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What Professionals Should Never (Ever!) Wear
Kayla Baxter, Anna Hennings, and Alice Handley | AdminSecret
May 21, 2009
We hate to admit it, because we personally feel that clothes shouldn’t matter. In a perfect world, a person would be judged at their workplace based solely on the caliber of their work. Unfortunately, that’s not how the world works.
How you choose to dress each morning reflects how you feel about your job – that you take your position seriously, that you are ready to work and that you pay attention to detail and know what you expect to encounter that day. You wouldn’t go to a construction site in your favorite four-inch stilletos, right? Of course not, you’d go in a hard hat, because it’s appropriate for the situation. Appearances matter!
We’ve all been there, though. The days you wake up feeling sick, but still have to make it into the office, so you throw on any old thing that’s (kind of ) clean. The office where you never see anyone but your hated boss and your frumpy coworkers. The jobs you work from home in your pajamas and no makeup.
Regardless of the excuses, there are some things that professionals should just never wear. Ever.
We’ll show you what these things are, why they’re a terrible wardrobe choice and if you’re guilty of having one in your closet – or (gasp!) in your daily rotation – we’ll give you a much better alternative.
Account Removed
4 months ago
I've had multiple health issues since my pregnancy (not to mention a little boy to care for now) and some days I'm lucky to get into the office, much less be totally pulled together. I just got one of the best reviews I've ever had, and I'm the #2 ranking admin in my building. I'm also the 'go to' person for the other admins when they have questions. Yes, I feel a little sloppier nowadays, but apparently everyone knows they can still trust me to do the same great job I always have. BTW - makeup is a pretty petty sticking point. After my hormonal shift due to my pregnancy, I've only found one moisturizer with SPF that doesn't make me totally break out, much less trying to put makeup on top of it. I just don't wear makeup at all any more. Not even for special occasions.
EbonyRose
5 months ago
38 comments
It's so easy nowadays to do better than this...most stores have some idea on how to put together office-worthy outfits, and with the plethora of fashion magazines out there...there really is no excuse for doing most of these. Even a 'casual dress' employer would frown on most of these. Another possibility - find someone in your office whose style and visual appeal you admire and ask them how they choose their clothing. I bet you'll get some great tips - and please, above all - PICK THE RIGHT SIZE! I see that more than anything else - the tag in the neckline doesn't matter one bit - pick clothing that fits YOUR BODY, at this point in time, and you'll look tons better than if you stuff yourself into something you might have been able to wear 30 pounds ago.
LegalDiva
5 months ago
378 comments
Pregnancy is sooooo a different story!
Sonyaj
5 months ago
4 comments
I don't apologize for wearing flip flops in my last few months of pregnancy! My feet were so swollen that even though I got a size larger that the straps still dug in. I'm sure I could have gotten a doctor's note if I needed to!
shandy
8 months ago
346 comments
Depending on your professional areas, a professional can wear whatever suits its nature of professionalism! So you can re-phrase and say, ' wears that suits the nature of professionalism
OfficeAvenger
8 months ago
6 comments
For more laughs on "what not to wear in the office," check out the Office Avenger blog on Google http://officeavenger.blogspot.com
OfficeAvenger
8 months ago
6 comments
I agree totally with these critiques!
sandbar3000
8 months ago
70 comments
I do not wear ANY of these things to work. NONE of them. I'm 33 years old and I have over 15 years of work experience and I have worked in many jobs-not just "office" jobs. Who wrote this? In fact, I do not wear much of this stuff at home. Flip-flops I used to wear until the toe thing got to me. I wear shorts at home. Who wears shorts to an office job? Come on.
sandbar3000
8 months ago
70 comments
Fingernails? Ha! You have to search for mine. I have mine so short! This article was NOT written for me. Then again, I'm not your average girl....
sandbar3000
8 months ago
70 comments
I always wear makeup (coverup and mascara) to work. Always. When home, I do not wear anything. This is common sense people.
sandbar3000
8 months ago
70 comments
Come on. I think this article was written for someone in the age range of 16-19. I don't wear this kind of stuff at home or in my sleep. This is crazy. Now for items 11-whatever.
sandbar3000
8 months ago
70 comments
This is just silly. I never even HEARD of "Crocs" let alone would I EVER be caught dead in them. They are ugly! I do not EVER wear iteams 2-7. Who wears these kinds of things? A fanny pack? I stopped that back in 1995. Come on guys. Now, lets see if I wear any of the items 8- whatever.
yvettef
8 months ago
2 comments
This was too funny and so true.. I see it everyday... Some people do not have a clue... I must say I am doing good. I have never made any of these mistakes..
jencorchris
8 months ago
2 comments
Wow! This was funny... but I am doing very well with one exception. I am guilty of the "black scrunchy" on that emergency hair day. I will GET RID OF THEM!! :)
shandy
8 months ago
346 comments
i think there is no proffessionalism in any wear depending on your profession. Now what about an engineer or a technician, do u expect such to wear a suit to work? Or wat do we say of designers, do you expect them to dress normal? I think dressing or what you wear basically depends on your profession! There is no limit to clothes. Above all make sure u dress well and appropriately as advised by the Bible!