Dear Flack: The Little Flack Dress

Dear Flack,

Why do publicists always wear black clothing?

Sincerely,

PR Fashion Police

Dear PR Fashion Police,

A couple of years ago at a popular late night talk show, I was sitting in a green room waiting for a client. A member from production walked in and asked me who I was. I stated that I was a publicist and here with my client. The man stared at me, and then exclaimed “But you aren’t wearing black, you can’t be a publicist!”

I looked down at my purple, summery dress (it was 90 degrees that day) and said “I’m not wearing black but I’m definitely in PR.” He gave me another once over and replied “I like that you are wearing something different. Publicists need to wear less black clothing,” and went off on his merry way.

In answer to your question Fashion Police, I’m going to take a wild guess you are referring predominately to the dressing habits of female publicists, so I will try and stick with women’s attire. However, by no means am I giving any free passes to the guys out there.

I completely understand where your question stems from; it’s a common stereotype amongst the PR world. At any trade show, work event, conference, etc. it’s pretty easy to pick out the publicists out of a crowd. Whether they are sporting black suits, black skirts, black blouses – overwhelmingly publicists opt for black as the popular color choice for business clothing.

I will just say that I’m not really a fashion expert, but what it all boils down to is this: everyone looks great in black! It’s one of the most universally flattering colors.

In addition to making you look awesome, some employees are required to abide by their company’s dress policies. So that means in some cases, we don’t got no choice!

I will say that I am biased because more than 90% of my wardrobe is black, but every now and again you will see me put on that purple, summery dress, and evade the “flacks wear black” stereotype.

Readers, what’s your take? Any fashion tips for those of us out there? Or, do you also suffer from the “flacks wear black” syndrome?