I know we've all spend a little time watching Stacy and Clinton rip apart someone's closet only to reveal a more confident, self-assured person underneath who is ready to conquer the world. I'm just not sure this message is reaching the business casual workforce. I think there is a gray line as to what is appropriate and what is not when you work in a casual environment with engineers who are at their desks at crazy hours. If you don't see anyone and you're stuck in an office all day is it ok just to wear jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt...maybe, probably. But what happens when you step outside that office and you have to present to your group and they don't know you - what does that ensemble say about you? Are your nightclub clothes appropriate for the work environment? Probably not.
I've compiled some tips which I hope people find helpful and appropriate.
Rule of thumb: You can never be overdressed but you can always be under-dressed for certain situations. This is true of the workplace as well as social gatherings. This guide is meant to be for the business casual work environment.
Questions to ask yourself:
-What do I want my clothes to say about me?
-What message am I hoping to convey in my clothes?
-When others look at me are they able to focus on what I am saying or are they distracted by what I am wearing?
-Is this something I would feel comfortable in a job interview?
-Do I have any doubts about the appropriateness about what I am wearing?
Some options for clothing that is appropriate to wear:
-Button down shirts or blouses
-Slacks or trouser pants that aren't inappropriately tight fitting
-Tea length skirts or dresses
-Appropriate work shoes that are clean and don't show bare feet
Things to Avoid:
-Low cut blouses or shirts
-Blouses or shirts that show bare midriff - really now, do people wear this to work?!
-Skimpy tank tops / spaghetti strap tops
-Pants that ride low enough to see undergarments - Is this appropriate at any level?!
-Sneakers or flip flops
I think a lot of this is obvious but I'm telling you - I have seen Stacy and Clinton around shaking their heads. Just wait, you might be next on the show, "What Not To Wear." I hope you have found this to be helpful and fun.
I've compiled some tips which I hope people find helpful and appropriate.
Rule of thumb: You can never be overdressed but you can always be under-dressed for certain situations. This is true of the workplace as well as social gatherings. This guide is meant to be for the business casual work environment.
Questions to ask yourself:
-What do I want my clothes to say about me?
-What message am I hoping to convey in my clothes?
-When others look at me are they able to focus on what I am saying or are they distracted by what I am wearing?
-Is this something I would feel comfortable in a job interview?
-Do I have any doubts about the appropriateness about what I am wearing?
Some options for clothing that is appropriate to wear:
-Button down shirts or blouses
-Slacks or trouser pants that aren't inappropriately tight fitting
-Tea length skirts or dresses
-Appropriate work shoes that are clean and don't show bare feet
Things to Avoid:
-Low cut blouses or shirts
-Blouses or shirts that show bare midriff - really now, do people wear this to work?!
-Skimpy tank tops / spaghetti strap tops
-Pants that ride low enough to see undergarments - Is this appropriate at any level?!
-Sneakers or flip flops
I think a lot of this is obvious but I'm telling you - I have seen Stacy and Clinton around shaking their heads. Just wait, you might be next on the show, "What Not To Wear." I hope you have found this to be helpful and fun.