Unfortunately women have to work harder to get authority and credibility. The non-verbal language can help us, or, conversely, worsen the situation.

Today I warn you from the worst fashion Faux pas to avoid for the office look.

TOO CASUAL CLOTHING

Even in the less formal companies, there is a standard that you can not follow. Maybe stockings aren’t needed in summer, but at least avoid flip-flops. Even the most casual look must be serious and professional. Not surprisingly, it’s called business casual.

STYLE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR AGE

The situation becomes complicated when, in addition to being women, we’re young. Of course, this doesn’t mean to choose a old and boring style. But be careful not to look too mincing. You know the pink addicts, all in pink, from the notebook to the iPhone case, don’t you? It’s more difficult to take seriously a 50 year old woman fan of Hello Kitty…

LOW PERSONAL CARE

Sometimes, you lose credibility because of poor personal care. Dirty and tied hair, chipped nail polish for days, and body hair will never be worthy of our role, whatever it is. And neither of the role to which we aspire.

PARFUME TOO STRONG

On the other side, I want to mention the fans of perfume: who doesn’t know at least one at work? When she walks in the hallway, it’s easy to trace her movements; in the elevator she leaves the smell of her perfume; the desk neighbors suffer from chronic headaches. You just need to know how to dose it.

HUGE AND NOISY JEWELS

The etiquette minimizes the use of jewels in the morning, while the office dress code is based on sobriety. This doesn’t mean to follow rules of other times, but I would say to avoid oversized jewels that make noise at the slightest movement.

A STYLE TOO SEXY

There is nothing more embarrassing than a woman that keeps fixing the neckline or the hem of the skirt. It’s mesmerizing and you can’t look away. About the shoes: very high heels are not professional. Especially if you can’t walk in a natural way.

HAIR OUT OF CONTROL

Both a blessing and a curse for women, fashion Faux pas is often associated with hair. I refer in particular to: very long hair extensions, rainbow hair, hair roots not dyed for weeks, bang that covers the eyes, too much hair gel, hairspray and other styling products.

WITCH NAILS

Hands are observed much more that what you might think: during job interviews, at a conference table or during a work lunch. Pay attention to certain trends that are not appropriate for a work contest. I’m talking about very long nails, with an impressive thickness or decorated with many colors and applications.

EXCESSIVE MAKE UP OR NOT AT ALL

We all love makeup and feeling beautiful. But be careful not to overdo it! Going to a meeting at 9am with smokey eyes, red lipstick and heavy foundation is not elegant and professional. Conversely, going to the office without makeup or looking like you just got out of bed is not a good choice..

MIX OF DIFFERENT STYLES

We often wear clothes that, taken individually, are very nice, but then they don’t work together. The problem is that they don’t have a consistent style. For example, under the business suit I can’t pair sneakers, cow boy boots or walking boots.

At this handbook of fashion Faux pas I would also add my Must NOT Have: ten pieces not to have in the wardrobe, that applies also (and especially) for the office.

Far be it from me to have a sexist and bigoted attitude, but certain style rules and common sense apply to both women and man certe (maybe I’ll talk about gentlemen next time).

However, if it’s true that you can’t judge a book by its cover, it’s also true that “we’ll never have a second chance to make a good first impression”.

To avoid this office fashion Faux pas, you may also be interested to my wall Best Work Outfit on Pinterest.

Rossella Migliaccio
Image Consultant