Kayla Baxter, Anna Hennings, and Alice Handley | Excelle.monster.com
We hate to admit it, because we personally feel that clothes shouldn’tmattev. In a perfect world, a person would be judged at their workplace based solely on the caliber of their work. Unfortunately, thats not how the world works. How you choose to dress each morningreflects how you feel about your job -that you take your position seriously, that you are ready to work and that you pay attention to detail and know what you expect to encounter that day. You wouldnt go to a construction site in your favorite four-inch stilettos, right? Of course not, youd go in a hard hat, because its appropriate for the situation. Appearances matter!
Weve all been there, though. The days you wake up feeling sick, but still have to make it into the office, so you throw on any old thing thats (kind of) clean. The office where you never see anyone but your hated boss and your frumpy coworkers. The jobs you work from home in your pajamas and no makeup. Regardless of the excuses, there are some things that professionals should just never wear. Ever.
Well show you what these things are, why theyre a terrible wardrobe choice and if youre guilty of having one in your closet – or (gasp!) in your daily rotation -well give you a much better alternative.
Crocs
Why not?
Crocs are for the beach. For small children. For working in the garage or around the house. We realize they have cool antibacterial and slip-resistant properties going for them, but even their website admits that Crocs were originally “intended as a boating/outdoor shoe.” Face it, Crocs are not for the office.
Try me instead:
If you absolutely cannot let go of the Crocs name and comfortable-shoe concept, give YOU by Crocs a go, the brands “high fashion” line that still incorporates the “croslite technology” – which means its odor resistant and anti-microbial – and that has extra padding right where you need it most: The ball of your foot and your heel.
Uggs
Why not?
Uggs are just glorified slippers. And what are slippers? They are part of your pajamas. And do professionals wear pajamas to the office? No, they do not. No matter how cold it is outside, or how sick or hungover you feel, dont come traipsing into the office wearing Uggs. And dont even think about showing them off by tucking your jeans into them – or worse – pairing them with a (denim) mini skirt. Youre a professional.
Try me instead:
Want boots? Give leather boots a go. They dont even have to be heeled. Not only are flat boots much more comfortable, but theyre in style and classic – so theyll last you more than one fashion cycle – and they transcend seasons: Wear them with tights or bare legs, with dresses, skirts or with pants!
Fanny Packs
Why not?
The fanny pack went out of style way back in the 80s, taking side ponytails and neon brights along with them. Sporting a fanny pack in a professional environment shows you have no idea whats in fashion – whether you consider yourself style savvy or not – while also giving your look a big case of the casuals. Youre not on vacation in 1983, so lose that vinyl fanny pack!
Try me instead:
Just about any handbag clutch, satchel, tote, even a briefcase, will do the exact same thing as a fanny pack: Hold your essentials.
Scrunchies
Why not?
Because scrunchies went out of fashion at the same time fanny packs did. Wearing one only emphasizes your need for a makeover, not a raise. Bows, or ribbons tied into bows, also fall into this particular dont. Ribbons in your hair are appropriate for the seventh grade cheerleading squad and other teenage displays of team unity. Not. Professional.
Try me instead:
Theres nothing a scrunchie can do that an ouchless hair elastic band cant. Other options for pulling your hair back? Bobby pins, clips, headbands, hair scarves -even a hat, if your workplace is business casual enough.
Sweatshirts and Sweatpants
Why not?
Save your sweats for the gym, for a night spent vegging on the couch or for sleeping. They dont want to go work, so please dont bring them in!
Plainly put: Sweatpants and sweatshirts are much too casual to be professional, and they scream, “Im lazy! Please fire me!” Even people who work at fitness centers dont wear sweats to work, so you shouldnt either.
Try me instead:
Dying to be as comfortable as possible? Try a worn-in pair of cotton chino slacks with a simple, but still classy, white fitted tee. Need something to keep you warm on top? A monotone cotton or cashmere cardigan will feel great and look good.
Footless Leggings and Spandex/Yoga Pants
Why not?
Leggings and spandex pants are in the perfect shape for your next yoga or Pilates class, not for your upcoming presentation — or even a conference call. Yes, even a call. No one can see what youre wearing over the phone, but thats our point: Theyre never appropriate for the office, not as a layer under a skirt and especially not worn alone as pants.
Whats worse? Extremely bold-hued leggings, leggings with zipped hems or the worst — a combination of the two.
Try me instead:
Tights – both opaque and sheer – are perfectly acceptable for the office and provide the same coverage as leggings but with a polished look.
Leather Pants
Why not?
Leather pants are perfectly career-appropriate if youre auditioning for Rock of Love, and thats about it. It should go without saying (but well still say it) that you should never go to work dressed like youre about to do some tequila shots with the band unless your job somehow involves doing tequila shots with the band.
Try me instead:
If youre looking for a little edge in your work wardrobe, try a perfectly severe black blazer, skinny black pants, or a purse with a serious amount of hardware.
Velour/Juicy Tracksuits
Why not?
They may seem like theyre fancy, but a big price tag does not a sophisticated garment make. Velour, sadly, is just not a workplace-approved fabric. Doesnt it just scream out “a trip to the mall” to you? Well, thats what its saying to your coworkers and, more importantly, your boss. This goes double for embellished tracksuits.
Try me instead:
Like our advice for people who want to wear their sweatpants, here were going to suggest your comfiest khakis or softest cotton skirt. On top, a fluffy and oh-so-soft sweater can keep you just as happy as a hoodie.
Message Tees
Why not?
It may be cute or funny or so totally true to you, but you never know how other people are going to react. You might be an Italian Princess or The Worlds Greatest Mom, but those honorable titles are best kept for your weekend wear.
Try me instead:
Wearing a plain t-shirt and saving your little jokes, observations and rants for email or IM. Keep it clean!
Showing Too Much Skin
Why not?
You can bring your midriff to work, just dont show it. You should be covered from just below the collar bone to just above the knee … give or take a few inches, depending on your job, industry and work culture. And it goes without saying that nobody should see your underwear. Regardless of your body type, too tight is too trashy for the office. Work is not the place to be showing off your stellar abs or your signs of cellulite.
Try me instead:
No matter what, youll always look better in clothes that really fit. And think of how alluring youll feel after hours if you save your revealing looks for then!
Heavy – or no – Makeup
Why not?
We hate to say it, but it is a fact that women who wear makeup in business generally get better jobs, get promoted more quickly and get paid more. Whether we like it or not, we live in a very visual world and we get judged on appearances. In fact, in a survey, 64% of directors said that women who wore make-up look more professional and 18% of directors said that women who do not wear makeup “look like they cant be bothered to make an effort.” (Times Online UK)
Overall, remember the way that you dress is the packaging of your personal brand; whether you like it or not, you will be judged on your appearance.
Try me instead:
If you really hate the idea of makeup, try using just one product, especially lipstick. Lipstick can make a big impact and give the appearance that youre wearing more. Just make sure you bring a trusted friend or enlist the help of a makeup counter expert before picking a shade if you dont have much experience. If you have more than 10 items in your daily beauty regimen, you should probably pare down. Try out using only mascara, powder or a light foundation, and blush. Youll be surprised at the results!
What You Wore Yesterday
Why not?
Wearing the same thing the next day says a little too much about your personal life and might make people wonder exactly why you didnt make it home last night, A fight? A one night stand? An affair? Gossip will fly. Youll look anything but refreshed and ready to take on the day It makes you look tired, exhausted and begging to go home. Dont make anyone question your preparedness or qualifications (or morals!), especiallyin this economy.
Try me instead:
If you cant make it home, dont come to work the next day wearing exactly the same thing you wore the day before. Either stop at a nearby store and buy something new to wear (even if its just a shirt) or ask a confidante at the office to lend you something.
Sequins
Why not?
There is a right way and a wrong way, to wear sequins. As a small adornment on a solid-colored blouse with clean lines (i.e. not much else going on), sequins can be an appropriate accessory. But much more than that can lead you to straight into fashion victim territory. Wearing sequins can make you feel like a star – but overdoing it at the office can make you look cheap, out of touch and, at worst, unprofessional. Let your hard work and intelligence shine more than your clothes! Rule of thumb: Never wear more sequins in one outfit than can fit onto half a standard piece of paper (8.5” x 11”). Try notto wear more sequins than fit onto a postcard.
Try me instead:
Let your accessories do the talking. Wear your bling on a watch, earrings or statement necklace instead of on your shirt.
Flip-Flop Sandals
Why not?
Flip-flops are perfectly acceptable for the beach, hanging out at the park, walking your dog… all being weekend activities that require weekend attire. Not the office, unless your office is a beach (if it is, were sooooo jealous!). Think about it from the other persons perspective: Do you really want to see your coworkers toes? We didnt think so.
Try me instead:
A dressy sandal or open-toed shoe has the same breezy quality without the dangerously casual factor. For men, casual loafers will never let your feet be as free as they once were, but its time to let go of your college look. Try boat shoes in a neutral color – they look dressy, but are extremely comfortable.
Piling On The Jewelry
Why not?
We like it when people make an effort with jewelry, but loud, clinking bracelets can be a little on the distracting and irritating side. Just ask the people who have to sit next to you all day! Clink Clink Clink It’s enough to drive someone crazy And if youre wearing so many necklaces that someone mistakes you for Mr. T, you only have yourself to blame.
Try me instead:
Instead of piling on numerous bracelets, try one big chunky bracelet. Its a great way to make a statement without making a racket.
Sports Jerseys
Why not?
When March madness is in full swing, it may be tempting to live in your favorite teams jersey and paint your face. However, we all know the boss is going to be more interested in how much time youre spending online checking the scores instead of doing your job, so do yourself a favor and leave the jersey at home.
Try me instead:
Get a pin with your teams logo to wear on your lapel, or coordinate your shirt and tie with your teams colors. Or just save the superfan action for after work.
Hats
Why not?
Baseball caps, beanies, berets, newsboy caps – all great fashion statements, but not at the office. Unless you work outdoors and need to shield your face from the sun or stay warm, hats are going to give the impression that youre shifty and untrustworthy because youre hiding your eyes and face.
Try me instead:
Hats usually are worn to cover up a bad hair day. Theres a miracle product called dry shampoo; you spray it in and it looks like you showered. Look into it!
Long Fingernails
Why not?
Although some may like their nails long, there is definitely a limit to how far you can go in a professional environment. Nails should never impede your ability to accomplish tasks and really should never be so long that dirt can collect underneath them – it sends the message that you just dont care about your appearance. If you do choose to keep long(ish) nails, make absolutely certain they are very well kept.
Try me instead:
A manicure (for men, especially!) at home, if youre on a tight budget.
Wallet Chain
Why not?
Wallet chains work on middle-school miscreants defacing school property. Is that how you want to look at work? Additionally, wallet chains can be noisy and distracting when you sit, stand, walk or just move in general, and they make it seem like youre too scatterbrained to hold on to your most valued possession.
Try me instead:
If you cant hang on to your wallet no matter how hard you try, you should be putting it in a zippered pants or jacket pocket.
Glitter
Why not?
Besides the fact that glitter gets everywhere, it has all the same problems
as sequins but with twice the mess. You may be a shining star, but glitter doesnt
emphazise that, no matter what your 13-year-old niece tells you.
Try me instead:
A shimmery eyeshadow in a complementary color will bring that dazzle youre looking for — without the mess.
Sunglasses Inside
Why not?
We know all the cool kids are doing it, but that doesnt make it okay. You may be trying to show everyone how hip you are, but what youre really doing is making them wonder how bad your hangover is.
Try me instead:
If you do have a hangover, a little preparation goes a long way. Take some aspirin, drink some coffee and make sure you shower before work. Sunglasses arent going to hide your shame.
All-Over Animal Print
Why not?
Animal print almost always comes back in style, so purchasing a leopard or zebra print piece isnt a terrible idea. However, its when you overdo this trend that the horror begins. If you keep it simple, your office will think youre edgy — which is what you want. But take it over the top, and theyll think you were up to something a little bit shady last night.
Try me instead:
A little bit of animal print goes a long way. If you do choose to wear a piece with this print, make sure its only one item of your outfit. Only shoes, or only your bag etc.
Short Shorts
Why not?
To be fair, this is another one of those trends that can be stylish at the office if worn the correct way. Shorts that reveal most or all of your thighs is definitely the wrong way.
Try me instead:
Look for something called a “city short.” They fall just below the knee and when paired with a smart blazer and heels, can transition easily from the boardroom to the beach.