Dress code says ties only? Got it.

A few years back, I worked at a small insurance firm with a bizarrely strict dress code: button-downs, slacks, polished shoes, and most weirdly, ties were mandatory for all men. No exceptions.

I once got sent home for wearing a dark polo under a sweater because “it didn’t have a collar and tie.” Never mind that I was in a cubicle with no client contact.

So, for a whole week, I decided to maliciously comply. Every day I wore a tie… and nothing else that matched. Bright orange T-shirt? Tie. Hoodie? Tie. Hawaiian shirt? Tie.

I made sure it was technically compliant, but I looked ridiculous. The kicker? HR said they couldn’t enforce a "style" policy, only a dress code.

Suddenly, a new memo went out: "Professional dress is expected; ties are no longer mandatory."

You’re welcome, fellas.