One of the few good things left about working in journalism is the right to dress casually in the office. If a reporter knows they're going to be sitting behind a desk all day, making phone calls and typing stories, there's no reason they shouldn't be able to wear some god damn jeans. It's not like journalists—especially at newspapers—are getting paid a lot, or have job security or good remaining pension plans or a business in which layoffs are not forever imminent. Dressing down is really the only thing they can cling to when they ask themselves why they didn't go to law school. But not at the LA Daily News! After the jump, read the paper's new dress code that is a stake in the heart of every reporter who rationalized that, hey, at least my job is a good place to show off these designer jeans:

* Managers and professional employees should dress for business daily; never jeans or tennis shoes. If unsure, recall how you dressed when you interviewed for your position. * Casual Friday is an option. Business casual always presents a good appearance, never jeans, running shoes, T-shirts, flip-flops or beachwear. * Business casual is a good choice for evening work in all departments outside of production. * Clothing should be clean, unwrinkled and in good repair. * Denim including designer jeans is never appropriate for the workplace.

[via LA Observed]