Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s advice: avoid shiny-finish stockings

Dressing up down under

An attempt by local lender Commonwealth Bank of Australia to get its staff to smarten up backfired when employees took offence at recommendations contained in the bank’s “grooming handbook”.

The draconian dress guidelines for customer-facing staff included advice on jewellery – woman should wear a maximum of two rings on each hand and their earrings shouldn’t be bigger than a 10-cent piece. Female workers were also advised that “flesh-coloured, smooth-finish T-shirt bras will give you the best, most discreet look” and that they should avoid shiny-finish stockings – “they make your legs look larger”.