Fashion Leads by a Nose

"It was a great thing to put on the cover of the magazine to say, these are the new federal workers. These are the people who are going to be managing the government in the future," Laurent said. "She personifies the new generation. To us, it was very uplifting."

As the younger generation trudges into the workforce with the boomers, of course there will be some battles over piercings. But for most 20-somethings, tattoos and piercings are as common as brown socks.

Veronica Hinton, 33, who works in human resources for the government, was thrilled by the magazine cover. Could her traditional workforce really be ready for something so progressive? "I was just curious that as more people enter the federal workforce, not only would it become more accepted, but would it change the culture so it's not even an issue?"

The issue isn't just a fiery one in the government realm. Scott A. Fisher, with the law firm Fowler White Boggs Banker, has recently counseled corporate clients about creating policies that outline appropriate dress at work, including piercings, tattoos and other body art. Many of these conservative clients, such as banks, say they want to "portray a professional image" to clients, and that can't happen if someone has a diamond stud in his or her nose.

"The general belief is these new type of piercings may offend or make people feel uncomfortable. The biggest point is from customer service and public image," Fisher said. "It goes back to the traditional coat-and-tie attitude."

Asked what it is about the nose ring that is so offensive, Fisher paused. And chuckled. There just isn't a great answer.

This is different than the issue of clothing. First, inappropriate dress can create an almost hostile environment, where indecency and sexual innuendo enter the workplace. The nose stud? It's a simple question of preference.

However, the nose stud decision is something to be wrestled with.

Nick Macri, a recruiter with Strategic Analysis, a defense and national security placement firm, said he was recently taken aback when a woman showed up for an interview with a small nose stud. "It didn't seem like it would be appropriate to wear for a conservative, government client," he said. She ended up getting the job.

"A nose ring doesn't mean you're not going to be put together, but it just doesn't seem appropriate, especially for a conservative client," said Macri, 36. And, he added, as far as styles go, the government "is among the last" to adopt any new trends.

But is that the way it should be? Shouldn't the government -- and other employers -- be willing (or downright smart) to welcome young, creative types?

"At the end of day, I hire these people myself and I think they're fabulous," Laurent said, of nose-bejeweled workers. "They challenge things in different ways than my generation challenged them. And they're just a fabulous, new, innovative, interesting, intriguing energy. Take them for what they bring."

Even if their appearance raises a few pierce-free eyebrows.