What are some of the things that represent fashion errors in the office for women? Read on for hints and help on the things you should not do when it comes to fashion in the work place.
1. Too much color
It’s probably okay to wear overly bright colors if you’re working at Google or some other workplace where they encourage people’s individuality, but let’s face it – brows will be raised in the boardroom if you suddenly come in wearing your favorite fuchsia suit and flashy scarf.
Be careful of color combinations, too. To be safe, combine complementary colors – those that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
2. Ill-fitting clothes
A dress that’s too tight will emphasize your bulges even more, especially when those bulges are not in the right places. Always wear your proper size, and don’t think that wearing a Size 6 dress when you’re a Size 8 will make you look smaller.
In the same vein, rid your cabinet of clothes that are too loose. Even if you’re a bit on the heavy side, wearing baggy tops and pants will definitely make you look bigger. Throw away all your padded outfits – they probably won’t be back in fashion for a long time anyway. Clothes with a proper fit will give you the confidence you need as you won’t be weighed down by what you’re wearing.
3. Dragon lady nails
They’re hideous and tacky and are only appropriate for a costume party. What’s more, if you’re using the computer or the telephone at the office, they’re hardly functional. If you had them done for a special occasion and want to keep them a bit longer, you can opt for the short-length variety.
4. Dark roots
Trust me, your friends won’t tell you about how unsightly this looks. When your hair starts growing out, it’s time to reapply the dye – but go for a darker shade this time, unless you want to be stuck with dead hair. This happens when you keep dyeing your hair, and you’ll be forced to do this if your hair dye is in high contrast to your natural color.
5. Clothes that are too casual or too formal
It’s easy to avoid these fashion boo-boos if you’ve got an office wardrobe with the classic staples – jackets and suits in black, navy, grey, and tan; blouses and tops in plain colors and classic styles; dark-colored pumps with medium heels; black pants; and knee-length skirts. Wear sweaters with neutral colors. Remember: Loafers are too casual and stilettoes are too formal.
6. Too much makeup
Even if you’re not out in the sun, it’s still daytime, and makeup that’s too heavy still looks gaudy. What’s worse is having foundation that stops at the chin, known as a foundation mask. Always blend your foundation up to your neck and as far as you can go behind the ears. Save the false eyelashes for a girls’ night out.
7. Overly flashy accessories
You can wear chunky accessories one at a time, but make sure they’re paired with simple clothes. Don’t be tempted to bring those large-monogram bags at the office. Keep shoe colors muted. A good rule of thumb is to wear a maximum of three pieces of jewelry to the office – for instance, a ring, a bracelet, and earrings.