What to Wear to the Pentagon

Summary

The article "What to Wear to the Pentagon" by Adelia Ritchie provides a personal narrative on the importance of attire and gender perceptions within military settings, emphasizing the pitfalls of wearing pink as a woman in a male-dominated environment.

Abstract

Adelia Ritchie shares her experiences with professional attire in military contexts, highlighting the significance of color coordination with military branches and the expectations placed on women. She recounts her active participation in meetings and her strategic choice of clothing to assert her authority and femininity, such as wearing a black leather bomber jacket and miniskirt while teaching pilots. However, she warns against the mistake of wearing a pastel pink suit, which led to her being stereotyped and dismissed as merely a woman, regardless of her rank or contributions. The article serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of clothing choices on professional perception, particularly for women in military environments.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of clothing to convey professionalism and authority, tailoring her attire to the specific military branch she was engaging with.
She expresses pride in her ability to speak her mind and actively participate in discussions, challenging the stereotypical roles often assigned to women in military settings.
The author feels that despite her qualifications and rank, wearing a pink suit undermined her professional standing and led to her being treated dismissively.
She suggests that clothing choices, particularly for women, are scrutinized and can significantly influence how one is perceived and treated in a professional military context.
The article conveys a strong opinion against gender bias and the underestimation of women in the military, advocating for respect based on merit rather than appearance.

and NEVER make this mistake!

Official Air Force photo of author boarding F-16 fighter jet, Nellis Air Force Base

Navy whites, Army green, Air Force blue shade 1620. Civilian men in midnight blue starched collars, colorful ties.

I too had a seat at the table Didn’t fetch coffee Never took notes Spoke my mind clearly —

and probably too often. Wore green to Army meetings, dark blue for Navy black suit for Air Force.

Sailed on ships in olive drab jumpsuits in helicopters and jets too with helmet and boots red lipstick and mascara

Black leather bomber jacket, white tee-shirt, black miniskirt, seamed black stockings when teaching pilots at the Naval Postgraduate School

Like Kelly McGillis in “Top Gun.” Feeling female and in charge.

But my new suit from Nordstrom’s pale, pastel, and titty pink,

white silk blouse underneath with sheer hint of cleavage just out of sight. Just out of reach.

Please fetch the donuts bring the coffee take notes sit in the back

Don’t ask questions never offer opinions and ‘your facts don’t count, you’re just a woman.’

No matter what your rank you’ll get shot down if you ever wear pink to the Pentagon.

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