What Not to Wear: Kennedy Edition - Kennedy Saves the World

Summary

Episode Summary: "What Not to Wear: Kennedy Edition"

Released on July 10, 2025 by Fox News Podcasts

Introduction

In this episode of "Kennedy Saves the World", host Kennedy delves into the evolving landscape of corporate dress codes, addressing the tension between personal comfort and professional appearance. With her characteristic wit and unwavering stance, Kennedy critiques the current "corporate casual" trend and its broader implications on workplace culture and societal norms.

1. The Evolution of Corporate Casual

Kennedy opens the discussion by juxtaposing her personal preference for comfortable attire against the rigid expectations of corporate environments. She humorously references the iconic look of John Fetterman to illustrate her desired work attire:

“If I had my druthers here at Fox News, I would be wearing silk pajamas and Lululemon shorts and super comfy cozy hoodies to work and I'd look like John Fetterman. But it would look like hot garbage on TV…”
— Kennedy [00:00]

She emphasizes the clash between comfort and the polished image traditionally associated with corporate settings, highlighting a generational shift where younger employees seek more freedom in their wardrobe choices.

2. Generational Differences and Workplace Dynamics

Kennedy discusses the challenges faced by modern workplaces as younger generations, including Gen Xers, push back against conventional dress codes. She points out the reluctance of leadership to enforce traditional standards:

“You have younger workers who want to dress however they want to dress and you've got bosses who are scared of saying no.”
— Kennedy [02:15]

This dynamic, she argues, extends beyond attire, affecting the overall professionalism and trust within corporate hierarchies. Kennedy warns against the trend of bosses wanting to be friends with their employees, suggesting it undermines authoritative structures necessary for a productive work environment.

3. The "Corporate Casual Virus"

Referencing Callum Borchers from The Wall Street Journal, Kennedy labels the relaxation of dress codes as a "corporate casual virus" that's permeating numerous workplaces:

“…there's this new corporate casual virus that has infested so many workplaces where people think they can wear spandex and corporate crop tops.”
— Kennedy [04:30]

She criticizes specific examples showcased on Fox News, such as a woman wearing a headband that barely covers her chest, arguing that superficial fixes like high-waisted pants do not justify overly revealing tops. Kennedy contends that maintaining appropriate attire is essential for upholding professional standards and fostering trust with clients and colleagues.

4. The Impact of Appearance on Professionalism and Trust

Kennedy asserts that the way individuals present themselves in the workplace directly influences how they are perceived in terms of reliability and competence:

“If you present yourself too casually it just screams to people I don't care, I don't care how I look and I don't care what you think of how I look.”
— Kennedy [06:45]

She elaborates that a lack of attention to personal appearance can alienate clients and hinder professional relationships, ultimately affecting business success. Kennedy highlights the importance of dressing appropriately to signal commitment and seriousness about one's role and responsibilities.

5. Cultural Comparisons and Global Perspectives

Drawing comparisons with corporate cultures in other countries, Kennedy underscores the importance of distinct dress codes in maintaining professional environments:

“If you go into a corporate workplace in any other country where they take the work life seriously, like, I don't know, Germany or Japan, ... people have accessorized. People brush their hair. Dudes don't walk around barefoot.”
— Kennedy [08:20]

She suggests that adopting similar standards in the United States could enhance workplace professionalism and employee pride, leading to a more cohesive and efficient corporate culture.

6. Solutions and Recommendations

Kennedy offers practical advice for individuals and organizations aiming to balance comfort with professionalism:

Personal Investment: Encourage employees to invest in their appearance as a reflection of their dedication to their roles.

“If they are paying you money, if they are investing in you, then you should be investing in yourself.”
— Kennedy [09:50]
Affordable Fashion: Highlight the accessibility of stylish and professional clothing, especially with events like Amazon Prime Day offering affordable options.
Maintaining Standards: Advocate for clear dress codes that align with the company's values and industry expectations, ensuring that professionalism is upheld without stifling individual expression.

Conclusion

Kennedy wraps up the episode by reiterating the critical role that appropriate attire plays in professional success and personal accountability. She challenges listeners to reconsider their approach to workplace fashion, advocating for a return to standards that reflect respect for oneself and one's profession.

“Put a better foot forward. ... It's not. [sic] If you care so little about how you look at work, is that how you dress when you go out on a date...”
— Kennedy [11:35]

Through this candid exploration of corporate dress norms, Kennedy encourages a balanced perspective that values both comfort and professionalism, ultimately aiming to foster environments where employees can thrive while maintaining the integrity of their roles.

Notable Highlights:

Kennedy on Corporate Casual:
“There's this new corporate casual virus that has infested so many workplaces...” — Kennedy [04:30]
On Professionalism and Trust:
“If you present yourself too casually it just screams to people I don't care...” — Kennedy [06:45]
Investment in Self:
“If they are paying you money, if they are investing in you, then you should be investing in yourself.” — Kennedy [09:50]

Additional Resources:

Callum Borchers' Article on Corporate Casual: Referenced from The Wall Street Journal for further reading on the topic.
Fox News Segment "Outnumbered": Showcased an example of inappropriate attire in professional settings.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of fashion, professionalism, and cultural shifts within the workplace. Kennedy's passionate discourse invites listeners to reflect on their own professional attire choices and consider their broader implications on career and societal standards.

Transcript

Kennedy (0:00)

Foreign hello and welcome to this episode of Kennedy Saves the World. So if, if I had my druthers here at Fox News, I would be wearing silk pajamas and pry Lululemon shorts and super comfy cozy hoodies to work and I'd look like John Fetterman. But it would look like hot garbage on TV because it's ordinary and gross, even though it feels really, really good. I'm talking about corporate style and the lack thereof because we're at an interesting crossroads where you have a younger generation of workers and it's not just younger people. There are a lot of Gen Xers who want to push their boobies together and give it, you know, one last go at the Alamo while they've still got some deliciously floating fun bags. That should not be the norm in a corporate environment. So you have younger workers who want to dress however they want to dress and you've got bosses who are scared of saying no. And that's not only the problem in workplaces, that is the problem in society because you have a group of parents who want to be their kids friends. You also have bosses where that also translates where they want to be the younger workers friends. And that should not necessarily be the case. Someone has to step up and be an adult. And that starts from the top down because you know, as Callum Borchers writes in the Wall Street Journal, there's this new corporate casual virus that has inf so many workplaces where people think they can wear spandex and corporate crop tops. And, and there was one we were showing on Outnumbered earlier on Fox News Channel, a woman. It wasn't a crop top, it was a headband that was barely covering her teats. And just because you are wearing a high waisted pant or skirt, it doesn't mean you can wear a crop top. Now if you, if you are working at a bar on the weekend and they have more relaxed requirements, that's fine. But why do people feel that they are entitled to where to work, what they would to an all inclusive resort. It's, you have to have some standards if you are going to be successful and if you are in a different context then you will have a different set of requirements for, for how you comport yourself, how you present yourself. And if you present yourself too casually it just screams to people I don't care, I don't care how I look and I don't care what you think of how I look. And it's off putting and it makes people feel like they can't trust you. And if you are selling them something, it makes them not want to buy it from you if you don't take yourself and your work seriously. And my biggest problem with this super casual moment that we are going through in corporate America is the lack of style. You know, you, you don't look put together when you look like a stripper or a slob. And it's not just women, you know, it's like guys showing up to work in shorts. It's like, I don't want to see your calves and I certainly don't, I don't want to see man feet. I don't want to see you in flip flops. I don't want to see you in man sandals. I don't want to see your toes. I don't want to see toe fungus. I don't want to see calluses or bunions. It is so, so off putting when people can't take an honest look in the mirror. And you know, part of it stems from this idea of gentle parenting and self esteem curriculum where everyone is, you are amazing. You are so special. You are the best one. Well, guess what? When you are told that you stop trying, when you think that, you know, every fart you make in the world is, you know, a bouquet of rose blossoms, it is not. If you look like a slob and you don't realize it, then we have to bring back bullying. Don't go anywhere more. Kennedy Saves the World right after this. I'm Janice Dean. Join me every Sunday as I focus on stories of hope and people who are truly rays of sunshine in their community and across the world. Listen and follow now@foxnewspodcast.com I don't necessarily want to bring back bullying, but that is where the issue will be forced. If people no longer care how they look or how they're dressed because, you know, you, it, it starts with that and then what are you going to do? Have glass cubicles with the toilet inside instead of a restroom with solid stalls so everyone has to see a tinkle and go poopy? I don't want to see that. No one wants to see that. Also, no one wants to see your calves. No one wants to see the dudes with their socks pulled up halfway up their. They're less impressive calves. I don't know why is it that some men have really, really small calves? I'm not going to judge about that. Although maybe you should worry a little bit more about hitting the gym because, you know, we're told that everyone is so vain. But why can't that vanity lend itself to what you wear when you go to work? So please, for the love of your job, and you should be invested in. In your job. If they are paying you money, if they are investing in you, then you should be investing in yourself. And there has never been an easier time in the history of fashion and clothing to dress well, inexpensively. I mean, for God's sake, we have two more days of Amazon Prime Day. There are so many inexpensive dresses and trousers and belts and shoes that you can get for practically nothing that will complete an outfit and make you look like you put at least a little bit of thought into it. Because if you care so little about how you look at work, is that how you dress when you go out on a date and, you know, it's like you have a bunch of people running around like slobs going, oh, yeah, the dating pool is. This is just not what it used to be. And it's like, well, maybe if you put a little work into it and you looked good, you would get a promotion and then you would be happy. So when you go on a date, you would also put a little bit of work into that and you would have something to talk about, because work is exciting, because you're moving on up, because you actually gave a crap about what you had on your body and didn't feel entitled to act like every day was a beach day. Because you were raised to think that your casual self is the very best one. It's not. Put a better foot forward. And also, if. If you go into a corporate workplace in any other country where they take the work life seriously, like, I don't know, Germany or Japan, and don't go to a park on a sunny day in Germany because you will see a lot of naked bratwurst. And it is very unsettling because there's something very odd about Germans where as soon as the sun comes out, they feel that they have to get. That may be the case. Don't judge them on that. Do judge them on that. But, you know, you don't necessarily have to replicate it. But when you go into other workplaces in other parts of the world, people have accessorized. People brush their hair. Dudes don't walk around barefoot. And I don't know when we got that idea that we're so desperate for workers in this country that we will let them do absolutely anything and wear whatever they want with the lowest standard for fear that they will abandon their paycheck. They won't. And maybe hire fewer people, pay them more money and demand that they look sharp, that they dress beautifully, because when they do, they will take pride in their work and that sort of rising tide will lift all boats. And not the kind of flotation devices that people are showing off with deep cut tops to show off the cleavage. Save the cleavage for your strip club audition when you get fired because you have such low standards for yourself. This has been Kennedy Saves the World, saving you from your bad fashion choices. I'm Kennedy. Listen ad free with a Fox News Podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Prime. Members can listen to this show ad free on the Amazon Music app. Oh, go ahead and leave me a review while you're there. I'd love to hear what you have to say. You've been listening to Kennedy Saves the World on the Fox News Podcast Network. This is Jason Chaffetz from the Jason in the House podcast. Join me every Monday to dive deeper into the latest political headlines and chat with remarkable guests. Listen and follow now@foxnewspodcast.com or wherever you download podcasts.