What Not To Do: The Corporate Fashion Edition 2012

Tue, 14 Feb 12

While having a unique personality is admired in every office, it's best to leave your knee high striped socks and exercise clothing at home and instead focus on building a professional image. Read on for Shirt Studio's top five tips on what not to do when mixing work and fashion.

1. Too-casual Friday:  Don’t compromise professionalism for comfort: ripped jeans, gym clothes, sporting jerseys and casual shoes are unacceptable in most corporate offices. Instead, bright coloured hues are welcome, as are vibrant checks and stripes.
2. Excess skin:  No matter what day of the week, very low necklines and short hemlines are unacceptable for a work place. This goes for men as well, as chances are, the boss will not want to see your latest body piercing.
3. Ill fitting clothes:  Dress for your shape - flattering your figure is usually the viable option. Shirts are always best as they button up so that there is room to move and they are long enough to cover your mid section as you stretch across your desk. Pay attention to your trousers or skirt fabrics. Fabric that bags at the back or knee looks hideous after only a few hours. 
4. Bad hair day:  Keep it simple at the office. Your hair shouldn’t be getting in the way. Wear a hairstyle that won’t need constant attention.
5. Shoes for ‘work’:  Let you shoes out-do their welcome in your wardrobe – scuffed with worn soles stands out like a sore thumb. Ladies, don't wear ridiculous heels higher than 2 inches tall. No shoe bling or flip-flop heels.