Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This research investigated the relationship between professional dress, identity, and workplace dynamics for Black millennial women (ages 27–43) in the United States. Utilizing the frameworks of Intersectionality and Guy and Banim’s (2002) three categories of dress, the researcher explored how these Black millennial women navigated workplaces that often impose Eurocentric beauty standards. The researcher utilized a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 25 self-identified Black millennial women working in both male-dominated and female-dominated workplace environments. Data collection, conducted in 2025, also utilized photo-elicitation and three-day daily outfit diaries to capture the participants' internal thought processes and emotional experiences related to their professional dress. The findings identified three types of professional dress, business casual, smart casual, and casual. These styles were primarily adopted by the participants. Black millennial women skillfully balanced personal expression with professional dress requirements through patterns of conformity, resistance, and empowerment. Participants often use dress as a tool for self-expression, yet they frequently negotiated their appearance—including hair and nails—to manage professional impressions and mitigate stereotypes, such as the “Black angry woman” stereotype. While professional dress has evolved toward casual and "smart casual" styles, organizational culture continues to exert pressure on Black women to conform to unspoken norms to avoid scrutiny. These negotiations took place in both male and female dominated workplaces, participants adapted their professional dress to address varying expectations and power dynamics.

Date

1-16-2026

Committee Chair

Stannard, Casey

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Available for download on Friday, January 12, 2029

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