‘Don’t be a plain Jane’: Federal agency gives fashion tips to employees

Men and women at the Defense Intelligence Agency were given some odd fashion tips about making themselves more attractive around the office.

The presentation told employees that “makeup makes you more attractive,” “don’t be a plain Jane,” a sweater with a skirt is better than a sweater with slacks,” “no flats,” “paint your nails, “don’t be afraid of color” and “brunettes have more leeway with vibrant colors than blondes or redheads,” U.S. News reports.

The presentation was undeniably aimed toward women, though men were also in attendance.

“I’m not going to deny that it exists, and it was bad. It was inappropriate for sure,” Susan Strednansky, public affairs officer at DIA, told U.S. News. “Neither the agency nor the leadership has condoned anything that was in that briefing.”

“It was an informal event that an employee put together, a briefing on How to Dress for Success,” she added.

The presentation comes as a surprise, seeing that less than two weeks ago Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta announced that women now will be able to serve in combat units.

Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, DIA director, also wrote a letter to his staff to apologize for the “highly offensive” style advice, The Daily Mail reports.