Wearing too little is a common mistake in the workplace, say experts.
Are you limiting your career options by wearing the wrong outfit to work? Here are the top five items that are best left at home.
There are some things you should never, ever wear to the office, and most of us like to think we know where the lines of decency lie. But experts warn that as office dress codes get more relaxed, many people are limiting their career options by choosing the wrong outfit.
With industries such as media, recreation and high-tech start-ups promoting casual work environments, they say the lack of guidelines can prove difficult for staff to gauge.
Career consultant, Katie Roberts lists the most common errors as wearing too much bling and make-up, choosing clothes that are too revealing, and dressing too casually.
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Work: what not to wear
Don't overdo colours or patterns when it comes to choosing suits and their accoutrements. Photo: AP
“We live in a highly visual world and a consistently sharp corporate image plays an integral role in career advancement,” said Caitlin Stewart, a personal fashion stylist.
So here are the five garments and accessories the professionals agree should stay at home on work days.
Midriff tops/mini skirts
You've worked hard on your body and now you want to show off as much as you can. However human flesh is best kept tucked away in a professional environment, say the experts who point at garments such as low-slung pants, hot pants, torn trousers, shorts, plunging necklines and midriff tops as attire for some other occasion than work.
“Too much skin, especially leg is not professional. The best part of a woman's legs if usually from the knee down, so if you are to expose any part of the leg this is the best most flattering option,” said Stewart. She also advised that the less arm the better, and rules out shoe string straps, halter tops and strapless styles.
“Covering arms is a mark of respect in many religions institutions and sacred spaces, so too it should be in the workplace.”
The tummy is also a point of contention for both sexes in the office. “Tops that are too tight around the tummy region make for a messy and unkempt look. Buttons should not be pulling at the stomach or chest and under no circumstances should the midriff be exposed. This tells onlookers that you don't care enough about your appearance which may indicate a flow on effect when it comes to your work,” she said.
Transparent or lacy clothing that resembles underwear can also give the wrong impression. "If you don't want give anyone the wrong idea, then cover up with a cardigan or a fitted jacket until after work,” says a Huffington Post article on workplace attire.
Novelty t-shirts/ties
The tech crowd loves wearing these, and the more unfathomable the message on the front, the better. However these messages can be easily misinterpreted by those out of the loop, and political and religious messages might offend colleagues.
Experts add that you should also avoid extremes like ties or patterns that are too loud and draw the focus away the wearer, preventing them from being taken seriously. This category includes novelty ties, very loud suits, shirts and accessories, detailed and large patterned stockings, fishnets or socks.
“This can look a little cheap and is often hard to get right. A safe bet is to stick with classic styles and block colours and save the patterns for the weekend,” said Stewart.
“Stick with a classic handbag or leather satchel in a neutral tone for a versatile and professional look.”
Tracksuits/leggings
You may jog with your boss at lunchtime, but that does not make sports gear acceptable wear around the office say experts, meaning that tracksuits, running shoes, leggings, and anything made of spandex are probably best left at the gym.
“This should go without saying, but if your office is uber-casual 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,” said the Huffington Post.
Thongs
Hats, beanies and casual footwear like thongs, ugg boots, and crocs are best avoided said Roberts. “These should only be worn outside the office as they don't present a professional image in the workplace and may imply that you don't take your job seriously”.
Stewart added: “Any detail that is too extreme draws the focus and attention away from the wearer, creating a distraction. Fashion extremes in the workplace will reduce your chances of being taken seriously.”
She also advises that men wear matching shoes and belts with suits, ensure shoes are polished and free from scuffs and match their socks with the colour of their trousers (which need to be the right length). Women with an open-toe shoe should ensure toenails are well manicured, and that the heels are not too high.
Facial piercings
While tattoos and piercings may be part of your personality, our experts agree that nose and tongue piercings - particularly in more corporate work environments – don't give the right impression.
“Avoid nose and tongue piercings, particularly in more corporate work environments. Keep your nails short and cover tattoos where possible,” advised Roberts.
“They may be a work of art, however there is a time and a place,” added Stewart.
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