Shall I have a quiet word with her?

Q

One of my colleagues often wears the same shirt two or three days in a row. I haven’t noticed that she smells, but it really isn’t that hygienic. It has been noticed by others in the office and I like her, so I don’t want her to be talked about. Should I say something to her? Jeanie, Lincoln

A

Just take a moment and see if you can think of another reason she may be wearing the same outfit? As many people do, she might really like a particular style, and have more than one garment in the same style and colour. People do that with shoes all the time and we don’t seem to notice or care.

What someone wears is their business. If this isn’t causing a problem for anyone besides sparking a bit of gossipy speculation, I would try to nip it in the bud. The way to make life easier for her is to stop the talking rather than asking her to change her wardrobe.