What Not to Wear

Every professional woman has had her moment of fashion shame. Maybe a persuasive sales clerk convinced you to buy that suit you never wore or you were mesmerized by a fashion fad that you were sure you could pull off.

With wardrobe mistakes, a sideways look from a coworker or a glimpse in the office bathroom mirror usually helps you realize something’s wrong. (Or worse: no one says anything and you don’t notice until after-hours.)

Need help differentiating between wardrobe no-no’s and trends that are a go?

 “For professional women, it’s important not to take trends too literally,” designer Hilton Hollis tells PINK. For example: you can get plenty of

mileage out of a great black shift dress, but if it’s too low-cut or short, better save it for after-hours. Other trends to steer clear of at work are the thigh-high boot, sheer anything and distracting jewelry.

Attire guidelines are pretty easy to follow for corporate jobs, but the “business casual” gray area can be harder to navigate. Experts agree that dressing for the job you want can prevent wardrobe gaffs – which means steering clear of sky-high stilettos, distressed jeans and too-bright colors.

Bonus PINK Link: Mistakes happen – here’s how to overcome embarrassing work moments.

By Artesia Peluso

“So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.”Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach