Career-Killing Wardrobe Disasters – Are You Guilty? What you wear to work depends on your industry, company, geographic region and the activities you have planned for the day. Most image consultants and corporate executives agree that there are basic standards that everyone should follow.
Here is a list of 15 “looks” that are never a good idea in the office…
Too Little
Peek-a-boo-I-see-you is not okay in the office. Over-revealing examples?
- Don’t bare too much. Breasts, back and arms should be covered. Avoid overly snug fits by making sure that there is at least one inch of room between body and fabric.
- Underwear as outerwear. Camisoles or visible bra straps and lingerie imply your job is a different kind of “professional” — probably not the kind you want to be if you’re reading this blog.
- Shorts & micro-miniskirts. Wearing shorts to work is just plain wrong. When skirting the issue, make sure there are no less than three or four inches between knee and hem. You want to be able to sit without giving a peep show.
- Bare midriff. Make sure there is at least one inch of room between body and fabric and that your shirt is long enough to conceal your midriff. Let your clothes show off your good taste, not your six-pack abs.
- Low-rise pants. “Plumber’s crack” is not acceptable, anywhere, period.
Too Cool
Over the top is when the line between chic and “Eek!” get crossed…
- Tattoos. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie have made tattoos seem almost mainstream, but many people are still put off by them. Best to keep yours under wraps.
- Extreme hair color. Natural looking highlights are fine, but never dye your hair blue, magenta or other colors not found in nature.
- Long, fake or wild-colored finger nails. Keep your nails short and neat. Avoid nail decals, black polish or “Elvira” length nails.
- Body piercings. Studies show that most people view body jewelry as unprofessional and that people with multiple piercings are less likely to be hired or promoted. Enough said.
- Too much cologne. A strong scent is a turnoff to most people and some workplaces are required fragrance-free zones. Best to forgo fragrance and opt for the clean smell of soap.
Too Cas(ual)
Do you dress to regress rather than to impress? What you wear says “You don’t care” if it’s…
- Workout gear. Save your muscle shirts and spandex for the gym.
- Athletic socks with street shoes. It may seem like a minor detail but people notice these things, even in the Pacific Northwest.
- Flip-flops and open-toed sandals. While they’re fine for the beach, no one will take you seriously enough if you’re wearing fun “footsie” footware.
- Soiled, stained or rumpled clothing. Neatness counts. Better to wear less expensive clothing that is immaculately cleaned and pressed than to sport designer grunge.
- Hairy. In general, most companies prefer clean-shaven men. If you have a scruffy beard or scraggly moustache and just can’t part with your facial hair, at least keep it neatly trimmed. Bare legs need to look as hairlessly smooth as opaque nylons. When it comes to nose hair and other stragglers… well! You get the idea!
Your Turn…
What’s the worst fashion faux pas you’ve ever seen? Or, if you’re wiling to admit it, you’ve committed.
Career-Killing Wardrobe Disasters – Are You Guilty?
Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.
© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.
This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.
