How Do I Look?

Written by Marea Munro /// Find in Fashion & Beauty

nottowear-1 Does your co-worker get the work place confused with happy hour? Have you had enough of seeing your co-worker's underwear when she bends over? Do the male employees get a rise when your supervisor wears low cut shirts and see through blouses? Have you been wondering what goes through your co-worker's minds when she comes into work with 4-inch nails and purple hair?

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Point them out!

Whether you are a manager, supervisor, or employee it is important to adhere to and enforce your company's dress code. Keep in mind that dressing for work isn’t the same as dressing for the club or church.

Many times the dress code terms are outdated and unclear. Everyone cannot be expected to dress exactly the same but you are expected to dress professionally regardless of your occupation. Follow the business image and take the dress code seriously.

Be mindful of whom your customers and clients are in reference to their age and maturity because you are representing the company at all times. Even if you work for a company that has a relaxed and creative atmosphere, you are still expected to adhere to their specific dress code.

The purpose of a dress code is to unify the employees and prevent bias. Another reason for a dress code is to counteract any possible distractions that can arise from revealing or obscene articles of clothing. For example, an employee wearing an anti Obama t-shirt might offend another customer/client of a particular political party, race, or religion.

Women are usually targeted for showing more skin. Miniskirts, blouses showing cleavage, and fish net stockings can encourage men to comment or even harass female employees. These can often make a woman seem flashy and inviting in comparison to men who have less limitations on their appearance.

Not adhering to a dress code and wearing clothes that may be too revealing does not give the green light for male or female employees to harass or disrespect each other, but people strongly judge each other by their appearance, dress, and body language. Let your work speak for itself rather than your outfit. And just a reminder - if you would wear it to the club, you probably shouldn’t wear it to the workplace.

nottowear CLOTHES
Avoid excessive cleavage and legs. Unless you are an exotic dancer or your boss is your husband, this is unacceptable.

Your typical button up dress shirt, camis with sweater, or short sleeve shirts are cool. Pencil or knee length skirts are acceptable. Avoid those materials that typically ride up your leg. Even stretchy skirts or pants can fit too tight and what’s more embarrassing than splitting your pants in the middle of your workday?! The length of your skirts and pants is also very important. Be sure to get short, average or tall, depending upon your individual height. Unless it is dress down Friday DO NOT WEAR jeans. Again, this depends on the environment.

TATTOOS AND BODY PIERCINGS
Many employers and employees today are faced with the issue of whether to allow tattoos, body piercings, and/or colored hair. Things can get tricky because they aren't typically considered a religious or racial discretion.

HAIR
Hair should be clean and styled. Avoid bright colors unless you’re working at a store like Spencer’s or Hot Topic. For corporate or sales positions a simple style such as bob, bun, ponytails, shoulder length hair; or basic highlights are safe.

MEMO: For men, facial should be groomed and appropriate for the work place.

MAKEUP
Subtle makeup is always best for the workplace although no one can force you to do anything. Avoid makeup that sparkles or is bright. Many employers have rules regarding the type of make-up that is acceptable for work. This usually depends on the type of atmosphere you are working in. Some professional environments require or prefer more natural and earth tones while more creative environments are open to their employee’s individual taste. Light application of eyeliner, eye shadow, blush and mascara will not draw a lot of unnecessary attention.

SHOES
Leather boots that go up the thigh, sandals and open toe shoes are usually inappropriate. Shoes should always be polished and safe enough to walk in any setting. Styles will vary according to what trends are in, but think of where you are going before fashion.

CASUAL FRIDAYS
Many employees interpret this poorly. Casual Fridays doesn't mean come into work in jeans, a halter-top and flip-flops. A casual look can vary depending on the occupation, weather and business type. Take suggestions and be observant of the administrators in the office.

NO NOs

Fish net hosiery

Leggings

“Hooker boots”

Low cut shirts

See through blouses

Pants that show your thong...or panty line

Too much jewelry or make-up

Short sleeves if you have huge tattoos

Miniskirts..

Bright nail polish

Strappy sandals