Last week, Gildshire’s Fashion and Beauty Magazine discussed the fashion mistakes made by men (according to women, that is) and some easy fixes for the problems. The hue and cry from men was…almost inaudible. As it turns out, men are used to being criticized for their fashion choices. Now, it’s just white noise! That said, we promised we would be back with the same article, in which we enumerate common fashion mistakes made by women. Herein, we keep that promise with our look at fashion errors made by professional women in the workplace.
Just as with men, the fashion errors we found aren’t so much born of bad taste as bad timing. Fashion trends move at bullet train speed. Those who want to keep up must make it a hobby, if not a full-time job. Here is what we found, alongside some fixes.
Crocs: You knew this one was coming, so why don’t we dispense of it first. Here is what one office professional had this to say about the matter. “No one should put that amount of ugly on their feet.” Pretty well sums it up, at least in our opinion. If they are for anything at all, Crocs are for the beach, or for very small children. To push the envelope of acceptability, they can be for work in the garage. We realize they have cool antibacterial properties, along with slip-resistance. However, even their website admits that Crocs are “intended as a boating/outdoor shoe.” Face it, Crocs are not for the office.
If you just can’t come off Crocs cold turkey, try YOU by Crocs. They are the brand’s high(er)-fashion line that still incorporates the “croslite technology,” that makes them unique.
Uggs: We saw the rolled eyed acquiescence we got with Crocs, but we also see some narrowed eyes with this one. Think of it this way. Uggs are glorified slippers. What are slippers, but a part of your sleepwear? Professionals don’t wear pajamas to the office, no matter how cold it is outside.
If you want boots, try some leather ones, with or without heels. You’ll tilt the class meter in the right direction, and have warm piggies to boot. (See what we did there?)
Fanny Packs: The fanny pack went out of style in the 80s, taking side ponies and neon brights with them. (We miss side ponies, but neon brights not so much.) Sporting a fanny pack gives your look a case of the casuals, and that isn’t what you were going for when you left the house. You’re not on vacation in 1984, so lose that thing!
Any purse or clutch will do what your fanny pack is supposed to do, which is hold your essentials. When in doubt, the classic look is still the best look. This weekend, treat yourself to a new purse and carry it with timeless pride.
It was a great look at one time. Now one of our fashion errors.
Scrunchies: Does anything LESS say “I deserve a raise” than the Junior High cheerleader look? Bows and ribbons tied into bows, also fall into this category of faux pas. Scrunchies shout the heck out of team spirit. What they say about the office professional is less inspiring.
Pull your hair back with headbands and scarves. Even a hat works, but only if the office is business casual enough for such a statement.
“Who wants the cubicle beside the wind chime?”
Jewelry in Layers: The people who work within earshot of you deserve a break. For you, after an hour the “clink, clank, clunk” of your jewelry knocking against itself has retreated into Never Never Land. It hasn’t, for your co-workers. They are about ready to garrote you with your own necklace chain. Pile it on, but only if you work for RuPaul. If not, then know that less is more.
One chunky bracelet can be as effective a fashion statement as five separate pieces of jewelry. It will be mercifully silent, too.
Footless Leggings and Yoga Pants: Leggings and spandex pants are the perfect choice for your next yoga or Pilates class. The freedom of movement is spectacular! They are not the perfect choice for the office environment. Wear them and your next professional movement may be to the mail room. These garments are never appropriate for the office. Not as a layer under a skirt and not worn as pants.
Tights are perfectly acceptable at the office. They provide the same coverage as leggings but with the polished look that you want to portray.
Those are the obvious fashion errors we see every day, but not by you (at least anymore). Watch this space for other ideas in style and fashion. With our help, you’ll get that raise you so richly deserve. You’ll probably make the cover of Forbes.
