Annoying co-workers

[1gobluedem]

I have a co-worker who is ALWAYS remarking on my wardrobe. Just a week ago I was promoted to the top position at my work and it seems to have spurred her on to say even more.

Monday I wore a scarf I bought last week. I like scarves a lot but I've always had issues with tying them right so I don't wear them very often, however I discovered how to drape them properly so I wore the scarf Monday; it's a soft blue and I wore it with a black jacket and pants and a white sleeveless mock turtleneck. Co-worker pounced on it immediately "She's wearing a SCARF!" and kept on talking about it; how it looked, how she wished she could wear that color, etc. all damn day to the point where I was ready to take it off and strangle her with it. I was self conscious enough without her constantly drawing attention to my appearance.

Today I'm wearing a gray and black houndstooth check skirt and black sweater, an outfit I've worn hundreds of times. I just passed co-worker in the hall and she said "You're looking very managerial today" in a very affected voice, implying I wore this particular ensemble to draw attention to my promotion.

Sigh. Why, WHY does she always have to remark on my clothes? It drives me insane.

Rant over.

[astral]

1. Jealousy coming out of her ears, maybe?

I would start ignoring the comments. Reminds me of a weird supervisor I had who never spoke to me around our work area, but if she happened to step into the break room and I was there, and of course other people would be there too, she would make some kind of friendly chit-chat comment to me, such as how healthy I eat 'cuz I was chomping on a grapefruit, or how 'skinny' I was, I forget why she said that but I am not exactly skinny, although she WAS a tad on the fat side. Well, Big woman, ya know, but I'd never tell her so:

"that ol' roller derby program said that she was built like a frigerator with a head . . ."

oh was that a vent? Well, catty remarks deserve something be done to flag them as catty remarks. If this woman isn't a supervisor you can be a little less subtle about it ; )

[suninvited]

2. I know how you feel

I dress very conservatively. I hate any clothing that draws attention to myself for the most part, so I dress in boring ass colors and things that just don't jump out and say "comment on my clothes".

It doesnt matter, everytime my fathers wife sees me in something she hasnt seen me in before she feels she has to comment on it, ie.. oh, is that a new outfit? , I love that shirt, thats a pretty color on you etc, etc.

It annoys the hell out of me. Sounds like your co worker knows it annoys you, though, and I think my step mother hasnt got a clue.

[Blue Diadem]

3. My daughter calls them the fashion police.

She used to work in the banking industry and I remember her talking about one particular coworker who always commented on clothing.

I suspect some of it is jealousy.

By the way, congrats on your promotion.

[1gobluedem]

4. Thank you

It's a big responsibility, but I think I'm going to like it.

This same co-worker goes bonkers whenever I wear boots. I have nice legs, fortunately, and I bought some knee-high boots this winter to wear with knee length skirts. Co-worker, unfortunately, carries all her weight in her legs and can't wear short skirts or boots so she remarks loudly on the rare occasions that I wear them "1goblue is wearing her BOOTS! I wish *I* could wear BOOTS!" and goes on and on and on until I almost don't want to wear them anymore.

Co-worker has a tiny upper body and looks great in sleeveless tops, fitted tees, fitted blouses, etc. whereas I am broad shouldered and barrel chested and can't. But I don't go on and on and on about how lucky she is to be so little; I just make the best of it.

She's not going to change, though, so I probably should just suck it up and stop complaining.

[Blue Diadem]

6. That would drive me nuts.

I could understand a compliment but for her to continually draw attention to what you wear and her remarks that she would like to be able to wear it, really makes me think it's her own insecurity and her envy of you. Some people never get beyond their teenage years in that regard.

Yeah, she'll probably never change. Try to accept it as a compliment.

[Iggo]

5. Her: "You're looking very managerial today."

You: "Why, thank you! Nice of you to notice. All part of a slight change in attitude and appearance now that I've been promoted to (the top job). Better pay, more responsibility. Look, since I'm now the top dog, I figure I should probably dress the part. Don't you agree?"

Stand there and wait for an answer. When she inevitably agrees, then say, "Alright! Now let's get to work!"

If you want to be treated differently by your co-workers, then you have to act differently.

If not, then just laugh it off. Remember: you ain't doin' this for free.

Oh, and congratulations on your promotion!!!

:applause:

[hamsterjill]

7. Classic response!!! I love it!

And one has to wonder about women in the workplace who are still so hung up on clothes, etc., that they want to "attack" other women.

It's no longer the 80's after all and the dress codes in most work places are much less a priority than the actual work that someone can accomplish.

We've come a long way, baby...but obviously still have some more to go!