From first-hand experience (as a management consultant in the corporate world) and from living and working in a downtown business core, I regularly observe women who make the WRONG decision when it comes to summer skirts/dresses for work. I know you’ve seen it too…. women on their way to work, off to an important meeting, or on a lunch meeting wearing skirts/dresses that are WAY too short. Why do some women do this? Don’t they feel uncomfortable? Aren’t they aware that their blazer has more material than that itty-bitty skirt/dress? Don’t be this lady! To ensure YOU’RE not the one making this major fashion faux pas in the office, following my top style suggestion: Even on hot summery days, you’re still a professional working in a professional environment! Feel free to wear whatever you’d like on casual evenings or weekends, however, when it comes to business, you simply can’t afford to have the hem of your skirt/dress rise too high. Why, you ask? Do I really need to say why? Well, I will…. It’s unprofessional. Whether you work for in an organization, non-profit, or for yourself, a really short skirt doesn’t really give the impression that you are a serious professional. Don’t let this happen to you! It says that “I don’t really care about getting that promotion.” When you show too much leg (or cleavage for that matter), you letting others know that they should look at what you’re wearing… or not wearing… rather than listen to the brilliant things you’re saying. Women who excel in their careers – whatever career that may be – generally do so by building and showing off their ‘substance’, not their legs. You should want to attract the ‘right’ type of attention, not the ‘wrong’ kind of attention. Unfortunately, we ladies are judged more than men are in the workplace… we’re judged by our hairstyles, by the colour of our lipstick, or by how high our heels are (or aren’t). It’s wise to not add to the uphill battle by wearing an ultra-short skirt/dress. These are just a few of MANY reasons but, I think you get the picture. To keep things appropriate, professional, and stylish, I’ve picked a few chic pieces for you. Enjoy! Diane Von Furstenberg- Esme Pencil Skirt 10 Crosby Derek Lam Striped Pencil Skirt Malene Birger- Dalise Print Shift Dress MANGO- Straight Cut Drape Skirt Alexander McQueen- Fine Knit Wool Dress Happy Wednesday!
Flip Flops: Where is the line when it comes to office attire?
There are many opinions out there when it comes to flip flops being OK or even appropriate for the office. The discussions I’ve heard and read about often refer to the use of flip flops by women. I would argue that the discussion should also include men! This group may not be a prevalent flip flop user in the workplace, but I have definitely spied these offenders (yes, I just said offenders) in business school as well as in the corporate world on casual Fridays (think Hawaiian shirts and flip flops). Alright, now that I got that off my chest, we can move on… Image from: http://earthdivasblog.com We’ve all heard the arguments of why these offenders feel that flip flops are appropriate in the workplace. It’s interesting (and by interesting, I mean that it makes my brow furrow), that left to their own devices, flip flop lovers have used their “judgement” and justified why flip flops should be allowed in the office. I’m sure you’ve heard some of these: “My office is really casual so I don’t need to dress professionally” “My flip flops are really feminine and pretty” “They are so comfortable and easy for me to walk in all day long” “No one has said anything all summer so it must be ok” I do agree that flip flops have a place in our lives – like the beach, a weekend at the cabin, or for the morning walk with your dog – but personally, I don’t agree with the thought process of flip flop lovers who insist on including this footwear as part of their regular office attire. Here are some of my thoughts on the topic: Who’s the professional in the room? Do flip flops really say to others “I am serious about my career?” In my opinion, I don’t feel that wearing flip flops to the office is going to get you big votes on credibility or professionalism. If your goal is to continue moving your career forward, I’d ditch the flip flops and go for something more professional. That doesn’t mean you have to wear a 3 or 4 inch heel but rather, wear a shoe (flats are acceptable) that shows others you care about yourself, your employer, your clients and your future. Put in the effort because, guess what, people notice! What is that noise? Plain and simple, flip flops are noisy! If you’re in an office environment and you’re on the phone, in a client meeting, or just working away at your desk, flips flops are noisy… even in an office with carpet (I can hear the flip flop lovers making the same argument about the “click” from heels)! While your shoes can really add to the overall look of an outfit, you want people looking at YOU and not listening to the noise that is coming from your feet! Does casual = sloppy? There is a lot of ambiguity around the term business casual and what this really means. I believe
When the temperatures rise, so do the hemlines… even in the office??
Wouldn’t we all rather be outside soaking up the sun, having a picnic, at the cabin for a few extra days, enjoying a backyard BBQ… just about anything else besides sitting in the office (no matter how much you love your profession)? While this may be true, we DO have to be in the office during those long summer days. I’ve often noticed that people- both men and women- tend to take some liberty with their clothing choices during those long summer days at the office. I’ve also noticed that women are the primary offenders of – I’ll just say it – inappropriate attire in the office! What I’m referring to specifically are hemlines. As the old cliché goes – “as the temperature rises, so do the hemlines.” Although this phrase may seem a bit dated, it definitely holds true…even in situations where it shouldn’t. By simply walking around downtown, I see MANY women who are wearing summer skirts that are too short, too sheer or too tight! Here are three common “mistakes” I see (and I know you’ve seen them too): A lady with really long legs wearing a skirt that is halfway up her thigh – of course she is wearing sky high heels. Not only is the skirt short (inappropriate short for work), but it is also some type of floral print that is ‘flowy’ and perfect for summer (that was a little sarcasm in case it didn’t come through). What this lady doesn’t realize (or maybe she does), is that the second the wind blows, that skirt is going to be plastered right up against her chest and back – and no, she didn’t catch it in time to do the classic Marilyn Monroe pose on the street! A lady with an “elastic” pencil skirt doing the penguin shuffle down the street. At first glance, it might seem like this skirt is fine for the office. It’s a high-waisted skirt and goes more or less to the knee. But it’s stretchy and is not made with REAL MATERIAL!! I’ve often seen a skirt like this paired with a fitted – ok tight, not fitted – blouse or top! This is not a work-appropriate outfit ladies. You are attracting the wrong type of attention in this skirt – end of story A lady wearing a light summer skirt (a thinner material) that is so sheer that everyone can see her thighs and/or underwear when the sun shines on her. While the skirt length or shape may not be inappropriate for the office, this skirt is completely see-through! I don’t know about you, but I’d feel totally exposed at the office, particularly during a client meeting! So, why I am sharing some of these “mistakes”? Am I looking to just rant on my blog? No. Am I trying to be controversial? No. Am I trying to be as straight-up as possible about how to not be a “summer style victim” at work? YES!! I thought I’d share some
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