Bare bellies deemed too risque

By KATHERINE HOBY and LIBBY MIDDLEBROOK

Principals and employers are clamping down on schoolgirls and female staff baring their midriffs.

Four Auckland schools have forbidden students from exposing their stomachs at school, some saying they should start dressing appropriately.

And Auckland employers are seeking advice on workplace dress standards as the lines between business and street become blurred.

Teen role model singers such as Nelly Furtado and Britney Spears enjoy showing off their midriffs, complete with pierced belly buttons and sparkling chains.

Lippy clothing store manager Leighton Tapuai said midriff tops were good sellers, made popular by models and singers.

"We do follow international trends," she said.

"The midriff is in and a peek of skin is bound to sneak into workplaces while that remains the case."

Green Bay High School has introduced a mufti dress code under which any student showing her midriff is sent home to change. Freshly washed T-shirts are available for those who cannot get home.

"We say no to midriff tops," said principal Lionel Devaliant.

"If I was an adolescent boy I'd find it difficult to cope with a mathematics equation with a half-naked woman sitting next to me."

Mr Devaliant said students initially protested at the new regulations, but now most accepted they needed to dress in appropriate clothing "for work".

He said said male teachers were not allowed to comment on a female student's clothing. They were instructed to inform a female teacher, who would then ask the student to change.

Glenfield College discourages students from baring their stomachs at school or from wearing T-shirts featuring sex slogans.

Principal Warren Seastrand said it was inappropriate for year 13 (seventh form) students to bare too much flesh at school, regardless of fashion.

"Our school policy is that I'm the sole executor of good taste. I would feel uncomfortable because I'm an old man."

Five students at Mt Maunganui College have been sent home for exposing their midriffs. The school's year-13 dress code regulations state that clothing "must be worn so as to not cause embarrassment to themselves and others".

Dress code has become a hot issue in workplaces, too, as employers struggle with what works at work and what should be left in the wardrobe.

"When employers call, we tell them it is entirely horses for courses," Business New Zealand executive director Anne Knowles said.

She said public perception was a vital consideration in workplaces.

"Like it or not, if you do go around showing your midriff you might not be considered professional," she said.

Buddle Findlay partner Peter Chemis was involved in developing a new dress code for the law firm.

The firm decided to move to a "corporate casual" look.

"We want a bit of flexibility and we trust our staff to dress themselves," he said.

"However, they must look professional at all time. If unsure, the question to ask themselves is: would I be comfortable meeting with clients like this? If not, get changed."

Vodafone corporate communications manager Avon Adams said the company had a casual dress code.

"Our chief executive is in open-necked shirts. People wear jeans and yes, people do show some skin," she said.

The dress code reads: "Not everyone likes coming to work in a suit ... You can express yourself at work every day by wearing clothes that are more smart casual.

"However, you are still an ambassador for Vodafone so no Jandals, trackpants, board shorts, sneakers, mid-drifts or party clothes. You should be able to have a meeting with a customer at any time."