What Not to Wear
25 Fashion Faux Pas for Professional Women
There’s no other way around it.
Appearances matter!
We live in a world where people aren’t judged solely on their hard work, rather the whole package.
What you choose to wear to the office, to court, or to a bar conference reflects how you feel about your work – that you take law seriously and that you pay attention to detail.
Sure, we all have those roll-out-of-bed days when the thought of putting on heels and a suit is enough to send you into a tailspin. Unfortunately though, a frumpy frock and no makeup won’t cut it.
You need to DRESS THE PART each and every day!
That said beware of what not to wear to work.
Here are 25 fashion faux pas for professional women – adapted from an article by Kayla Baxter, Anna Hennings, and Alice Handley of Excelle.
1. Showing too much skin
Midriff baring tops or short skirts are just too trashy for the office.
Rule of thumb: cover just below the collar bone to just above the knee.
2. Too much or too little makeup
In a Times Online UK survey, 64% of directors said that women who wore make-up look more professional and 18% of directors said that women who do not wear make-up “look like they can’t be bothered to make an effort.”
Seek help if you need assistance with your makeup. Too little sometimes looks like nothing at all, while too much makeup can look tacky.
3. Too much jewelry
Loud, clinking bracelets and necklaces are distracting and irritating. Keep it simple.
4. Sweatshirts and sweatpants
While it may be tempting to slip on a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt on a chilly morning, don’t do it. It either screams: “I’m lazy!” or “I’m ready to for the gym!”
5. Velour/Juicy tracksuits
Despite the big price tag, these tracksuits are of the same caliber as sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Save your tracksuit for vacation plane rides (not a business trip) – or the mall.
6. Message t-shirts
No one really needs to know that you’re the World’s Greatest Mom – or which political party you support. Though cute or interesting, these tees should be reserved for weekend wear.
7. Messy, wrinkled, or ripped clothing
Messy or ill-fitting clothing may give your boss the impression that you just don’t care about your job. Show the partners that you care by trading torn jeans for a comfy pair of professional-looking chinos.
8. Dirty clothes
If you’re wearing the same outfit repeatedly during the week – STOP! This makes people question your preparedness and qualifications. It also makes you look tired and exhausted.
9. Short shorts
Daisy dukes are out. Instead, look for something called the “city short” – which fall just below the knee and can be paired with a blazer and heels.
10. Hats
Baseball caps, beanies, berets, and newsboy caps should be left on the hat rack at home.
11. Extra long fingernails
Make certain that your nails are nicely groomed and an appropriate length.
12. Crocs
They’re for the beach and for small children – not the office.
13. Flip-flops
Like crocs, these are ideal for the beach - not a board meeting.
14. Uggs
Would a professional woman wear pajamas to the office? Then why wear glorified slippers?
15. Fanny packs
Last we checked it was 2009, not 1989.
16. Scrunchies
Like fanny packs, these hair fobs went out of fashion two decades ago. Bows or ribbons tied in bows fall into this category as well.
17. Footless leggings or spandex/yoga pants
Again, don’t give in to temptation on a particularly rough morning. This type of clothing is only meant for yoga or Pilates class.
18. Leather pants
Save the leather pants for a night out with friends. Instead opt for a black blazer, skinny black pants and, perhaps, an edgy black handbag.
19. Face tattoos
They’re scary. Enough said.
20. Sequins
Let your work shine – not your clothes.
Sure, sequins will make you feel like a star – but save the glitz and glamour for a night out with friends.
Rule of thumb: Never wear more sequins in one outfit than can fit onto half a standard piece of paper (8.5” x 11”). Try not to wear more sequins than fit onto a postcard.
21. Sports jerseys
This will give the senior partners the impression that you’re more focused on sports scores than your cases.
22. Wallet chains
They scream: “Hoodlum!” They’re also noisy and distracting. It’s probably best that you don’t wear them at all.
23. Glitter
Don’t get creative with your makeup by using glitter. A nice shimmery eye shadow is the better way to go.
24. Sunglasses
For outdoor use only!
25. Head-to-toe animal prints
Lions, leopard, and zebra prints are nice in small quantities. Too much is just too tacky!
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