Office Appropriate

What is appropriate to wear in the office depends on what kind of job you do.  If you are working in a bank, insurance company or any financial institution, wearing too bright colors for a dress and too many accessories is really unacceptable.  But, if you are working in an advertising firm which is a more relaxed office setting, colors are a great way to perk up your mood and your office's.  For the sake of generalization on how to look appropriate in the office, here are some pointers.

SHOES

1. Never ever wear sneakers even if it is a washday.

2. Strappy sandals and slippers are a no-no.  If you want to bare your clean and polished toenails, peep-toe pumps will do the trick.

3. Do not wear overly high heels... unless you work as a stripper.

4. Animal print shoes has a borderline for tacky and chic.  It is tacky if you are wearing animal print shoes with animal print coat and animal print bag.  One animal print something is chic.

5.  Wearing any dirty shoes in the office or anywhere is a crime!

6.  No clogs and uggs puhlease!

CLOTHES

1. A well fitted coat and slacks or a skirt that allows you to walk and sit normally is a yes in the office.  When I say walk or sit normally means that the skirt is not too fitted and the hemline is at your knees' level or slightly lower than that.  Skirts that go way up your butt crack is simply trashy and really unprofessional.

2.  Jeans, shorts, tank tops, midriffs, plunging necklines and heavily embellished tops should not be worn in the office because you are working and not partying.  If you want to wear a spaghetti strap do not remove your coat.

3. If you don't have clean clothes to wear, do not go to work.  It is better to file a leave for whatever reason than to talk to your boss with his nose covered because you stink.

4.  Again, animal print overload is too tacky.

ACCESSORIES

1.  Chains and large accessories should be left in your house.  A simple stud earrings and necklace is enough.

2.  Do wear watch but please make sure it works.

3.  Chandelier earrings are for formal parties and not in the office.

4.  No bracelets with too many charms that makes too many noise... it is irritating.

5.  If you have a uniform, accessorize just a little to make you stand out among the rest.

BAGS

1.  Keep it simple but functional.  Do not bring a bag that is too big you could fit inside.

2.  Obviously, you can't (shouldn't) bring a clutch in the office.

3.  Colors are great but skip neon brights.

HAIR

1.  Keep it clean and simple.

2.  Do not go crazy with hair spray... it is too 1980s and you don't want to add up with the ozone layer's burden.

3.  Do not even go crazier with hair accessories because you are an office girl and not a preschooler.  A ponytail or a barrette will do to tame your hair.

 With these basic pointers on how to dress appropriately in the office, you will sure earn respect and you will gain a lot of confidence.  For other tips on how to power dress, click here.