Q: I started a new job after being unemployed for some time. While I was unemployed, I gained weight and can no longer fit in my work clothes. I can't afford to buy new things right now. I need to catch up on my bills. I did buy new jeans and a pair of dress pants, but nothing else. I was able to stuff myself into a nice suit for the interview, but I can't wear it again and again. I know my co-workers notice I am not changing outfits often. Should I comment on gaining weight during my unemployment and not having enough money yet for new clothes? Everyone dresses nicely here. How important is it for me to keep up with them?

A: How you dress for work is important, not because clothing on its own is important, but because it shows others you recognize the importance of fitting in with your colleagues. If jeans are the standard, wear jeans. If co-workers dress up each day, you should, too. If you can't stay clean and fresh by wearing only the clothes that fit you, you may have to buy a few things before you lose that extra weight. If you are not a savvy bargain shopper, get guidance from friends.

No matter how little money you have, don't wear things that are now obscenely tight or revealing. Companies can't ban certain body types from wearing certain styles, so you must be able to judge how you look each day. Following the company's written dress code isn't enough.

Choosing the right clothing shows you "get it." You are capable of observing others and following what is acceptable. It sounds easy, but it seems like every office has its one employee who dresses inappropriately for work. One reader's co-worker wore a black dress with a see-through fishnet back to the office. Another wore the front buttons of her dress opened to a few inches above her waist, while another wore a short dress that bared all when she bent over to file. A person's inability to judge whether clothing is work-appropriate signals others that this person might display additional unprofessional behavior, as well.

Don't announce to your new co-workers that you can't afford to buy clothes. Your financial affairs should remain private. If someone gives you that judgmental stare, say your wardrobe choices are limited because you've gained weight and buying larger sizes will lower your motivation to diet. Opening up about a common problem such as weight might open the door for camaraderie, which may quickly advance you beyond being the stranger at work.

LAYOFFS BY SENIORITY ANGER AN EMPLOYEE

Q: My former company just had a series of layoffs; after the first two, I saw that people were let go according to hire dates. I was in the third and last group laid off. Those left were the most senior, but definitely not the best workers. Management didn't even consider our performance reviews for the layoff, only our hire dates. Why even have reviews if they are meaningless?

A: Using the seniority system showed the old values of showing loyalty to those who had been loyal to the company. Now of course, corporate decisions are generally based on legality and practicality. If employee performance was considered during a mass layoff, the company might receive many challenges to those decisions. Then it would have to justify why a person with repeated fair to average performance reviews remained employed at all while superior employees were let go. You perhaps had greater insight than management into certain employees' performance levels, a clearly awkward and frustrating situation to experience.

Email Lindsey Novak at [email protected] with all your workplace questions. She answers all emails. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.