My best friend once told me that no one would ever take me seriously as a young female professional if I kept baking cupcakes, wearing make-up, and putting on frilly dresses every day. I don’t like that assumption. I should not have dress or act traditionally masculine to be seen as a man’s peer. I should be viewed as a peer because I am. My tact, talent, and work ethic should be the only factors judged when it comes to the workplace.

I hate this idea that women require a dress code to phase into every different role in life. It’s subtle and insidious yet, ubiquitous. Women need to dress like a man for work, a Victoria Secret model for the bedroom, a nun when going out, and a vamp on a first date. Additionally, my cupcakes are serious! Seriously delicious.