The question about dress codes for interns has sparked an interesting discussion-- no sarcasm intended.  It seems to me that there is a fundamental question about the purpose of the dress code for interns that could be clarified for the original question to be answered.  There are two reasons to standardize dress for floor staff.  The first is to help visitors identify staff-- people to whom they can ask question, or turn to when they need assistance, either trivial or important.  

There is an entirely different set of factors relating to appropriate dress in the workforce.  Everyone does not understand what constitutes appropriate work attire or has different ideas about this.  I'm sure that many of us have had the awkward experience of having to discuss this with staff--   a young staff member not understanding what was too short, too tight or too low cut for the work place,  for instance. 

Mandating a specific dress code provides a solution but it does not help someone learn to calibrate their sense of appropriate dress.  So a uniform will not contribute to a goal of helping someone learn how to navigate the workplace. It does contribute to the goal of helping the visitor navigate the museum.

Ann Mintz
Chester County Historical Society 

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