Women in high-level positions who dress in what is seen as sexy attire are viewed as less competent, regardless of their skills. Unfair but true and all because of a workplace fashion faux pas. Here’s how to prevent this happening to you.

Workplace fashion

Professor Peter Glick of Lawrence University in Wisconsin published an article in the Psychology of Women Quarterly in which he indicated that women in top positions who dress in sexy clothes are often viewed as less competent, regardless of their skills. He added that these women were also more regularly passed over for promotions than their more modestly dressed female colleagues.

What and what not to wear at work should actually be quite a straight-forward issue, especially if there is an employee dress code in place. Unfortunately many companies do not have a formal dress code and this leaves the playing field wide open for more workplace fashion blunders, by both male and female employees.

Wardrobe selections you should avoid

Although the do’s and don’ts vary from company to company, there are a number of things you should definitely not wear to work.

Women

The following should be seen as fashion landmines and avoided at all costs:

    • Clothes that are see-through and reveal your bra or panty lines
    • Micro-mini and mini-skirts and sheer clothing without a lining or cover-up.
    • Spaghetti-strap tops and tops with low cut necklines or tops that reveal your midriff or bellybutton and belly ring
    • Denim, especially frayed or with lots of embossment, skinny jeans, sweatpants or shorts
    • Stilettos, flip flops, running shoes, slippers and other casual footwear
    • Outdated and old fashioned clothes that give the impression that you are stuck in yesteryear and lack fresh ideas
    • Tight skirts, slacks and tops
    • Too much flashy jewellery or nose and tongue rings.

Men

Although men have fewer style options than women, it is still important to look neat and professional. The following should be avoided:

    • Smelly, wrinkled or badly fitting clothes
    • Hats or caps
    • Shoes that leave your toes bare such as sandals or flip-flops or shoes without socks
    • White socks. Wear socks that match the colour of the pants
    • Too-tight tees or shirts that show off your deltoids and pecs – or lack of them
    • Shirts that are unbuttoned and show your hairy chest and gold necklace
    • Sweatpants or shorts
    • Anything with holes or stains
    • Too much jewellery or nose and tongue rings.

 

Moral of the story

The moral of the story: modesty is a virtue when it comes to dressing professionally so rather err on the side of caution but remember to dress for the job you want! Also remember that how an individual dresses for work can be a powerful extension of his or her personal brand, according to Matthew Randall, executive director of the Centre for Professional Excellence (CPE). “Clothes, accessories and even the footwear an employee chooses to wear help to reinforce or diminish his or her skills and qualities in the eyes of his or her employer, co-workers and clients.” When in doubt seek the advice of a trusted mentor, human resources representative or immediate supervisor.

 

Sources

Braccio Hering, B. 2011. Ten commandments of dressing for work. Retrieved from: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/16/living/workplace-professional-dress-cb/
Cirelli, C. Inappropriate Casual Friday clothing. Retrieved from: http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Inappropriate_Casual_Friday_Clothing
Sandeen, D. Inappropriate business attire for females. Retrieved from: http://womens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Inappropriate_Business_Attire_for_Females
What men and women should not wear to work. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.kellyservices.com/US/Careers/Candidate-Resource-Center/Career-Tips-and-Tools/What-Men-and-Women-Should-Not-Wear-to-Work/#.Vr39Avl95Mw