and organizations that are saving Charlotte’s history.
This week in Charlotte: Legislature unveils new school voucher plan; CMS approves $2.1B operating budget; $83M project proposed for former Eastland Mall site; Panthers choose Alabama QB for top draft pick
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
NC’s new school voucher plan: (WFAE) Voucher bills are being discussed in the N.C. House and Senate that could allow private school students to receive public money to pay tuition. The bills are called “Choose Your School, Choose Your Future.”
CMS approves $2.1B plan: (Observer) The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education approved a $2.1B operating budget Tuesday for the 2023-24 school year. The operating budget includes a requested $596.9M from Mecklenburg County, $29M of which would be used for anticipated state raises for teachers, principals and non-certified staff.
Politics
N.C. court rulings on voting: (WRAL) In a series of rulings on voting, the N.C. Supreme Court on Friday said it’s legal to draw electoral maps to favor a political party, require voter IDs and impose voting restrictions on felons. Voters last year elected a Republican court majority that has been overturning earlier rulings from a Democratic majority.
Race for governor heats up: (AP) Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson announced he is running for governor in 2024. Robinson, 54, is an outspoken social conservative from Greensboro who would be the state’s first Black governor.
Local news
New plan for Eastland Mall site: (Ledger 🔒) A new proposal for the former Eastland Mall site emerged this week. The proposed project, called “QC East,” is backed by Southern Entertainment, Charlotte Soccer Academy and Carolina Esports Hub. It would be an $83M project, with $30M of public investment. Some neighborhood advocates say they’re concerned about some aspects of the plan.
New CLT airport overlook update: (WFAE) Charlotte Douglas International Airport released renderings Monday of the new airport overlook area that is scheduled to open in late spring or summer of 2024.
Business
Don’t count out N.C.’s smaller banks: After a tumultuous few weeks of questioning the future of small banks, lenders in North Carolina say they’ve moved on from the banking crisis sparked by the failure of Silicon Valley Bank.
Blue Cross lobbies to become for-profit: (North Carolina Health News, via The Ledger) Nonprofit Blue Cross NC, North Carolina’s largest health insurance provider, has been pushing the General Assembly for a bill that would allow the company to operate like a for-profit business.
Sports
Panthers’ top draft pick: (ESPN) The Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft. Young was the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, and at 5 foot 10 inches, he joins Arizona Cardinals star Kyler Murray as the shortest quarterback ever taken at No. 1.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
A launch pad for special talent: ZABS Place, a thrift boutique and furniture store in downtown Matthews, trains and employs young adults with special needs to help them grow their skills and get ready for the workplace.
Dependents of 396 county retirees to lose health insurance subsidies: Mecklenburg County officials told The Ledger that 396 retirees will lose health insurance subsidies for their dependents starting in June, as the county upholds a policy that has been in place for decades but had not been enforced.
🎧 New podcast episode: Brannen Edge, CEO of Flagship Healthcare Properties, discusses medical office real estate trends — and how they are playing out in Charlotte and in the Southeast.
National recognition of the late Leon Levine: The remembrances of Leon Levine, the Family Dollar founder and major Charlotte philanthropist, are pouring in from around the world. He died on April 5 at age 85.
Wednesday (🔒)
Reader mailbag on CMS boundary draft maps: Several Ledger readers wrote in to offer their thoughts on the CMS south Charlotte boundary discussions in preparation for adding a new high school and new middle school to relieve overcrowding.
Charlotte companies paying lobbyists in Raleigh: As of Monday, there were 747 registered lobbyists in the state, and we’ve got a list of how many lobbyists are registered with the biggest companies with interests in Charlotte.
State auditor accepts accountability for hit-and-run: State Auditor Beth Wood said she accepts “accountability for my mistake” in her first extended media interview since pleading guilty last month to a hit-and-run charge — and suggested she plans to run for re-election next year.
Friday (🔒)
How CMS boundaries affect property values: The Ledger delves into the topic of school boundaries and housing values, breaking down research about how school rankings affect housing prices in light of the current efforts to rezone many of south Charlotte schools to make way for a new high school and a proposed middle school.
Town hall meeting in Ballantyne: Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs will lead a town hall meeting today from 9 a.m. to noon in Ballantyne to address several topics that have been of huge interest to south Charlotte in recent months, including widening plans for 521, the rezoning of south Charlotte schools and break-ins that have affected some neighborhoods.
Charity Spotlight: The Bulb, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings fresh produce to food deserts in Charlotte, operates 12 weekly mobile markets and gives out a collective total of 4,800 lbs. of produce to an average of 109 family members per market each week.
Ways of Life (🔒)
Ann Wescott Woodall Davant, who was known as “Peetie,” lived a life supporting causes that were dear to her, from environmentalism and affordable housing to helping newcomers by teaching English as a Second Language. She died on March 29 at age 94.
City manager in the hot seat: Elected officials are urging City Manager Marcus Jones to take a higher profile after the CATS rail disclosures last month, but since becoming city manager in 2016, Jones has been reluctant to put himself forward as a public face for the city.
As Charlotte FC comes off a week with two wins, Ledger soccer writer Carroll Walton delves into some behind-the-scenes player moves and looks ahead to what’s next.
Many thanks to our Ledger Premium members
The Ledger is able to deliver original, local information to you because of the support of our sponsors and paying members. We are grateful for them.
Producing high-quality local information costs money, and we can’t do it without the financial support of our members. Every day, we’re doing the challenging (and costly) work of building sources, talking to people and uncovering new information for you and for others in Charlotte.
Today, we want to give special recognition to our Premium-level members. Premium memberships are for companies, groups and individuals willing to give more in exchange for a few extras — and also to lend support to the new model of independent local journalism that The Ledger represents.
They cost $379/year, which comes with newsletters for up to six email addresses, a monthly public thank-you (if desired) and an invitation to Ledger events.
A special thank you to:
AccruePartners
Ally Financial
ATCO Properties
Arden 55+ Living
Axios Charlotte
Carroll Financial
Catapult
CBRE
Charlotte Center City Partners
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry
Chernoff Newman
Corporate Information Technologies
Crown Castle
Drew Long Productions
Dyer & Co.
Eagle Commercial
Foundation For The Carolinas
Greenway Wealth Advisors LLC
HopeWay
Interact Studio
Jessica Grier
JLL Capital Markets
Ann Doss Helms
John Miller Law Firm, PLLC
K&L Gates LLP
Kearns & Company
Levine Properties
McGuireWoods LLP
Meagher Real Estate
Meeting Street Properties
MVA Public Affairs
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Next Stage
Nichols Architecture, PA
NorthMarq
Northwood Office
Pink Mentor Network
The Providence Group
Queens University of Charlotte
Rachel Sutherland Communications
St. John’s Baptist Church
SignatureFD
Chris Skibinski
Social Pet Hotel and Daycare
SouthernEEZ Landscaping
SouthPark Community Partners
SPARK Publications
Starrett Law Firm
Sycamore Financial Planning, LLC
TalentBridge Inc.
Tassel Capital Management Inc.
Thrift CRES
T.R. Lawing Realty Inc.
Tribek Properties
Trinity Partners
Worth Supply
Joan Zimmerman
For more information on paid memberships to The Ledger, including Premium memberships, check out this post. If you or your company wants in as a Ledger Premium member, you can take care of that here:
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news through e-newsletters and on a website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.
Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Contributing photographer/videographer: Kevin Young, The 5 and 2 Project
I thought Haley in her gold dress was beautiful. Such a lovely family. As for the NYT I read and have read daily for decades... nothing Haley would have worn would have brought anything but criticism. Fringe politics where the other side is always wrong.
ABC pants. that's a new one Colleen!