Dress up in style in the office by avoiding these 9 fashion faux pas. From leather pants to chokers, these are fashion pieces you should avoid at all costs while at work.
Fashion Faux Pas | 9 Things You Shouldn’t Wear At The Office
Before I proceed with my list of work fashion faux pas, let me be clear: I am aware outfits for work have certainly changed. Startups, for example, don’t really follow any type of dress code, which makes them very appealing to a lot of career women these days. Nevertheless, if you want to do business, work in a more corporate setting, or want to be taken seriously by your peers, clients, and partners, you need to dress appropriately. And you can begin by avoiding these common workplace fashion mistakes.
1. Minis
If you can’t bend without your behind or undies showing, don’t wear them. If you plan to wear skirts, pick those with structure like pencil and A-line skirts with hems that touch the knee.
2. Ripped Jeans
Ripped jeans are cool – but not in the office. To avoid a fashion faux pas, save the pair for weekend fun.
3. Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals are just perfect for spring, but you better keep them at home during workdays. If you want to show off your newly painted nails, consider peeptoes for stylish and classy look.
4. Revealing Tops
These days, it’s becoming more acceptable to show off a bit of skin in the workplace and be trendy, but that’s it: the keyword is “bit”. So you may want to pair a camisole with a buttoned tailored blazer, or you can just go for a top with lace applique.
5. Crazy Prints
When it comes to work fashion faux pas, nothing is a much bigger crime than wearing too much print, particularly animal or safari. It is distracting. A great smart casual outfit for women is something monochromatic with very minimal print. You can also choose pinstripes as well as small or linear geometric patterns. If you can’t avoid animal prints, make it subtle like wearing a slim belt.
6. Leather Pants
Leather pants are edgy, and when paired with booties, they can also be very chic. But they don’t have a place in the office. If you want a power look, pantsuits are still the best.
7. Slogan Bags
Slogan or statement bags are trendy this spring season, but they’re better off used on weekend markets or with a more laid-back getup. They tend to be ill-fitting as far as work fashion is concerned. Instead, pick satchels, top-handle bags with metal or wooden handles, or classy tote bags for work. Remember, though, worn-out bags are a no-no too.
8. Chokers
What’s a work outfit without an accessory? It’s how you avoid looking dull. Nevertheless, be extra careful when choosing your jewelry. While there’s nothing wrong with long necklaces or drop slim earrings, the trendy choker is a certified work fashion faux pas.
9. Athleisure
I’ll be honest: I LOVE athleisure outfits. They’re comfy, they’re easy to wear, and they help me get things done really quickly (like running errands). But there are only two places where you can wear them: street and gym.
About to get interviewed? Increase your chances of getting hired by dressing right or avoiding these common fashion faux pas outfits. To get some ideas, watch this video:
If you’ve been reading You’re So Pretty, then you know I am all for personal style. I also fully support looking your best in the workplace. But it’s also just as essential to dress appropriately. The right workplace outfits will always increase your confidence, and when you’re confident, you are more likely to succeed.
What is your work fashion faux pas? Share your experience with us in the comments section. Fancy a dress? Here are wear to work dresses to try!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on December 2015 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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