The Dos and Don’ts of Workplace Fashion

By Kendra Gilbert on November 20th, 2009

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The workplace has evolved over the years, but it certainly hasn’t evolved past common decency or good taste. For those of you out there, like myself, who still hold down a traditional 9-to-5 job in Cubical Land, there are guidelines to what you can and cannot wear. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring personal style to the office. It just means you can’t dress like a hooch or a hung-over college co-ed.

Unfortunately, these basic guidelines are often ignored. In my office especially. If you can’t already tell, this is more a personal manifesto than it is a resource for practical office dressing. (Although, I hope it will prove useful to some or all who read it.)

Here are my tips:

Be Aware of Your Hemline- If you’re going to wear a skirt with a slit in it, please make sure the hem is no higher than an inch or two above the knee. Trust me. I’ve witnessed what happens when someone wearing a short skirt with a high slit bends over. And it ain’t pretty. Hello! Mad Men fashion is everywhere right now, let the skirt down a little and go retro!

Try Flats, Not Flip Flops- Flip flops creep into my office environment way too often. On Casual Friday they are acceptable (barely), but wearing them any other day of the week is blatantly inappropriate. This isn’t college anymore, as much as I would love for it to be. I understand that heels are a pain. Pretty, but a pain. Instead of rubber flip flops, try wearing flats. They are a  more appropriate alternative to heels.

Mix and Match Your Wardrobe- I think most of us are smart enough to know what is, and isn’t, appropriate to wear to the office. It doesn’t all have to be serious black pant suits and button up shirts. Incorporate color and accessories and items that reflect who you are into your office attire. Mixing and matching is a great way to shake up a dull work wardrobe. Just make sure your private parts are covered. That’s all I’m saying.