How do I respectfully and professionally approach my receptionist about her overly conservative style of dress?

They don't generally hire receptionists for their 'talents,' but for their appearance. It's one thing if she's dressing like an OAP, and another if she's actually being rude to clients. You can not do much about the former, but you can do much about the latter, which is grounds for sacking, if it's true. Some people, namely some men, will complain about female staff simply because they don't flirt with them.

To get her to change her style of dress? Put it as a compliment. Tell her that she's so young, and ask why she dresses in clothes meant for much older women? Ask her would she feel uncomfortable wearing more stylish clothes? This is not anything that could get you into trouble as long as you don't use words like 'sexy'.

It could be religion, it could be self esteem issues, it could be lots of things, but its not grounds for sacking her

Respectfully?

Not possible. You can criticize the way she dresses, but that would be throwing respect out the window. What is "age appropriate" when it comes to the workplace, anyway? Is it a professional requirement for younger women to bear more skin than older women?

If the complaints about her being cold are legitimate and negatively affect her work, then a supervisor or manager can address her about that. Whether or not her being cold actually reflects poorly on the workplace, we can't decipher that just going by what you've said.

Unless she is breaking dress code, dressing sloppily, is unhygienic or is unable to perform her job, I don't think it would be appropriate for you to bring it up. She will probably view it as her boss is asking her to wear lower cut blouses and pants. There is a good chance that she is a modest person, either for religious purposes or personal reasons.

I had a male boss once ask me to wear more make up, high heels and wear more dresses like I "would in high school". I am a 25 year old professional who dressed nicely, cleanly and appropriately everyday and took high offence to his commenting on my personal style.

In a professional setting, "appropriate" dress is the same for all ages. An adult is an adult, 25 or 60. And when there's disagreement, modesty wins.

Well, atleast she does not dress like a slu. at your work. Maybe, she dresses conservative because she wants to. Or, maybe she is real religous. I have a cousin in law, that always wears long skirts and her hair is always back. She is real religous. I would rather see someone dressed like a conservative 60 year old. Instead of some girl with a short skirt with half her but showing.

You can address her about the complaints of her being cold, you cannot do anything about the dress though. There could be very valid reasons she is doing this, including religious or even hiding something (e.g. burns), it could get uncomfortable and out of line fast.

Are you serious ..... You should be happy that she has enough self respect to cover up. Most people that age don't leave anything to imagination. Also maybe she has tattoos or its apart of her Religion or belief...whatever the reason leave her alone before she files a complaint against you. Unless your going to give her a big clothing allowance.

If she chooses NOT to display anything by being EXTREMELY conservative, that is her right as long as she does not violate any part of the dress code.

Be very careful, as she may be dressing conservatively because of her religious beliefs and any attempt to change that could be seen as discriminatory, particularly since you seem to be her boss.

boy that appears to have raised some emotions good job but you solution is obvious and ez without prejidice or scepticism initiate a given day for causual dress i welcome you (in advance) comment to everyone on their personal choice until your intent/desire is achieved