Make today a pajama day

Author/Byline: Michelle Durand

Today, I might just wear my pajamas to work. Consider the unique wardrobe choice in honor of Michael Jackson. I never thought I'd cull fashion tips from a man with a penchant for sequined socks and a prosthetic nose, but, hey, I'm open-minded. Besides, if Jackson can brazenly avoid reprimand for wearing pajama bottoms to a court of law, why shouldn't I be allowed the same privilege?

In fact, why don't all workers who aren't obliged to wear a uniform begin tossing fashion for functional, respectable for relaxing? Despite my own silly attachment to too high heels and clothes that require much too much time in front of an ironing board, I might just be at my happiest in a T-shirt and my pajama bottoms. No waistline to tug at, no cuffs to starch, no wondering how long my toes can survive squished in a pair of pointy shoes.

Using the philosophy of the California dairy industry, if great cheese comes from happy cows, won't great products or results come from happy workers? And happy workers will be those wearing oversized pajama pants. Think of it as telecommuting in reverse. Instead of bringing the office to home, we are bringing home to the office.

A few weeks ago, I greatly improved my commute to work by wearing comfortable slippers while driving. Much like the stereotypical city commuter speed walking in tennis shoes with their suits until the minute they get behind a desk, I hold off sliding my feet into something presentable until I park my car near work. I get to hold onto the relaxed feeling of morning that much longer and have cut down on how many bandages my blister-prone feet require in any given week. That small wardrobe change alone has made me less likely to succumb to road rage and — at least I'd like to think — leaves me less cranky before I even officially start my daily stint as a responsible employee. It makes me wonder how much more mellow I'd be if I could just roll out of bed, adjust my pajamas, brush my hair and go.

I'm sure the real reason Michael Jackson donned his interesting attire to court last week is to ensure he could focus on his defense against child molestation charges without the concern of uncomfortable pants. The man already has to contend with making sure his makeup stays intact through hours of testimony and that the men hired to hold his umbrella properly shield his skin from the sun. Oh, and the pesky possibility of decades behind bars. The man has a lot on his mind, obviously. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by constraining clothing.

In fact, maybe his previous wardrobe choices are what actually caused the reported back injury that made him late to his Thursday court appearance. Have you ever tried to dance on top of an SUV in inappropriate clothing? Me neither, but I know if I ever have the urge to do so it is not going to be in a business suit.

So yes, I might wear my pajamas to work today. And, if my bosses dare ask me why I am sporting a pair of red flannel pants dotted with stars and dots, I will look them squarely in the eye and explain that I'm really doing it for the betterment of the company. If they don't like it they are free to send me home for the day. At least I won't have to bother changing out of my work clothes when I get there.

Michelle Durand's column "Off the Beat" runs every Monday and Thursday. She can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this column? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.