Workplaces Do's and Don'ts

Do: Dress for Success

Generally speaking, how you dress will be dependent on the type of work you do, the atmosphere in the office, and the culture of your workplace.

If all signs point to business causal, then do business causal. If all signs point to casual, then do causal with a business twist-- meaning, make sure your jeans (that is, if it is 100% OK to wear them) are not ripped, do not have holes, bleach stains, etc. (P.S. you might want to stay with a darker wash because they are generally dressier) and your top is more dressy than causal. That way, you not only fulfill your causal requirement, but you look more professional doing it.

If your office requires business attire, then dress accordingly-- no exceptions! Translation: wear the formal pants, dress, or skirt with classic pumps or flats and a button down shirt. A general rule of thumb for business formal is to make sure you have on three pieces before you leave your house. Example: pencil skirt, blouse, and jacket.

Please note the translation did not say or even so much as imply for you to wear a short skirt or a short dress with a slit up the back so high you are in danger of showing your goodies if your skirt or dress rose slightly while you were walking down the hall! (God forbid you drop your pen!)

Below is a photo of what you should NOT be wearing to the office.


Yes, she did wear the three pieces, but she is one big "don't"!

The girl's skirt is a good two-plus inches above her knees. When you wear a skirt or dress to the office, you want to be on the conservative side. You want your skirt or dress to hit right at or just slightly above the knee if you are petite (petite being a height at and below 5'4'')- - the more conservative the office, the longer the skirt or dress you will want to wear at the office.

Don't forget to go conservative on the top, too! Save putting your girls on display for after 5 p.m.! You want you co-workers to pay attention to you and your work, not to be mentally undressing you with their eyes because you have left nothing to the imagination with your floozie attire.

So, follow these simple add-ons to make sure you are dressed for success:

• Do take pictures while you coordinate an outfit to make sure it hits all of your workplace's criteria.

• Do the "sit test" when you opt for a dress or a skirt. How does one do the "sit test," you ask? Simple! Sit down in your planned outfit. Is everything still covered appropriately? You win! If not, save the skirt/dress for the weekend. If it still goes up too high it is probably time to say good-bye and donate it!

When in doubt, save the outfit for a weekend. And remember, it's always better to go more towards the formal and conservative side than to the casual relaxed side.