Ankle chains? Those are for hookers. The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street is giving out wardrobe advice now. From WWD:

The Bank of England may be grappling with the plummeting pound, falling interest rates and the worst financial crisis to hit Britain since the Depression, but somehow it’s found the time to instruct female employees on how to dress. According to a memo leaked to WWD from the bank’s Dress for Success Day, which took place earlier this week, the BOE has some very clear ideas about the look its employees should be working in these critical times. “Look professional, not fashionable; be careful with perfume; always wear a heel of some sort — maximum 2 inches; always wear some sort of makeup — even if it’s just lipstick.” Shoes and skirt must be the same color. No-no’s include ankle chains — “professional, but not the one you want to be associated with;” white high heels; overstuffed handbags; an overload of rings, and double-pierced ears. It sounds as if women at the BOE could be in need of a rescue package.

At least they’re not mandating polo shirts and khakis, even though they’re definitely emphasizing the banal in business casual. Where’s the dress code for the men? For example, Mervyn King’s tie, here, is excessively wide and not befitting a man of his stature.

(h/t to Kala for the heads up)