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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.
walela61
5 months ago
2 comments
Shamefully, a much needed article! One slight exception - sunglasses indoors. For those of us who suffer from migraines and/or eye fatigue due to staring at a computer monitor that does not have a screen, simple, professional sunglasses are a must. The key is the frames for the sunglasses should be consistent with appropriate frames for regular glasses. However, never mirrored sunglasses or any so dark that no one can see anything about one's eyes!!!
babyspring114
5 months ago
2 comments
Great article.
ethel
5 months ago
2 comments
very helpful indeed for the fashion conscious.
Secretary2
5 months ago
2 comments
I agree fully with all 26 things a professional woman should never wear......Ladies always remember it is your place of employment and not your home, a party nor your friends weekend flings.....On your job there are great expectations of you......live up to them and set a fine example.....PERIOD or pass your torch on to the next woman who will......
Pochis
5 months ago
2 comments
I agree with all 25 things a professional woman should never wear. Especially NO visible tatoos, extremely long nails or inside sunglasses please!!!!!
KristaJGizzo
5 months ago
160 comments
I disagree with the no make up part. I don't were make up except for clear mascara to keep my eye lashes out of my eyes. Most people think I'm wearing make up anyway.
Shilpa
5 months ago
20 comments
I don't find much interesting.i would never wear most of the things on the work . it is obvious.
legs4lucy
5 months ago
2 comments
You talk in the article about the long fingernails. But how long is really to long, and how short is really to short. Some people have a fingernai biting problem for years and don't get over it.
The makeup one is right on track. Not everyone likes to wear makeup, especially in the summer heat.
Shnnrnn
5 months ago
14 comments
One would think that most people would know this already but the article was fun and entertaining to read.
marionne
5 months ago
8 comments
i love this part "Face Tattoos"
Why not?
Just don’t.
haha no need for further explanation... as simple as JUST DON'T!
ricki
6 months ago
13298 comments
There are a lot of women around that just feel they can wear almost nothing. Just barely wearing really short shorts and almost what looks like just wearing a bra! To me that is just as bad as when men go shirtless. We need to remember to wear clothing modestly. Cover our bodies properly! This is one reason I believe that sexual assaults are high in the country!
bethanierose
6 months ago
680 comments
This article is hilarious! But in all seriousness, it's very sound advice that all women should follow. I was relieved to discover I'm not a victim of anything on this list!
melissap1
6 months ago
2 comments
Loved this article. Very funny. Most of these things I would take for granted. You can wear anything you want, but if you want to be respected and taken seriously, this advice is very useful. I'm new to this site, and am really enjoying it so far. The writers have a great sense of humor!
Account Removed
6 months ago
Interesting article. About the make-up rule ...come on .... don't ask the boss (being a man) what he likes ...it's obvious in most cases. I only wera lipstick and mascara and it fits me the best: I save a lot of time and anyway I do not think I need something more.
About hats......they'll be back. And what's wrong in wearing your favourite hat on the street and take it off when you reach the office? I think it is very chic.
And one more thing: no matter how well you dress, there will always be somebody to criticize your style and spread gossips.
marge201
6 months ago
2 comments
Clean Uggs can certainly be worn. I wore dark gray Uggs all winter with wide leg dress slacks and jackets & appropriate camis (no cleavage) and nice jewelry, makeup and hair looking good. I was warm, comfortable and looked great.