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25 Things a Professional Woman Should Never Wear
Kayla Baxter, Anna Hennings, and Alice Handley | Excelle
May 26, 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.
taylode
3 months ago
2 comments
Wanda, Mrs. Obama was on vacation and her shorts were appropriate for the occasion. People love her because she is unpretentious and they can relate to her. She isn't formal and stuffy and the sooner you and others realize this maybe you'll stop being so judgemental. And for the record, she doesn't have a job; her husband is the president, and he's getting paid.
wanda253
3 months ago
8 comments
#25 Maybe this should be sent to Mrs. Obama!! doesn't she know she is on the job 24/7
beesknees0424
3 months ago
14 comments
what affects a persons "image" at my work place is if you don't know computers, networks, servers, then you are out no matter what your wearing even if you wear a three piece suit and I love it it "fits me to a tee" Guess that is why I have been working and getting ahead in this field for 17 years now.
beesknees0424
3 months ago
14 comments
I guess I am going against the grain here, but I have to say that I have not suffered from it "professionally" whatsoever, maybe its my choice of professions I don't know...but I wear what i want when I want, flip flop, hair ties, tennis shoes, what I wore yesterday and I may still be at the office from yesterday so there is no getting over that one, I am paid for my work not my dress, my boss has said this outloud, look if I want a fashion show I will pay for one, but I want her work skills not her clothes and shoes I could care less what she has on. And for those who do at work..tough...hard to be you isn't it. Sorry but no, I have had no issues with any of this and I pull this ALL the time and still get raises, respect and management positions in the IT world.
crisfdez
3 months ago
8 comments
Most of this list is great, but I don't think that makeup is a must. Is it fair that men can waltz into the office with an uneven skin tone but women can't? Just look the part -- wear clean, well-fitted clothes that are appropriate for the workplace, and let you're stellar work ethic do the "talking".
Karintha
3 months ago
6 comments
It's surprising that what seems common sense to some is not to others - I wouldn't dream of doing any of the things listed in this article as no no's! But there are many who don't feel the same way. Great article and very much needed,
sss420
3 months ago
60 comments
great article-- Im a strong believe that office clothes should be kept simple and clean cut.
egboyenjane
3 months ago
8 comments
REALLY GREAT ARTICLE I D LIKE TO FOLLOW UP ANYDAY ANYTIME.SURE YOU ARE SO RIGHT COS UR DRESSING REALLY MATTERS THE WAY U FEEL ABOUT UR JOB.AM SO GUILTY OF THIS COS SUMDAYS I REALLY DONT FEEL LIKE GOING TO WORK SO I THROW ON ANYTHING I FIND.I THINK AM GONNA RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE FOR MA FRIENDS COS ITS REALLY GOING TO HELP US GET TO THE TOP OF OUR CAREER.THANKS
KoalaBear
3 months ago
2 comments
This is a good article. Funny, Crocs & Uggs made the list but not Birkenstocks. There are casual work places wear some things - like Scrunchies - aren't going to matter. This is really aimed at those who want to move up the corporate ladder including Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants. And they left out all the facial piercings which are worse. I work wear there is a dress code for some departments and a couple of employees have pierced tongues and eyebrows - it is really distracting and those people deal with the public daily as gov't employees - it isn't a good thing and reflects negatively on the rest of us. One point on exceptions - for sweats they missed that it's okay if you are a PE teacher - my gym teachers were NEVER known for style but it is an honorable profession.
denise56broden
3 months ago
2 comments
AWESOME ARTICLE!!!!!
PurpleIris
4 months ago
226 comments
I just love this article and it's format... the exceptions are hiliarious! Always good to read again :) that way I never make a faux pas!!
Brianna19
4 months ago
4 comments
I definatley agree myself that what you wear is what reflects how your feeling.. and how you feel about the work your doing or hte job site dress appropiatley ladies...
Chandralekha1017
4 months ago
4 comments
I totally AGREE. It is very important to respect your work place and yourself.
Chandralekha.Wijeratne
klopez36
4 months ago
6 comments
This was excellent and only two things I did not know!
Kissa
4 months ago
2 comments
I do think that it should mention that Crocs are appropriate for Medical Offices and Hospitals!