It started when I found a dress with the source code to Doom printed on it. I had to have that dress. I bought it and delighted in answering questions about the dress and the code. Piece by piece I built a wardrobe of code dresses, skirts, leggings, shoes, and t-shirts.
I use fashion to broadcast loudly that I am a woman in tech.
Using my wardrobe to signal to others
I use this wardrobe to normalize that a woman doesn't have to be in jeans and a black t-shirt to write and understand code. I wear code dresses and skirts when I present to show that it is okay to like dresses and code. I wear bright lipstick and eyeliner to say that makeup is allowed and it also makes my eyes and lips more visible to those in the back or attending remotely.
I make a point to wear some sort of code related item anytime I attend conferences and Meetups so I can be easily spotted. I answer questions about my earrings and purse every other week. I want people to realize they should not have to be "one of the boys" to be successful in tech, they should be able to be themselves.
Using my wardrobe as armor for myself
My style has been described as
Kicking in the door to announce I'm here and asking "Does anyone have a problem with that?"
and
Making space for me at the table.
I was often the only woman in a room full of men. I got used to stares and subtle jabs of "Do you really belong here?"
I started to wear brightly colored lipstick so people would look me in the face when I was talking. It also had the benefit of everyone in the office knowing who I was.
When I wore code t-shirts I changed their stares from me being the only woman in the room to "What code is that?".
Fashion gives me the strength to be myself and thrive in tech.
Latest comments (33)
The best thing about our time is that everyone can choose the styles, colors, and brands they like without worrying about what others are wearing. That gives me a huge sense of freedom and comfort. Plus, I get the most comfort every morning when I put on my luxury lingerie, which I now prefer over mass-market brands. If I want to treat myself, a new lingerie set is exactly what I need.
I love this!! Especially “kicking in the door” and “making space at the table”. I love that you take what is traditionally viewed as feminine and use that as a tool to say I am female and I certainly belong here. I am woman, hear me roar!
A pair on WinSocks would be great for me, too.
What kind of reaction does that kind of clothing illicit? How do you react to criticism on your appearance?
Reminds me of the 90s — when people knew "oh: must be a real tech-wizard to come rolling in here with all that ink and that 'not found in nature' hair color".
Even still, I get custom-made clothing to wear to work (we may be required to wear "business casual" but there's nothing in the handbook that says the long-sleeved, button-up shirts can't be eye-gouging patterns and/or colors). Then again, I'm lucky enough to be married to someone who's a very skillful clothier.
In general, more people need to step out from the "safety" of their choice in clothing, homes and cars. This world is far to "beige" and far to "HOA-friendly".
I once got told I couldn't possibly be a developer because of my bright coral lipstick and the fact that I was wearing a romper :(. I wish I was making this up, but it was almost verbatim "You can't possibly be a developer." Me: "uh...why not?" Dude: "Well....look at you!"
I do makeup as a creative outlet and I absolutely love making statements with it. I love a bold lip or some colorful eyes.
Lol, that's cool :)
Haha, really love this. What a perfect way to make a statement. And yes! Women do belong in tech. Too bad there are not more; the best teams I worked on were mixed teams with men and women.
It /is/ a bit disappointing though, that there is no visible support of the aforementioned code dresses. Or - in other words - PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!
(no offence Jenn, just a little josh)
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