Diet & Fitness Blog
You're Wearing THAT to the Office?!?
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"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." -- Mark TwainWith apologies to Monsieur Twain, let me share my philosophy about career clothes for women: The right clothes can help pave your path to the corner suite at the office. A frumpy wardrobe may keep you in a claustrophobic-sized cubicle forever.
You can be bright, brilliant and bold -- but if you show up at the office in a polyester, chartreuse green pantsuit and Pepto-Bismol-pink plastic boots, your passion for fashion may inspire the wrong kind of awe.
So what belongs in your closet of career classics? Try these on for size and you'll always look great:
--For "casual Fridays," go for chic, crisp tailored slacks in dark hues (navy blue, brown or grey) and a tailored blouse in a color that suits your complexion (e.g., I know that green makes my skin look jaundiced, so it’s on my "fuhgeddabout it" list).
--Low to medium-sized heels. And please donate scuffed shoes to Goodwill or another organization NOW. The most professional, carefully-chosen outfit can be ruined by a careless shoe choice. Also on your not-for-the-office list: tennis shoes (unless you’re a personal fitness trainer!), spike heels, shoes that make noise and open-toed sandals (especially if you have bright red toenail polish that’s chipped).
--A small to medium-sized purse. No suitcase-sized bags that, when opened, reveal a decade’s worth of accumulated treasures like used Kleenex. And please give the cute little pink purse decorated with hearts or a "Born to Shop" emblem to your teenage niece.
Skin-colored nylons. Glitter, colors that glow in the dark and other fun varieties of nylons are wonderful for weekends -- but not for the office. Ditto the tights that are ideal for ballet class but not for the boardroom.
--Lingerie that fits. And actually wear it -- don't leave it at home. Remember Drew Barrymore’s braless "oops, not a good decision" appearance on the Golden Globes (where, unfortunately, the name of the show gave late night talk show hosts extra "mean remarks" ammunition)? I once had a close encounter of the uncomfortable kind with a young colleague who wore blouses that were so low-cut that her lack of a bra was like a walking human anatomy class. When she leaned down to talk to me, I averted my eyes. Some of the men, however, did otherwise -- and she was subjected to several "tactful talks" by the human resources department.
Perhaps the most important guideline of all for career classics: Choose clothes that
make you feel good about you. Take your time shopping and invest in good, quality attire that says, "Now there’s a successful woman!"
Can clothes really make or break your career? Tell us your stories by commenting below!
Joanne Eglash is a writer and an editor specializing in health, weight control and fitness. She's written for a variety of publications and websites, ranging from Energy for Women magazine to KidsHealth.org. For more information about Joanne, visit her Web site at www.geocities.com/trendclues.
Comment by 
said... - Friday, February 15, 2008 12:39:00 PM
What if you stop eating these meals, just as if you stop taking multi-vitamins to balance the metabolist system, will you also gain the weight back?
Comment by said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 5:29:00 AM
I work in a doctors office where most everybody follows a dress code rule of scrubs....except for one young skinny girl at the front desk who wears tight pants that show her tattoo and see thru blouses to see her cleavage. Of course she is the doctors favorite...so its OK. Not a professional look but that doesn't matter to the boss he likes what he sees. I am looking for another professional job.
Comment by 
Hoosier RD said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:00:00 AM
I've found that when deciding between two pair of shoes or two blouses, usually the one that is more polished-looking and conservative wins at work. I've always looked younger than I really am, so using good attire judgement has helped me look professional to strangers who otherwise might think I just look like a young girl.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:50:00 AM
I don't think your clothes will break your career, however, the proformance you put forth will be much better if you feel good about what your wearing. Feeling sucessful creates a better work preformance. So why not dress for success!
Comment by said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:24:00 AM
What a stupid article! I thought we'd see some actual advice on style, not- wear your lingerie.
Comment by sherylc said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:47:00 AM
Commenting on the article "you're wearing that to the office?"
These ideas are great if your a 'size 2'... what about the "plus size" What- -sizes 14,16 and 18 can't look professional on the job?
How about some refreshing wardrobe ideas or hyperlinks to other sites that will boost the self-esteem of the full figured, hearty sized.
Comment by Cindy said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 1:15:00 PM
I certainly do agree that clothes can make or break your career. Like it or not, clothes are important to the way people perceive you. This doesn't mean that you need to wear Dior or Chanel but you DO have to wear polished clothes that fit well.
For example, I've noticed that even if I wear my nicest jeans and shirt people will be nicer to me when I'm wearing boots and my most casual dress.
Besides, dressing well can make someone more confident and that alone is worth the investment.
Great post!
Comment by said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 1:38:00 PM
As a woman dressing for success is very important. I find that a tailored dark pantsuit or skirt and blazer are very professional. If you are worried about loosing your femininity in the process fear not. Add a colorful blouse that makes you glow and add some matching jewelry in good taste (I prefer something in silver) and you have it covered. I also go light on the makeup but wear a complimenting lipstick to my skin tone and personality. Being a Commercial Real Estate Agent which is sometimes looked upon as a man's field puts you in a competitive position. Therefore I find it even more necessary to dress professionally. But by remaining feminine in small ways makes me feel good about myself and therefore my clients see and appreciate the real me. Good article.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, February 19, 2008 4:36:00 PM
I don't know where the author lives, but I live in NYC and work in a creative field and these tips are WAY too matronly.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:54:00 AM
To the woman who questioned what works for Size 14, 16... the answer is the advice in this article. I know because I am a size 14 down from a size 16 for the last 5 years. Clothes that fit appropriately in colors that are right for you and the occassion you are dressing for can make a larger sized woman just as sexy and attractive as a thin woman!
Comment by said... - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:16:00 PM
Simplicity is a fairly simple concept. I work in an executive office and receive compliments quite often for being well-dressed, but not stuffy. My shoes are open-toe (year-round) for physical reasons (doctor recommended), so your personal comments are tactless and uneducated. You have a narrow frame of reporting.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:53:00 PM
How about semi-formal or 'business-casual' dressing ideas, color combinations, accessories etc?
Not every one has to wear suits to work.There are places where weating a suit will raise suspicious eyes as if you are looking for a job!
Comment by said... - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 10:25:00 PM
It's all about the fit. No matter what your size or shape, casual or business. My company (hospital) requires us to wear black scub pants and a royal blue top. Those with well fitting uniforms look more professional. Clothes that stretch around the body are not appropriate. Pant legnth is important. Lets not send out flood warnings ( it scares the patients) Along with black foot wear, leather is better than tennis shoes. My point is when every one is wearing the same thing, these small details really stand out. If I worked in a office the same principles would still apply. Oh, and don't forget a genuine smile. Always beautiful on every one.
Comment by said... - Saturday, February 23, 2008 8:54:00 AM
Thanks for the article. I get so discusted when I go to any professional office and see the way some of the woman dress. Skin, tatoos and cleavage do not belong in the office. Who cares to see them anyway?
Comment by said... - Sunday, February 24, 2008 7:06:00 PM
Hi there!
what if at work most of people just wear free style? no rules at work! even boss wears jeans and akward stuff on! what to do in those situations? if you wanna wear kinda diff...then maybe make u feel u dont fit there?...
Comment by said... - Friday, February 29, 2008 11:56:00 AM
You don't have to be a size 2 to wear a nice suit, medium heel, and a bra! They offer plenty of suits and professional clothes in plus sizes. Now fun, playful or formal stuff is harder to find. They like to go granny in these departments.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, September 02, 2008 4:30:00 PM
Kim, how dare you even utter that a size 14 is a PLUS size???! Since when??????????????????
Comment by said... - Thursday, October 23, 2008 1:47:00 AM
I used to dress really nicely---good suits, professional shoes---until I found I was out-dressing my coworkers and more importantly my boss. I've since dressed down---dresses or skirts with jackets, a variety of shoes. I'd prefer my former way of dressing, but it tends to outshine the other staff.
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