5 Things You Should Never Wear to Work

They say that clothes make the man, and that's often true of women, too. Your choice of clothing speaks volumes about your personality and your level of professionalism. A black figure-flattering suit with a punch of color says "I am savvy and stylish." A miniskirt and stilettos says "I'm the office slut." Here are a few more items that may send the wrong message.

1. Anything resembling lingerie. We know you're too savvy to have a lace thong peaking out of that pin-striped suit. (Right?) But even clothing that looks like underwear can be distracting, like that white lacy cami or that bustier-style shirt. If you don't want give anyone the wrong idea, then cover up with a cardigan or a fitted jacket until after work.

2. Excessive perfume. You may love Jessica Simpson's new fragrance, but your co-workers might be sensitive to strong smells. One or two spritzes should be more than enough to get you through the day. If not, you can always touch up in the ladies' room after work, but there's no need to assault your cubicle mates with perfume. Scented lotions offer an even subtler smell in moderation.

3. Workout wear. This should go without saying, but if your office is ubercasual you might need a reminder. Sweatshirts, Pilates pants, track jackets, and especially spandex shorts should never see the inside of your office. We're willing to compromise on running shoes, especially if you walk to work, but other items should be safely stowed in your gym locker or yoga bag.

4. Sequins. Unless you are Cher and you're working on your Vegas club act, sequins are a definite don't for work. A patent-leather belt or bag offers a bit of shimmer with a more modern, work-friendly vibe. Or use earrings to add bit of bling for happy hour. But a sequined shirt or jacket is a little too loud for daytime wear.

5. That "Barack My World" T-shirt. Or any clothing with a message on it. Though you might enjoy shirts that make a statement (literally), others could take offense at political or religious messages. Best to play it safe and save that outfit for the weekends. Instead, stand out with a beaded necklace or a colorful scarf.

Comments

[JRsNana]

This kind of crap is why I like working at home. My dog doesn't give a darn if I wear sweats and a free casino t-shirt. But all people should always remember: "spandex is a privilege, not a right."

[SparkyAdams]

Huphpoo needs more fashion pieces from its female blooger team!

[blustate135]

Add to the list: anything that shows cleavage, or a lot of skin anywhere. I'm working with a woman who wears really low cut dresses and then wears chunky necklaces as though that covers her. Eww.

[tc2598]

Working in an office where people get to frown at your clothes and then relevant stuff happens, according to how they felt about your clothes - ewww I remember that.

That's worse for you than you think it is. Most of the people in that office are dead inside.

Shivers.

Ewww.

You all know that in 2009, you don't have to go to work in a monkey suit, right? Cause of computers?

[branchwater1113]

Don't get too smug. Most any job you can do from home can be done more cheaply by someone in India.

[MsCuda]

Exactly! Don't I just know THAT one.

[XCITIZEN]

Thanks for your comments, tc2599 - I know that soul withering experience - it takes a while to figure out, but you finally get it - you boss is being a passive-agressive A-hole because he/she has secretly decided he/she doesn't like your shoes that day - sickening. I sometimes think that to fully function in an office/psychic wasteland environment, one has to have a diagnosable borderline personality disorder.

[grateful4thedead]

I like to go commando....is that okay?

[luziannagirl]

I would say, yeah, grateful, as long as you're not doing the butt-crack thing or have some bad "female" problems.

Who's to know unless you tell them, anyhow? As far as anyone knows, you're just wearing some extremely smooth (and expensive no doubt) panties, hose, or undergarments.

Now, if the pants are sheer & white, or, if it's a skirt or dress, you might want to re-think going commando....

[nhunter]

Gee thanks for the heads up, Nicole.

How about "no latex" or "avoid headgear featuring live animals in cages?"

[branchwater1113]

because, in fact , I've seen all of Nicole's "don'ts" in fairly sraight-laced corporate offices - and I've seen the offenders suffer at promotion and bonus time without even knowing why.
It may not be fair, you and I may not like it, but that's the way it is out there in the real world of work.

[RuthlessDictator]

How about avoiding the "Blossom" look": a skirt with clunky black Doc Martin shoes. You are a professional woman, not a high-school freshman.

[Verbal Blowtorch]

...Unless you ARE a high-school freshman (who's somehow landed an afterschool job in a professional setting), there's not a single new or helpful 'tip' in this article.