Women are no longer forced to wear heels to work. Or wear makeup and skirts for that matter. Jane Harper advises on what to do when your boss tells you to wear heels to work.

This came up during a conversation I had last week with my boss, and I was wondering what you’d have to say.

For background: I work for a highly-organized boss who is quite particular about how things should be done. Let’s just say that he has to have a say on every matter.

Last week while discussing why clients take longer than usual to respond he pointed out that presentation is equally important during meetings. I was expecting to be congratulated on my efforts, however, he threw a curveball when he said and I quote: “If you want to be taken seriously and you want to be considered for a partner position, you need to wear heels. You look like a teenager, and you need to start wearing heels if you want to be treated like a grown woman here.”

I remember my jaw dropping, and honestly, I was taken aback by his choice of words. I am short, but I definitely don’t look like a teenager. Not only did my boss shame me on my choice of dressing, but he also associated my performance with it.

Normally, I wear paper bag trousers and turtlenecks to work. In summer, I switch to not too quirky looking dresses. I’ve always been loyal to my flats and moccasins. I don’t see why it’s so important to wear heels at work.

I have been venting to my friends as a means of dealing with it. I want to wear what I’m comfortable in, and I don’t see myself wearing 4-inch heels for eight hours a day. I don’t want to compromise either. I’d like to know what’s your opinion and if I am wrong to stay persistent on this matter.