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Dress for success (part 4): Don'ts for women
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Do the don’ts really need to be said? After a conversation about this exact topic with a coworker today, yes, they do. Ladies, I unfortunately think we are the number-one culprits for breaking dress code rules.
Don’t:
1. Wear clothes that are too tight or too short. “Ask yourself, ‘What's the message I want to give?’ A safe skirt length is just above, at or below the knee. If, when you sit down, you can see your thigh, the message you are giving is sexy, not professional - even if you have great legs! Clothing that is too tight is not flattering on anyone, whether you are slim or heavy,” said Valerie Sokolosky, president of Valerie & Company.
2. Obsess over trends. “You don’t have to be boring and forgo all fun styles, but it’s better to focus on what works best for your body and your industry rather than what the high school girls are wearing,” said Jenn Hoffman, president of Get Some Media.
3. Go overboard with jewelry. “Wear a discrete necklace and one pair of earrings. If you have more than one piercing, make sure the only one you can see is the ears,” said Corinne Phipps, founder of Urban Darling.
4. Use too much makeup. “If you can see it, that's for evenings out, not job interviews,” said Caroline Ceniza-Levine, partner at SixFigureStart Career Coaching.
5. Wear flip-flops. “If you would wear them to the beach, they should not be worn at work. Wearing flip-flops leaves the impression that you don't take your job seriously - that you'd rather be at the beach than at the office. Not a good impression to make during a tough economy,” said Amy Elizabeth Casson, president of Polished Image.
6. Show cleavage. “Both men’s and women’s eyes are drawn to the woman’s chest, and it is hard to avoid looking there. Cleavage draws attention to the body rather than to what is being said. Any kind of tank top or shirt that reveals undergarments, such as showing bra straps, should also be avoided,” said Marcia J. Hall of Reputation Counts.
7. Be juvenile. “Wearing juvenile fashions is just as bad as talking in a little girl’s voice. You won’t get no respect,” said Barbara DesChamps, a wardrobe consultant. “Baby doll-style blouses can be OK, and cover up the early months of pregnancy if they are long enough, but choose the styles and colors carefully. Pleats and darker colors are better than ruffles and pastels.”
8. Forget to iron. “Wrinkled or shabby clothes send the message that you either don't care about your appearance or are too lazy to pay attention to details. Neither message is the one you want to be sending to the world,” said Marlys K. Arnold, image specialist and creator of the Image@Work Club.
9. Choose flats over heels. “High heels always make your legs look longer and add a sophistication to any outfit,” said Anya Sarre, head fashion stylist for Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.
10. Have a weak or limp handshake. “Your handshake says as much about you as the way you are dressed. A firm, but not bone crushing, handshake is fine. This will tell the person you are confident and engaged,” said Robin Kazmarek, director of career services at Stetson University.
| <-- Part 3: Do's for men | Part 5: Don'ts for men --> |
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