I've wondered about this before.
I concluded that it's because the people who formulate and enforce dress codes are lazy. It's easy to define business wear for a man - suit, shirt, tie, shoes - but business wear for women is a bit more difficult. Consequently they don't bother.

At least it's marginally better than the frighteningly nebulous "business casual" that our HR wonks insist on. When I asked what this was, exactly, they suggested that if in doubt I should err on the side of smartness.

I turned up on day one of the new regime in full morning dress, but was reprimanded because my top hat contravened the rules on things protruding over the top of the cubicles.
(richardm, Thu 19 Feb 2009, 15:08, Reply)