Guest post by Michelle Andrews from Fashionstepz.com
While I don’t think that fashion is what defines a person, or that it is important to have the latest fashions lined up in your office, I do believe that there are certain things better left at home and never taken into the office. Office wardrobes can be tricky to define because each office is different. However, there is a group of special items of clothing that shouldn’t be included in any office wardrobe.
Uggs. These are not boots. They are slippers. Don’t pretend like they go well with skirts or dresses because they don’t. Leave the pajama wear at home this time.
Flip-flops. These are unprofessional and lazy. They signify to everyone that you are either going to the beach or about to shower in an unsanitary area. There are better alternatives to comfortable shoe-wear.
Torn clothing. You’re ripped jeans might seem cool to you, but they make you look like a punk teenager or just that you don’t care at all. You don’t want to give the impression of being a grungy slacker while at work. So save the ripped jeans for when you are painting or something.
Sweats. Sweatshirts and sweatpants give off the vibe of wanting to lounge around all day. The office isn’t somewhere to be lazy and you definitely don’t want your boss thinking that’s your work ethic.
Leggings as pants. Leggings are supposed to be for yoga or working out. They can also be used to keep you warm around the house. Just don’t try wearing them as pants to the office.
If you keep these items away from the workplace, you will be all the more respected. People will take you more seriously and you will avoid any awkward conversations with your boss about appropriate articles of clothing for the office.