Big Tech Worker Dresses Up to Signal Competence

Crystal McDuffy, a 28-year-old marketing manager, believes her polished office attire has helped advance her career.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Crystal McDuffy, a 28-year-old marketing manager at a major tech company in New York, has found that dressing up professionally has helped her career advancement. Despite the generally casual dress code in tech, McDuffy opts for slacks, button-downs, and polished shoes, feeling that this more mature look conveys competence and trustworthiness. She believes her attention to appearance, especially as a Black woman, has contributed to her receiving promotions and positive performance reviews.

Why it matters

McDuffy's experience highlights how appearance and dress can still play a significant role in how professionals, especially women and people of color, are perceived in corporate environments. While tech companies often have more relaxed dress codes, McDuffy feels the need to present a more polished, 'mature' look to be taken seriously and avoid potential biases.

The details

McDuffy started dressing up for her Big Tech internship and job, even though her colleagues typically wear jeans and sneakers. She avoids crop tops, tight dresses, and distressed jeans, believing these looks would not convey the competence she wants to project. McDuffy spends 40-45 minutes on her hair, makeup, and outfit each day, and up to 1.5 hours for special meetings or presentations. She believes this attention to her appearance has contributed to her receiving promotions and positive performance reviews, as it helps her appear more competent and trustworthy to her colleagues and superiors.

  • McDuffy landed a Big Tech internship in 2018 that turned into a full-time job offer.
  • McDuffy started as an associate product marketing manager at the company in September 2019.

The players

Crystal McDuffy

A 28-year-old marketing manager who has worked in Big Tech for over six years and believes dressing professionally has helped advance her career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've found that the way you dress definitely shapes your outcomes.”

— Crystal McDuffy, Marketing Manager

“People at work have commented on my attire, though never as directly as saying, 'You dress well, that's why I promoted you.'”

— Crystal McDuffy, Marketing Manager

The takeaway

McDuffy's experience highlights the continued importance of appearance and dress in corporate culture, especially for women and people of color, who may face higher standards or harsher judgments. While tech companies often have more casual dress codes, McDuffy's story shows how a polished, professional look can still help signal competence and trustworthiness.