What Not to Wear to Work?
11 May 2024
The first contact between people is always visual. We are greeted by our clothes, and therefore their importance should not be minimized. We gain the trust of the interlocutor if we comply with the rules of the occasion where communication takes place. And the professional world is no exception. Offices have their own fashion rules and dress codes, so we should not forget that the clothes we wear to work are part of our professional image. Business casual style, classic casual style, smart casual style, and the rules of what to wear to work are constantly changing and it's getting harder and harder to keep up.
The style we wear can tell others a lot, even on a non-verbal level: it's important to pay attention to how we dress and what we want to convey. Even if your company does not have a strict dress code, believe us, the bosses are always very aware of who is wearing what in the office.
Not all things can be worn at work. The office dress code has its own taboos, the violation of which can devalue our red diploma or years of experience. Some closet items can look inappropriate or cheapen the whole image. Strangely, but not so rare such “bloopers” are found in office life! In these things, you will look vulgar and inappropriate in the workplace. Today we would like to talk about what should not be worn to work.
The style we wear can tell others a lot, even on a non-verbal level: it's important to pay attention to how we dress and what we want to convey. Even if your company does not have a strict dress code, believe us, the bosses are always very aware of who is wearing what in the office.
Not all things can be worn at work. The office dress code has its own taboos, the violation of which can devalue our red diploma or years of experience. Some closet items can look inappropriate or cheapen the whole image. Strangely, but not so rare such “bloopers” are found in office life! In these things, you will look vulgar and inappropriate in the workplace. Today we would like to talk about what should not be worn to work.
Why Appearance Is Important?
You've probably heard many times how important it is to dress appropriately for work, whether you're looking for a job or have held the same position for twenty years. But have you ever wondered why it's important?
First of all, is it important to dress for work? Yes, it is!!! Even if there is no dress code at work, you shouldn't wear clothes you would wear to the gym or on vacation. If your organization has dress codes, they should be followed at all times. There are exceptions in certain industries such as media, movies, advertising, etc. where casual dress is allowed. Business attire can make a person feel like an outsider in this scenario.
The most important part about office attire is to make a good first impression of yourself: Often the first thing people notice about you is how you look. A professional appearance can make a good first impression at work.
To boost your confidence: You gain the confidence and comfort to take on new challenges, meet new people, and advance your career by dressing professionally. Your personal brand is the image you create. It often reveals a lot about you to people who don't socialize with you.
To look more believable: People respond favorably to you when you appear professional. They often engage more with you and believe what you say. By dressing professionally, you increase your credibility with coworkers, managers, clients, and the public.
To interview successfully: dressing for success at work is important if you want to land your dream job. Dress in appropriate business attire to show interest in your first interview. You should look smart, elegant, and professional during interviews.
To show your personality: The greatest example of self-expression is your fashion. Don't be afraid to show your personality through your work attire.
To get a well-deserved promotion: To demonstrate extraordinary efficiency and simplicity, dress beautifully and wear elegant clothes to work. Elegant clothes for work will help you get the promotion you deserve.
First of all, is it important to dress for work? Yes, it is!!! Even if there is no dress code at work, you shouldn't wear clothes you would wear to the gym or on vacation. If your organization has dress codes, they should be followed at all times. There are exceptions in certain industries such as media, movies, advertising, etc. where casual dress is allowed. Business attire can make a person feel like an outsider in this scenario.
The most important part about office attire is to make a good first impression of yourself: Often the first thing people notice about you is how you look. A professional appearance can make a good first impression at work.
To boost your confidence: You gain the confidence and comfort to take on new challenges, meet new people, and advance your career by dressing professionally. Your personal brand is the image you create. It often reveals a lot about you to people who don't socialize with you.
To look more believable: People respond favorably to you when you appear professional. They often engage more with you and believe what you say. By dressing professionally, you increase your credibility with coworkers, managers, clients, and the public.
To interview successfully: dressing for success at work is important if you want to land your dream job. Dress in appropriate business attire to show interest in your first interview. You should look smart, elegant, and professional during interviews.
To show your personality: The greatest example of self-expression is your fashion. Don't be afraid to show your personality through your work attire.
To get a well-deserved promotion: To demonstrate extraordinary efficiency and simplicity, dress beautifully and wear elegant clothes to work. Elegant clothes for work will help you get the promotion you deserve.
What to Avoid Wearing at Work?
Everyone knows the proverb “Meet by your clothes, see you by your mind”, which is reflected in real life. And indeed, inappropriate clothing can prevent you from immediately recognizing a good mind. For example, when going to a job interview or business meeting, we dress discreetly and formally. Also when working in the office, even if the management is very loyal, we try to adhere to the office dress code. Some things really should not be worn at work.
However, a lot depends on the industry you work in if you're in the fashion industry, you need to show off all the trends of the season: this is important to keep in mind if you have an event or important meeting to attend during the working day. The same goes for any creative profession, where liberties such as red lipstick in the morning will be very appropriate: so tailor your business closet to your professional activities.
❌Low-rise pants and jeans
Yes, the low-rise trend is slowly making a comeback. However, for work, a low fit is unacceptable and simply uncomfortable, because you can't tuck your blouse into it (it will straighten back out). Yes, and to sit down on the chair, you need to make sure that no one faces the “fifth point”. Give preference to high-waisted pants, which perfectly fit into the office dress code, and look great with blouses, shirts, and jackets.
❌Open shoulders
How beautiful the collarbone area looks in women wearing beautiful summer dresses with open shoulders! According to men, such clothes are considered one of the most attractive. But, in the office, you will look very strange in such an outfit. At work, we do not open the shoulders, nor the neckline. Want to look like a professional, then watch your appearance.
❌Overly tight clothes
This does not mean that you need to walk around in oversized clothes. Beneficially emphasize the waist and the advantages of the figure - it is always beautiful. However, at work, you should not wear clothes that tighten in all places. If you want, combine things: if you want to wear a tight skirt, choose a loose top.
❌Preppy style
The preppy style appeared in the 50s of the 20th century and immediately appeared at the peak of popularity: sweaters in plaid or rhombus with V-neck, Oxford shirts, socks, polo shirts, short skirts in plaid - all these are the main features of preppy style. Even in an informal setting such clothes look naive and frivolous, so the office is not worth coming in the image of “back to school”. And those who have a love for the form of closed educational institutions do not go anywhere, there's a little lifehack: it is not necessary to dress in the school from head to toe. Add one detail to the laconic image: a club jacket with a logo or socks - and no one will accuse you of imitating high school girls.
❌Sporty style
It's impossible not to love tracksuits, sneakers, crop tops, and flannel shirts, but such clothes are completely inappropriate in the office (even if there is no dress code). The only type of work that allows sports and home clothes is working from home, but if you have to go to the office every day, leave all these cozy things until you go to the sports club or until the weekend.
❌Pink Total Look
The all-pink (including sunglasses and accessories) monochrome look looks cute only on a five-year-old girl. Fans of sequins, glamour, and all shades of pink, we advise you to leave your favorite clothes for dates and parties. Choose for office weekdays more calm shades, because the stereotypes imposed on society by various movies (blondes in pink are often taken not seriously), can affect career growth and relationships in the team.
❌Mini length
The optimal length of the office skirt is up to the knee, and the style can be very diverse: from a strict and laconic pencil skirt to models A-silhouette and plissé. This applies to both skirts and dresses. A mini-skirt will not set you or your colleagues to work, so before going to the office, make sure that the length of the skirt does not violate the generally accepted norms. Save mini-skirts and ultra-short shorts for clubbing or going to the beach.
However, a lot depends on the industry you work in if you're in the fashion industry, you need to show off all the trends of the season: this is important to keep in mind if you have an event or important meeting to attend during the working day. The same goes for any creative profession, where liberties such as red lipstick in the morning will be very appropriate: so tailor your business closet to your professional activities.
❌Low-rise pants and jeans
Yes, the low-rise trend is slowly making a comeback. However, for work, a low fit is unacceptable and simply uncomfortable, because you can't tuck your blouse into it (it will straighten back out). Yes, and to sit down on the chair, you need to make sure that no one faces the “fifth point”. Give preference to high-waisted pants, which perfectly fit into the office dress code, and look great with blouses, shirts, and jackets.
❌Open shoulders
How beautiful the collarbone area looks in women wearing beautiful summer dresses with open shoulders! According to men, such clothes are considered one of the most attractive. But, in the office, you will look very strange in such an outfit. At work, we do not open the shoulders, nor the neckline. Want to look like a professional, then watch your appearance.
❌Overly tight clothes
This does not mean that you need to walk around in oversized clothes. Beneficially emphasize the waist and the advantages of the figure - it is always beautiful. However, at work, you should not wear clothes that tighten in all places. If you want, combine things: if you want to wear a tight skirt, choose a loose top.
❌Preppy style
The preppy style appeared in the 50s of the 20th century and immediately appeared at the peak of popularity: sweaters in plaid or rhombus with V-neck, Oxford shirts, socks, polo shirts, short skirts in plaid - all these are the main features of preppy style. Even in an informal setting such clothes look naive and frivolous, so the office is not worth coming in the image of “back to school”. And those who have a love for the form of closed educational institutions do not go anywhere, there's a little lifehack: it is not necessary to dress in the school from head to toe. Add one detail to the laconic image: a club jacket with a logo or socks - and no one will accuse you of imitating high school girls.
❌Sporty style
It's impossible not to love tracksuits, sneakers, crop tops, and flannel shirts, but such clothes are completely inappropriate in the office (even if there is no dress code). The only type of work that allows sports and home clothes is working from home, but if you have to go to the office every day, leave all these cozy things until you go to the sports club or until the weekend.
❌Pink Total Look
The all-pink (including sunglasses and accessories) monochrome look looks cute only on a five-year-old girl. Fans of sequins, glamour, and all shades of pink, we advise you to leave your favorite clothes for dates and parties. Choose for office weekdays more calm shades, because the stereotypes imposed on society by various movies (blondes in pink are often taken not seriously), can affect career growth and relationships in the team.
❌Mini length
The optimal length of the office skirt is up to the knee, and the style can be very diverse: from a strict and laconic pencil skirt to models A-silhouette and plissé. This applies to both skirts and dresses. A mini-skirt will not set you or your colleagues to work, so before going to the office, make sure that the length of the skirt does not violate the generally accepted norms. Save mini-skirts and ultra-short shorts for clubbing or going to the beach.
Things You Should Never Wear to Work in the Summer
Summer and office closets are not easy to reconcile. When the temperature rises above 30 degrees, it's hard to wear anything but bikinis, crop tops, and mini lengths. So you have to pay extra attention about what you should not wear to office during summertime.
❌Hawaiian shirt
One of the main mistakes of the office dress code can be made by starting to blindly copy images from past fashion weeks. This season, the Hawaiian shirt was a key item at the shows in Paris and Milan. Loose shirts with bright patterns were seen both on the runways during the shows of Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Dsquared2, and on the shoulders of fashionistas looking to get into street style. Red, yellow, orange, blue, and blue Hawaiian shirts with a distinctive print became the main trend of the season.
But no matter how comfortable and seemingly appropriate in the summertime such a shirt is, wearing it to the office can cause problems. It is a great thing for a walk on the yacht, in the park, or even for a party, but definitely not an element of the business dress code.
❌Short shorts
Short shorts, unfortunately, are better left for walks in the park or even saved for a trip to the sea. Mini length is not appropriate in the official space, and it will be inconvenient for you to pull on shorts and skirts all day long, sitting at the workplace.
❌Short shorts
You can replace those short shorts with bermudas or pants from natural fabrics. In the office, it is better to wear pants, such as linen, or a skirt, but if the informal dress code is still allowed, then on particularly hot days you can replace the pants with bermudas. Fashion brands offer a large number of stylish options in classic shades of black, beige, milk, and khaki, as well as more daring and colorful closet items.
❌Open-back tops and dresses
With the arrival of warmer days, women are allowing themselves more style freedom. Beautiful linen-style dresses and silk tops are very feminine and attractive. If you think that a tight fabric covering the neckline is enough to allow you to walk around the office in a top or a dress with an open back, you are deeply mistaken. Outside the office, you may well wear these things if you want to look fashionable and modern. But, for work, such clothes are categorically not suitable. If your boss considers it inappropriate, you will have to ask your colleague for a jacket or jacket to cover the bra straps. Workplaces are usually air-conditioned, so it's better not to risk it and wear a light cardigan over a blouse.
❌Anything that exposes your back, cleavage, or stomach
Another ban applies to cropped shirts, tops, and blouses. There is a place for them on a walk, date, or meeting with friends. At work, it is better not to go with an open belly, even if you are wearing pants or a skirt with a high fit.
If you start talking to work partners via video link and the camera only captures your upper torso, people may think you forgot to wear a blouse. At work, it's important to look professional and neat without throwing your coworkers and clients into a state of shock. This is too casual a closet item that has no place in the office.
❌Flip-flops and sandals
Even if your flip-flops are made of genuine leather, have tons of jewelry, and cost a fortune - save them for going out with friends. Both men and women are recommended to wear shoes that completely cover the heel and toe. In the heat, you always have the option to choose shoes or sneakers made of breathable materials.
❌Hawaiian shirt
One of the main mistakes of the office dress code can be made by starting to blindly copy images from past fashion weeks. This season, the Hawaiian shirt was a key item at the shows in Paris and Milan. Loose shirts with bright patterns were seen both on the runways during the shows of Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Dsquared2, and on the shoulders of fashionistas looking to get into street style. Red, yellow, orange, blue, and blue Hawaiian shirts with a distinctive print became the main trend of the season.
But no matter how comfortable and seemingly appropriate in the summertime such a shirt is, wearing it to the office can cause problems. It is a great thing for a walk on the yacht, in the park, or even for a party, but definitely not an element of the business dress code.
❌Short shorts
Short shorts, unfortunately, are better left for walks in the park or even saved for a trip to the sea. Mini length is not appropriate in the official space, and it will be inconvenient for you to pull on shorts and skirts all day long, sitting at the workplace.
❌Short shorts
You can replace those short shorts with bermudas or pants from natural fabrics. In the office, it is better to wear pants, such as linen, or a skirt, but if the informal dress code is still allowed, then on particularly hot days you can replace the pants with bermudas. Fashion brands offer a large number of stylish options in classic shades of black, beige, milk, and khaki, as well as more daring and colorful closet items.
❌Open-back tops and dresses
With the arrival of warmer days, women are allowing themselves more style freedom. Beautiful linen-style dresses and silk tops are very feminine and attractive. If you think that a tight fabric covering the neckline is enough to allow you to walk around the office in a top or a dress with an open back, you are deeply mistaken. Outside the office, you may well wear these things if you want to look fashionable and modern. But, for work, such clothes are categorically not suitable. If your boss considers it inappropriate, you will have to ask your colleague for a jacket or jacket to cover the bra straps. Workplaces are usually air-conditioned, so it's better not to risk it and wear a light cardigan over a blouse.
❌Anything that exposes your back, cleavage, or stomach
Another ban applies to cropped shirts, tops, and blouses. There is a place for them on a walk, date, or meeting with friends. At work, it is better not to go with an open belly, even if you are wearing pants or a skirt with a high fit.
If you start talking to work partners via video link and the camera only captures your upper torso, people may think you forgot to wear a blouse. At work, it's important to look professional and neat without throwing your coworkers and clients into a state of shock. This is too casual a closet item that has no place in the office.
❌Flip-flops and sandals
Even if your flip-flops are made of genuine leather, have tons of jewelry, and cost a fortune - save them for going out with friends. Both men and women are recommended to wear shoes that completely cover the heel and toe. In the heat, you always have the option to choose shoes or sneakers made of breathable materials.
previous post
