So, I’ve been in job interview hell the past few months. I always feel like I should get the job because I’m dressed for the part, but what can I say, my mom’s an actress. When I was a kid, I’d spend my summers going on auditions with her, watching her tear through her closet for ‘looks’. One day it was a “mom” look, the next day maybe a waitress, the day after that, (or, in so many cases, that afternoon) the business woman. I don’t ever remember seeing my mom in office attire, because she never worked in an office. (The closest she got was my grandpa’s recording studio, but who wears a suit there?) My dad worked in an office forever, but was NOT a tie-guy until recently. Naturally, I gathered my information from TV and magazines for the gaps in my style knowledge.
Although I’ve never worked in an office, I can tell you for absolute certainty what is NOT appropriate. I dress people ALL the time for these sorts of things. I have tailored more men’s suits than the bones in my back. Bleh. But this is a girl’s style issue, because let’s be honest guys, looking nice is not really that hard if you’ve got a button down and some slacks–us ladies have to mix things up!
Disclaimer: I am very aware that this isn’t the 1980′s or Dynasty, and I am in NO way asking you to don shoulder pads and panty hose. I am also aware that we all work in different places, and sometimes fashion wins (but don’t think you’re a fashion victim when chained to the desk). Just don’t forsake your style for sluttyness at work, okay? Thanks!
Time to revisit GOOD IDEA/BAD IDEA from Animaniacs regarding proper work attire.
SHOES (1st, because they’re my fave, and I suppose we should start from the bottom up)
Good Idea: Kitten Heels and Ballet Flats
- Class
- Comfort
- Respectability
Bad Idea: Stillettos over 3″ and Platforms over 4″
- Not Classy
- You’re not kidding anyone, they are not comfortable and you know it.
- HO-city
- Kim Kardashian is on the RED CARPET, folks. Chew on that!
SOCKS, TIGHTS, PEDS
Good Idea: When wearing pants, dark socks with dark pants and shoes.
- Light pants, light socks, light shoes.
- peds are awesome for secretly wanting to have not smelly/stinky/uncomfortable feet in shoes you can’t be seen wearing socks with.
- Contrasting socks are okay, and can be way cute when done well!
Bad Idea: White socks with dress shoes. (REALLY??!?)
- AND dress socks/dress shoes with SHORTS? You look like you just came from a band competition. (I was a band geek, I can say it!)
- Panty hose. Just. NO! (My mom always said they should come with a tube of Monistat. . . )
SKIRTS
Good Idea: Just like dress code in middle school, skirts shouldn’t be shorter than your fingertips when your arms are flat to your sides.
Bad Idea: Slits that don’t just make moving easier = everyone can see your butt.
- You can find out if they show your butt, just turn around in the dressing room, please!
- Also, this is the underwear area: nobody likes VPL, and this includes thongs. We can still see your thong underwear line, even when you think you’re wearing a thong to avoid one. LOOK IN THE MIRROR!
- If the top gaps, wear a tank or t shirt underneath
- If it’s too short, wear a tank or shirt underneath
- If it’s a blazer, please, for the love of god, wear a shirt underneath (tank, t, whatever, just SOMETHING!)
- Sheer anything = bad bad bad!
- oh, and bra straps that show. and Spaghetti straps, no no no
Resources
“…because let’s be honest guys, looking nice is not really that hard if you’ve got a button down and some slacks…”
I hope you are aware of the dire consequences this will bring.
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