Unfortunately, no matter how cute and or trendy you think your latest outfit is, it’s not always appropriate to wear to work. Sure skinny jeans and flirty tops may be the perfect attire for the bar or a night out with the girls, but at work they are a huge no no! We all have had a coworker who just couldn't seem to get it right when it came to appropriate work attire but some things aren't always so obvious to the average woman. Many women make the mistake of consistently wearing the wrong thing to work and can’t seem to figure out why they are constantly getting dirty looks, passed over for promotions or simply ignored in the office! Don't be that woman. Make sure your fashion choices are working with you and not against you in the office ladies. Here are 15 clothing items you should not wear to work.
15 Leggings with high tops
Leggings paired with high tops are a big no for the office. They often show your midriff, underwear and leave little to the imagination. This look can also appear very juvenile and unprofessional. Leggings in general are best for outside of work. If you absolutely feel the need to wear them, instead choose a pair of thick plain black or dark colored leggings and pair them with a long top or sweater that completely covers your bum. The tops should be almost dress length and if you raise your arms it should not rise above your backside. If you prefer not to wear leggings with long tops, instead wear pants.
14 Sheer tops
As cute as your favorite sheer top may be, it’s not appropriate to wear to work. Believe it or not your coworkers can tell exactly what style, color, and size your bra is! Sheer tops are much more suitable for lunch with the girls, or hanging out but can send the wrong message at work. If you absolutely have to wear your latest sheer top be sure to wear a cami underneath. You can also switch it up to a non-see through top or pair your favorite sheer top with a sweater that completely covers your bra area. This can completely turn the look around and make your top much more work appropriate.
13 Yoga/Workout pants
Unless you work at a gym or gym like facility, leave the exercise clothes at home. Unfortunately, workout clothes can look unflattering at work and also very unprofessional. Your lax clothing can send the wrong message to upper management. You want them to think that you are a hard worker ready to take on whatever task they have in store for you, not a gym rat who can't wait to hit the stairs as soon as you get off. Or even worse, a couch potato who woke up ten minutes before work and threw on whatever outfit they could find. Wear comfortable professional pants instead.
12 Spaghetti straps
Spaghetti strapped tops can come off looking very juvenile, tacky and extremely unprofessional. If your coworkers can see your tan lines or lack there of, it’s not appropriate to wear to work. Spaghetti strap shirts also can more often than not hug you in all the wrong places, leaving you looking bloated after your much needed caramel latte or lunch. You wouldn't want your work husband to see you looking anything less than fabulous now would you? Of course you wouldn't! Be sure to add a sweater or simply wear a loose fitting shirt with sleeves to receive the same comfort.
11 Strapless dresses
Despite being currently back in style and quite fashionable if worn properly with the right pair of shoes, tube top dresses can look far too racy for the office and can show a little more than your coworkers or boss would appreciate. Instead of wearing a strapless dress to work opt for a dress that comes below the knees with sleeves or simply pair your dress with a sweater. Sweaters can turn the entire look around and give you a much more wholesome and hardworking appearance. If a sweater just doesn't give you the look you are going for then hold off until the weekend to wear the dress.
10 Shorts
If your job does not specifically require you to wear shorts then simply do not do it. Shorts can make you appear as if you don’t take your job seriously. Most jobs have strict dress codes that include no shorts because they also can be a safety hazard depending on where you work. Unfortunately usually the cutest most fashionable shorts are usually too short to get away with wearing to work. If your job likes to keep the heat on blast and you can't imagine wearing long thick pants to work instead wear lightweight pants or pencil skirts instead. This way you can be comfortable and still professional.
9 Short skirts
If your job description does not include sliding down a pole, you don’t want to be seen wearing a short skirt to work. Short skirts can appear overly sexual or flirtatious. You want to send the message that you are a hard working woman who takes her career seriously, not someone who is willing to do anything and I do mean anything to climb the corporate ladder. Leave the short skirt at home possibly for club night. Instead wear a sleek pencil or knee length skirt that works with your shape and shows off your figure without being overly sexy yet still flattering.
8 Shirts that droop too low in the back
Low drooping shirts can appear very unflattering to most women and don’t belong in the work place. Your coworkers should not know that you have a mole on your back the shape of a heart or be able to tell the style of bra you have on or lack there of. Low drooping tops can look great outside of work but they definitely do not belong in the workplace. Save these tops for the bar. Instead try wearing a shirt that doesn't show off your entire back perhaps. Opt for a nice fitting full covering shirt that won't have your coworkers trying to connect the dots of your birthmarks.
7 Clothing that is too tight
At work you want to feel comfortable and look and feel your absolute best. Tight clothing is not only a distraction to your coworkers it also can cause you to feel uncomfortable throughout the day. The last thing you should have to worry about at work is how you are going to sit down at the morning meeting without your pants ripping or how you can hide the fact that your pants have been unbuttoned since lunch. Instead, wear clothing that fits your body type comfortably. You have enough things to worry about at work as it is. Feeling comfortable in your clothing should not be one of them.
6 Graphic Tees
No matter how cool you think your shirt that reads, “rebel” on it is, it’s just not suitable for work. Some printed tees can actually be offensive. Most jobs include no graphic or printed tees in their clothing guidelines for this very reason. The last thing you want to do is get walked out of the office by HR because someone found the writing on your shirt to be offensive. Trust me it is not worth getting sent home over. If your workplace is laid back, instead wear a plain fitted tee, if not leave the funky shirts for the weekends and wear a blouse.
5 Excessive jewelry
Excessive jewelry can be trendy but it can also be a distraction to those around you. Your coworkers don't want to hear the clicking and clacking of your bracelet every time it hits your key board and you certainly wouldn't be able to replace your grandmothers pearl earrings if they fell down the drain at work. You want your boss to focus on the amazing job you are doing not your loud jewelry. it also can be very distracting to yourself having to keep up with all of your jewelry and ensure you aren't damaging it or losing it at work. Opt for simple earrings and a watch or bracelet.
4 Over the top makeup
Even Mac cosmetics require their makeup artists to wear sensible makeup. Some jobs don't spell out makeup rules because they don't believe they need to. Unfortunately some women get a little blush and eyeshadow happy after they've finished their third cup of coffee in the morning. Don't be that woman. Your makeup should never be distracting from the job you are tasked to do. Your makeup at work should be simple and clean. Foundation, simple eyeshadow, mascara and light blush are more than enough for work. Keep the fancy face for the weekends.
3 Combat boots
Combat boots can be trendy for the colder months but can look absolutely ridiculous paired with your pencil skirt and blouse at work. Unless you work in an environment where combat boots are absolutely necessary to do your job. Leave them at home. Combat boots should not, I repeat should not be adorning your feet at work unless absolutely necessary. Keep it simple ladies.
2 Flip flops
Nothing hurts worse than Bob from accounting stepping on your freshly pedicured, OPI painted, bare toes at the water cooler. Despite wanting to curse him out in every language you can think of, ultimately you are the only one to blame. Flip flops can easily turn into a walking death trap. Many dress codes ban flip flops simply because of the dangers they can cause when worn to work. As much as you want to show off your beautiful feet, work is just not the place to do so. Protect your feet and your pedicured toes. Wear shoes that fully cover your feet to work.
1 Plunging V neck
Your coworkers should not know Victoria’s Secret. Despite just buying your shirt and all of your friends raving about how fab you look wearing it, you absolutely can not wear it to work. Even though your newest bra has the girls looking amazing, and it feels so light and airy it’s simply not appropriate to show your bra off at work. Don't even look at this top in the morning when you are getting ready for work. Put it in the back of your closet and the back of your mind. Save this sexy top for your date this weekend and opt for a shirt that fully covers the girls while at work.
