What to Wear to Work, Part 2

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I know I promised this last week, sorry! (Complete emotional meltdowns cause schedule changes.) :) Anyway, today I’m tackling some concrete ideas on what to wear to work! In the earlier post, I wrote about the reasons why you need to be concerned with what you wear to work, and now I thought I’d show you some examples! But first, let’s go over a couple of ground rules:

• It needs to fit the dress code. No exceptions. I don’t care if you think you look fine, they are paying you. If you are an adult with a job, suck it up and dress the part. Then go home and put on whatever you want.
• It needs to fit well. If you can’t move comfortably it’s not going to work! That dress might look perfectly fine when you try it on but have you sat down? Reached up like you were getting something off a shelf? Walked more than a few feet? If it becomes a micro-mini when you sit down or rides up when you walk it’s a no for work. Save yourself an uncomfortable day!
• It needs to be office appropriate (and flattering!) Remember, professionalism is our goal here! Unless you’re working in the fashion or entertainment industry (in which case you might have a little more creative freedom with your wardrobe), stick to professional office attire. No sequins, fringe, crazy patterns, or sky-high neon yellow platform heels. For most corporate jobs, stick to a solid color (or very subtle print) and you should be golden.

1. The Dress

Dress = entire outfit. Doesn’t get much easier than that! A few always-appropriate looks:

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2. Skirts

Keep it longer, no shorter than a couple of inches above the knee (again, see your dress code) and while fitted is fine, tight and revealing is not! And while a little bit of color is fine, keep the same rules as dresses. No crazy patterns and if you go with a bold colored skirt, keep your top neutral. *Also, long cotton maxi skirts are generally a “no” in the corporate world. They come across as too casual, even on Casual Friday!*

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3. Tops

Rule #1. NO cleavage. I feel like I shouldn’t even have to say that (or type that), but having worked in the corporate world, cover it up.

Rule #2. No midriff showing. Either add a layering tank underneath or wear a different shirt. You are not at work to get a date (and that includes a date with Human Resources). You don’t have to stick to plain neutral button-downs but remember to keep it professional-looking.

Rule #3. Sleeveless is fine (as long as HR says so), but no spaghetti straps or bare shoulders in the corporate world. Feel free to wear a cardigan or blazer on top of one of these though!

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Tomorrow we’ll tackle pants, blazers and cardigans, shoes, and how to put them all together!