Fashion is a popular trend, prevailing custom or style of dress. Work is defined as employment, as in some form of industry, especially as a means of earning one's livelihood. When the two are merged, it maybe unclear as to what is fashionable for the work place. Therefore, many organizations have produced employee handbooks with a lengthy section dedicated to "The Dress Code". If you work for a corporation, I am sure you have seen, heard or been reprimanded in reference to "The Dress Code".
As of recently with the plethora of blogs and YouTube channels, it seems as though everyone is a fashion expert. Do not get me wrong, I love the arts, self expression and everything pretty but when it comes to fashion I have tunnel vision. My style is classic with solids, prints and leather. Style icons that I look up to are Michelle Obama, Victoria Beckham, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Give me a black pencil dress, simple jewellery, killer pumps and a chic clutch and I am ready to take on the world.
Let me just say, I am not a Fashion expert or guru but here are some guidelines when it comes to the work environment.
Sequins, Spandex and Transparent Clothing
If it is shiny or glow in the dark then you probably should not wear it to work. Ladies, there is no such thing as a transferable piece when it comes to the club versus the work place. If you can wear it to the club you cannot/should not wear it to work. Tight or ill fitting clothing or any piece of clothing where others can see your stomach or lace bra its a no.
Clothing that shows your religious or political beliefs
Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing but when someone else is cutting your check you should keep your religious and political beliefs to yourself. I am not against religion or supporting your political party but they have no place in the workplace. These are touchy subjects and can cause you to lose your job.
Social Media
I know you are thinking social media...that is not fashion but it is. Social media is a popular trend in which many use to express themselves. Adding coworkers to your social media pages can do more harm than good. In work environment's where team building and "making friends" is encouraged, it may seem normal to add your coworkers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but ask anyone who has been fired because of their indiscretion on social media outlets...This is not a good idea. My advice is to block your coworkers from your pages. Not DELETE them because this can work against you too. Either block them or open up another account under an alias and do not add coworkers to your personal social media accounts.
Designer Shoes, Handbags and Jewellery
Louboutins, Cartier and Gucci are nice to have but anything in excess is trashy. Heard the saying "Less is More", this is the same with designer items. Yes you have a nice bracelet, necklace, earrings, handbags and shoes but you don't have to wear every designer piece you own "AT THE SAME DAMN TIME". :)
Hair
Work appropriate hair depends on your industry. Once your hair is well kept, I think that is all that matters. Of course, if you work for a conservative company then you should stay away from unnatural bold colours and any hairstyle that would be seen as an attention getter.
What would you add to the list?
Posts
For me, fashion should be related to the events you are going so that you will look presentable.
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Thank you for your comment Chelsea. I agree with you 100%.
DeleteExcessive perfume or cologne. You don't have to use the heavily scented bodywash, deoderant, powder, and perfume to go to work. People usually work very close together, if I can smell you walking down the hallway from over 20 feet away then you need to go home and re-wash. This is particularly important to people, like myself, who have scent allergies. The workplace is not a party, excessive scents are unprofessional. Just say NO to Axe!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Sprezzatura66! I totally forgot that one. I am very sensitive to scents and that is one of the reasons I do not wear perfumes. If there is a product that says "unscented" I got it. I cannot stand when a person walks by and I am hit with the odor of perfume/cologne.
DeleteFootwear, for some reason certain women in Barbados like to 'show-off' their latest pedicure (via elongated, claw-like toenails) at every opportunity; therefore many of them wear slippers as in rubber slippers. Of course if the supervisor calls them on it, they cite back problems and foot problems and posture maintenance in which case I can direct them all to a proper nail technician (to get rid of the toe nail claws) and a quite a few shoe stores that sell low-heeled, professional-looking closed-in shoes and sandals that would be more than appropriate in the work place.
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