Too High, Too Low: Where’s the Professional Line?

img src: WomensWeddingDress.com

Ever since I have started working in the professional space, this specific post has been in the back of my mind. As women, do we struggle more with dress in the workplace, in the sense of being taken seriously by others?

While talking about this with Tamsen McMahon, she brought up the great question of branding/company feel, and then the conversation shifted to generations. Is it a generation thing?

I don’t have all the answers. Gini Dietrich opened a great dicussion re: brands/dress/presentations, but I want to delve more specifically in how women are portrayed.

So, a list of questions/topics – and let’s discuss. This isn’t a post just for women, as I am also curious how men portray what they see. Frankly, I want to be taken seriously for my brain, not how I’m dressed. So how do you balance?

Shoes

This is the one area I struggle with – I LOVE heels. Anyone that knows me knows this. I wear mostly black, with no color, to be more professional. The height of the heel can sometimes be too high – many suggest keeping it to 2 inches or lower, no peep-toe. I’ve worn three inch heels before, but lately (and after discussions with key people) I know I need to tone it down and save those for my personal life. For me, it was a height thing internally, but that wasn’t being conveyed externally.

Dress/Skirt Length

If it’s not at your knee, it should be pretty close to it. That’s what I was always taught, but I also see this mindset shifting not only in fashion, but in the workplace. So, what length is acceptable? Does it change when youre in a client meeting/presentation or if you’re just around the office?

Jeans

I’ve worked in agencies for much of my career (and at Mensa, jeans were always acceptable.) As jeans become commonplace, is there a certain wash? Does dark stained always “look” more professional because its closer to a black slack? Then, once you pick wash, do you go for boots, heels or sandals? Much of dress confusion lies in the fact that we want to portray confidence and knowledge, without distracting.

Tattoos/Piercings

I know of organizations who insist you cover any visible tattoos, others who don’t care. Is it a company culture thing? If you have them, do you ask a company before coming to the office what needs to be covered? Same with piercings.

So, what are your thoughts? Pick one area, pick them all, I’d love to know. Let’s talk about experience, first impressions – men and women alike. Like it or not, opinion of how you professionally present yourselves can sometimes cloud your brainpower.

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Laura Scholz

Great post, Lauren. I think it depends on your age, position, office culture and industry.

This reminds me of two extremes. The first, my first consulting job at a company owned by a woman(!!!) that insisted on pantyhose and no sleeveless anything. We live in Atlanta. It's hot and humid. That kind of rigidness is just ridiculous. She was trying to be a "man." I don't share that approach. I prefer to be feminine and confident, but I find suits stuffy and unnecessary. I threw them all out this winter. I don't wear them, and I don't like them.

The other was a girl who interned for me that was fabulous and smart, but she wore flip flips (like, the rubber kind) every. single. day. Her skirts and dresses were cute, but flip flops? Too casual.

Like you, I've always looked younger than my age (I got the "intern" comment until the age of 30) and am also really petite. Like Gini, I also love my heels! 3-4 inches is the norm for me. I found that when I started my company, my old, what I call "PR agency uniform" didn't suit me. It was dark, drab and made me blend in. So, I tossed the black and gray (much to my mother's delight) and now wear mostly bolder colored dresses, skirts and prints. I like ruffles and girlie details. I like to look feminine, but not hoochy.

And my wardrobe varies on day and client. I love dresses and skirts and skinny jeans. I rarely wear pants any more. A speaking gig may involve a structured dress and pumps, while I may meet a new client in dark jeans and gladiator heels. Once I've know clients for a while, I may meet them in my gym clothes. But it works for my industry, which is pretty much creative sector entrepreneurs. They know I'm busy and in marathon training, and if they see me in my running shorts, they don't think any less of me. Not everyone can get a way with that. But I have that rapport, and it works.

I say it totally varies by industry, your age, your position in the company. Professional rules, but so does confidence and individuality. I don't work with Fortune 500 companies because I hate suits, and I don't work with people who would look down on me for sometimes squeezing in a meeting before or after a workout.
Gini Dietrich

I am waaaay late to the party, but I LOVE the conversation you've started here. It's much more polite and professional than the comments when I blogged about it. Of course, I also took a very hard and fast stance on jeans being not appropriate for speaking.

I read this when you first posted it and I've been thinking a lot about the shoes portion of your post. I love shoes. I love high heels. And I love peep toe. Some of my heels are six inches (I'm a tiny girl so it helps my presence). I've never considered the height might be seen as not appropriate by others. I also spend a lot of money on shoes - it's my one fault (I don't shop for anything else unless I really need it) - so I guess I figure if my shoes cost $800, they're appropriate for any kind of business.

Tamsen says one item of fabulosity at a time. Today I'm wearing black slacks, a black blouse, and dark purple, four inch heels. I have a dark purple scarf for when it gets chilly in the office. I'd say the shoes are my fabulosity and I dare someone to say they're inappropriate! :)
Tonya Seavers Evans

This is such an important topic. I am a former pr professional and now work as an image consultant and their is a distinct line between being fashionable and professional. Here are basic fabulousity guidelines that I share with clients and on my blog:
1. Shoes shouldn't be more than 3 inches in height. Beyond that it looks like your headed to the club instead of the corporate office.
2. Look in the mirror and ask yourself if you see anything that might be construed as what I call "TOO" - too low cut, two tight, too much bling or too short. When in doubt take it off.
3. Make sure your business casual says more business than casual. NO flip flops - and I love them as well but no leggings.
4. Skirts should sit no more than two inches above the knee.
5. Jeans should also be paired with a blazer for a more professional look and the darker the better. Tie-die, acid wash, etc. say more play than work.

Hope this was helpful. Impressions are so important. Thanks for opening up this topic.
Elizabeth Engel

Reading the comments to this post has been interesting. I have a slightly different take.

"I always wear black pumps - they're business-like."
"I never wear black pumps - they're too severe."

"A bare face is too casual - it looks like you just got out of the shower."
"A full face of makeup says I'm a girly girl and you don't have to take me seriously."

"Unmanicured nails look sloppy."
"A manicure!?! Give me a break - this is an office. We type and file here, honey."

"Big/lots of accessories? She's too flamboyant."
"Small/no accessories? She's dowdy."

"Look at that short skirt! Way too sexy!"
"What's with the long skirt? Is she some sort of hippie?"

What do all these have in common? They're comments by women about women. Trust me, as long as you're not dressed for the club, the beach, or scrubbing toilets, the men in your office don't notice or care.

My take? Maybe we should stop judging each other so harshly.
Karen

I totally agree, and it would be nice wouldn't it!

But as women, (and men to a lesser degree) we will always judge one another.

It' s really not at all about "you" as they say it's about what others are perceiving of you. One must get past the door to be able to reach someone else.

We do it even when we go blindly to a party. We will look for someone who "looks like us" even someone who "appears friendly" to approach or chat with.

Connections are all made our ability to communicate whether it is verbally or non verbally.

If someone is "looking" everywhere but the face where the connection is finally made, then the opportunity can be lost, unfortunately.

Sad as it is, it is true, we do judge a book by its cover. Read the book and then judge but to get inside the book first you must attract someone to be willing to pick it up.
Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP

With regards to skirt and dress lengths, there is always a "most flattering" point in a woman's leg for length. It is where the "skinny" part is. That tends to be just below the knee line where there is a curve. Sometimes "at" the knee will make the knees look bigger if you have "fat" knees.

It's relative to the length of the leg though. Generally, women all want to appear to have longer legs, so if you are wearing a longer length, you will probably be able to wear a bit higher heel (say up to 3").

I say if you sit down and you must cross you legs to keep from viewing your underwear, it's too short!
Beth Hawks

I remember when women started wearing pants to the office....it was scandalous in Atlanta. I ran out and bought two pant suits and felt like I was pushing the barrier. At one of my first jobs I was told that I needed to have my nails painted each day, fresh makeup, no runs in pantyhose, and my high heel shoes better not be worn down and make a clicking noise. I was told that was what was expected in public relations and marketing. I'm so thankful things have changed now.
Aschwin Wesselius

I think it is about mindset. If your mindset is seduction instead of doing business, go ahead dress like a stripper then. But if you want to do business, dress equally to how the other is dressed. How do you know how somebody will be dressed? You can find out by their other expressions of their brand, like businesscards, websites, their portfolio, advertisement etc.

Try to approach the other with respect without trying to 'boss' them over with impression. What you feel like is not the way it will be interpreted. It's about selling the message, not the package. We sell all the time. If we want something from someone, we have to convince the other in 'buying' our message and do what we want them to do. The package might help, but it's should complement the message not overdo the message.

To me, sex is not for the workplace. Sex is cheap and not sophisticated to sell the message (unless you work in certain industries). If you want to be appreciated for your brains, you're smart enough to accomplish your goals without the sexappeal trick. If you're a professional you leave the ego at home and take your personal brand to the workplace. That means, show what you stand for, show your moral standards, your identity. Most people don't want to be known as a 'easy-to-get' or 'tough-guy'. Nor should you want to be everybody's friend.

It's up to you how you want to be perceived....
Noël Fisher

I work in a business casual environment, so I'm lucky to be able to have a little more fun with my work clothes. And here are my personal rules:
I go for classic pieces in solid, fun colors or neutrals.
I won't mix more than two colors at a time, and it's usually something like a purple top under a teal cardigan and a gray pencil skirt.
You can get away with a print if it's classic and doesn't over-power you. I have a tan leopard print cardigan I wear all the time. I also have a polka dot blazer and one pair of pin stripe pants.
When I buy a suit, it's always a solid color.
I never have bare legs in the office unless it's hotter than 80 degrees outside, but if there's an event or important meeting, I wear nylons or nude colored fishnets.
I love love love dresses. I buy a solid color dress in a simple, classic cut and use accessories to finish the look. I'll throw on a blazer, simple jewelry and heels on if I have an event, or a cardigan, a fun necklace and flats if I'm just going to be in the office.
Shoes I like to have fun with. I think you can pull off a high heel as long as the rest of your clothing isn't too body concious.
I actually stay away from black pumps as I think they look too severe.
I also avoid a pointy toed shoes, and I think platforms should never ever be worn in the office.
When I do wear high heels, I wear them with a skirt that hits below the knee or with pants.
I keep my tattoos covered.
No more than one inch of cleavage, ever.

I think you can be fashionable and be taken seriously, as long as you know how to dress your body, you don't look like you're trying too hard, and you're not trying to be sexy.
Jess

I work in health care, so the dress code tends to be more conservation for infection control purposes. Even though I am in a non-clinical role, anytime we are in the hospital or near patient care we must wear hose or stockings, closed toed shoes and minimal jewelry and perfume. It definitely goes against the grain of what I wear in my personal life where I keep things more casual and trendy.

Because of these dress code restrictions, I find it hard for a twenty-something female professional to find clothes to meet my needs. Where is everyone shopping these days? (And I need to be frugal, too!)

On a different note, I was always told to "dress up" for the position you really want. If your boss is dressing in suits, etc. by dressing to that part you convey you are serious about your work.
Karen

My best advice for everyone, not just women, is to look around at how the most respected people dress and follow their lead. Of course, you still have to use a bit of common sense. The advice I give younger women is: dress to show your primary reason for being at work. If your primary reason for working is to hook up, by all means do that. But don't expect your bosses to treat you well.
Kary Delaria

As someone who has the luxury (IMHO) of working from home most of the time, I don’t really need to follow any dress code. In fact, the very thought of putting on a pair of hose literally makes my blood pressure rise. (I even marketed an entire conference for professional women based on the idea that they should leave the skirts and hose at home and just come to learn stuff.)

So, I truly believe that the value of what a person brings to the workplace is within, regardless of what they wear.

However. That doesn’t mean I think you can just wear … whatever.

As humans, we are conditioned to make decisions on consumption, use and interaction with things, based on their appearance. From the web sites we visit, to the cars we drive, and yes … other people. We are drawn toward things that are aesthetically pleasing.

I don't believe that a woman should feel the need to disguise her femininity.

On the flip side, she should dress with dignity and grace.
(Let’s not totally throw out the feminist movement.)

To echo some of the others here who commented – yes, you take cues from your workplace and you dress accordingly (perhaps even make sure that the culture of the workplace fits your style).

But, regardless of the culture ...

A knee-length power skirt and 2-inch heels says yeah, I'm a woman.

A short dress with 4-inch heels says, Look at me! I’m woman!!!

(And don't get me wrong. I'm a fan of heels, too.)

Humans make decisions, and form impressions, based on appearance.

Are you dressing to attract attention, or dressing to attract respect?

(And, dressing to attract respect demonstrates your own level of self-respect and confidence - excellent items to add to your workplace wardrobe.)
Erinphil

These comments are great! Definitely a diverse perspective on the issue, but I see everything coming more from a PR agency side. I work in corporate communications for an eco-friendly company and although everyone is very hip, we still have a dress code. It is business casual yes, but jeans are strictly permitted even for the tech guys that spend their days crawling through attics and crawlspaces.

As a woman in a male-dominated company, I find myself dressing conservative to be taken seriously. My grandmother always told me "Dress for the job you want." So I usually wear slacks, knee-length pencil skirts, and a blouse. I'm tall so I lay off the 3 inch + heels even though I love them!

I can wear whatever I want as long as its not jeans, but I truly think that its better to be conservative. As mentioned before, "one item of fabulousity" is always good, so I'll wear a fun patterned top or crazy accessories to show the co-workers I'm not a stick in the mud. But I think it's better to play it safe and dress for the job you want.
nettaP

i struggle with this, too, and i try to keep it professional by not wearing 800 bangles into the office, maybe only 2. i wear my hair up in a bun a lot of the time. some of my tattoos, especially in the summer, there is no hope of covering. commuting to work in NYC makes it difficult, but i keep a shawl in the office to cover up with, if needed. i wear really high platforms regularly, with open toes, too. i know that i'm taken seriously for my mind because i'm called in on important decisions and b/c i don't let the way that i'm dressed hold me back, but i wear a LOT of ann taylor loft to work, too. a lot of gap. i've found that the way i dress has been a conversation starter, too, around the office. i'm usually colorful (except in summer when i wear all black - sweat makes life hard). i think things are changing around my office, too.

it's a traditional pr agency, but i don't feel the pressure, in the digital sector, to wear a suit to work with closed-toe shoes. i'd much rather the people i work with express themselves through their clothing and be comfortable. if you can tell someone put some effort into their outfit, then i consider them professional and serious.
Grace Boyle

Good post and very important topic!

And to be completely candid, I think that women do have it harder when it comes to clothing, appearance and fashion in the workplace. Let's talk about women who have a curvy figure (yes, breasts included!) they may look a little more revealing EVEN when they're dressing conservatively.

I have always worked in pretty casual environments in terms of the workspace, especially startups - jeans, t-shirts, etc. but on top of wearing casual outfits, I also try to dress business casual just because of my own personal style. I have my nose pierced and no one has mentioned one thing at my current startup (sometimes I forget I have it) but in other places, it may not be appropriate.

My girlfriend has a strict work code and works in Boston. For the summer, they send out a company-wide memo about summer dress code (a little more casual, but very explicit about what you can/can't wear). So intense.

I'm always one to think, I hope someone judges me on the quality of my work, intelligence, passion and what I get done versus my outfit. Nonetheless, what we wear, is an expression of who we are so I can see why many companies want to keep that in line.
MeghanButler

I think it really depends on the industry. My company has a lot of youngish employees and a business casual dress code.

Jeans should not be torn, ripped or otherwise deconstructed. They should be a dark wash and conservative cut. I personally don't think heel height is big of a stumbling block as it used to be, however, my general rule is that if I'd wear it to a club, I will not wear it to work. Seems to work well for me. For skirts, I use the old Catholic school 'finger tip test' - the skirt should not be shorter than my finger tips as they hang at my side.

I personally think that visible tattoos and piercings are tacky - I've always felt that way. If someone feels strongly enough to go out and get something tat-ed in a visible place, please have it be approps!

And no, leggings are not acceptable as work attire. Ever.

Unfortunately, some youngins choose to emphasize the "casual" portion of business casual. I've seen some horrible outfits that I wouldn't wear around my house let alone in public and around people whose respect I'm trying to earn. I think the key for dress code is dressing in a way that allows you to be treated as an equal and gain your superior's respect. We live in a society where 1st impressions are lasting so when in doubt, err on the side of conservative. I also think that when I'm dressed professionally I feel more confident and that comes through in my work and productivity. Fashion is much more psychological than people think :}

Great post lady! xo
Rebecca Frank

You wouldn't think this leggings thing would be so controversial, but it is.

Just today I had a conversation about an intern who is doing incredible work, but who is best-known for her inability to wear real pants. It's too bad.
MeghanButler

UGH! I hate leggings! I don't care if they're worn for work or fun. They look ridiculous and only approximately .01% of the population actually has a body type that it's flattering on! There's a gal I work with who wears them with Uggs all winter (disclaimer, I also highly dislike Uggs). So unprofessional!
Brandi N. Neloms

"when I'm dressed professionally I feel more confident and that comes through in my work and productivity. "

I agree!
Scott Hale

All my skirts are below my knee... so I don't worry about that anymore.

I'd really like to say that it's all about being comfortable in the work place - if you're comfortable physically *and* psychologically, then it's ok. But that's not really true. It's not about making yourself comfortable, it's about allowing yourself and everybody around you to be comfortable (lowest common denominator...).

As for tattoos - if it's not an offensive/sensitive subject, I wouldn't worry about taking extra precautions to make sure it's never visible. It's not going away... so do you really want to worry about hiding them on every average day for long-term jobs?

I like talking about clothes, but wouldn't it be nice if we were all allowed to spend less time worrying about what we and other coworkers are wearing and more time thinking about how to improve our skills?

Good work, L.
LindsTR

Ok, I love talking about these things, so I'm going to address all of the areas!

I have never had a job that has a casual dress code -- or no dress code at all. In my previous job, we had to wear -- gasp -- pantyhose!

Shoes -- I think, unless you're working in fashion or something similar -- heels should not be higher than three inches. Peep-toes are fine, but they should still be professional. If I wear a colored shoe (not black, gray, neutral), I pair it with a more simple outfit.

Dresses/skirts -- I think to the knees is a good rule of thumb, but every skirt/dress I own does not adhere to that, yet they are still professional, acceptable pieces of clothing to wear. As someone else mentioned, if my skirt/dress is a little shorter, I make sure not to wear heels that are high. (This reminds me of middle school when the shorts had to be to your fingertips, which was no fun for me because I am tall and have long legs..)

Jeans -- I've never been able to wear them at work, but if I could, I would stick with dark ones and pair with a nice top.

Tattoos/piercings -- Unless you're working at a tattoo shop or some similar atmosphere, I don't think you should have either of these showing. Period.

Love the post & the conversation/comments!

Lindsey
@LindsTR
@JennySeeley

You couldn't have said it better, @LindsTR. I wholeheartedly agree!
Sue Anne Reed

This post also comes at a very interesting time. I've gone from pretty business casual in a tech company (and towards the end it was really casual) to a more business professional environment a property management company to a casual to business casual environment at a non-profit to a more business-leaning casual environment at the job I start next week. I'm having to evaluate some of my clothes and decide if they are going to work or not.
Sue Anne Reed

I have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to shoes. Due to problems with my ankles and my knees (and other joints), I have to wear shoes with a lot of structure to them. I can't wear heels at all (even shoes with a little wedge heel can put me in a lot of trouble), and they also need to have really strong ankle support. I use to have this really great pair of "boots" that didn't look too sneakery. But, the leather in the ankles has worn out. I have a pair of Timberlands that I can wear every once in a while, but the leather isn't strong enough for me to wear them every day. So, my fall back most days are just a pair of black Nike basketball shoes. I know they don't look professional, but I don't have much choice.

I've been wearing mostly pants the past several years because wearing skirts actually makes me more self-conscious about my shoes. And, I tend to be overly modest. In the same way that I think a too-high skirt gives an unprofessional feel to it, I also think that a lot of long skirts don't have a very professional look.

One thing that I didn't see you mention was the "sheerness" of some clothes - especially a lot of tops. I personally think that seeing someone's underclothing unprofessional.
JamieSanford

Didn't address tattoos/piercings.

I don't have any tattoos so I can't comment on experience. However, they are becoming so commonplace that I'm sure attitudes have changed. However, a full sleeve might be jarring to some people - I really don't know because they don't bother me.

My nose is pierced and I made sure to wear a sizeable nose stud when I interviewed for my new job. I'm not going to hide it (plus I think they are so common now that it really doesn't matter), and I wanted to be sure it was seen.

I think a piercing or a tattoo on a person who is knowledgeable and professional might matter less than a sloppy outfit.
Victoria Cardenas

As many have stated before, what you wear depends greatly on where you work. I spent a little bit of time at a smaller agency with a bigger office where there was a chance you'd run into the head honcho, so the dress was a little more professional. I am now at a larger agency but in a small office of 10, far away from HQ/the chance of running into the CEO, so everyone dresses casual for the most part. (Edit) It is so casual, in fact, that everyone thinks I am running off to job interviews elsewhere if I do show up to work in a pencil skirt or nicer dress.

It also depends on what you're doing that day. Would I come to work in jeans if I know there will be clients in the office? Of course not. Would I come into work in a pencil skirt if I know I am going to go through inventory for a mobile client/shipping review units to media? Of course not. It is all relative.

As far as shoes are concerned, there is a awkward line that people interpret very differently. At some places it is OK to wear sandals, which makes some people think "flip-flops are okay to wear to work" but I think flip-flops are pushing it. I wouldn't wear something to work that I'd wear to the beach, so I like to keep my sandal choices to different styles - ones that often cover more of my foot or are made a little more "sturdy" than just regular flip-flops.

The biggest problem I run into is that I look very, very young. I am 23 and often get "You don't even look 16!" from strangers. I sometimes feel that when I am dressed professionally I look like I'm playing dress-up, so it is very hard to even find things that I am comfortable leaving the house in. I usually just keep it to simple colors and I don't wear any accessories more than a watch and earrings. I feel wearing too many accessories just makes me look even younger.
Em Saunders

Great post. I'm new to your blog but follow other Radian6-ers. Down here in Alabama, the heat is unbearable in the summer so you see a bit more flex in what women wear. The thought of wearing closed toed pumps in the 90 degree heat today makes me sweat sitting here. I have a lot of nice open toed sandals that are a low wedge I wear a lot. I always make sure that the shoes wrap on the foot and don't make the flip flop noise when walking down our halls. I am also vertically challenged at 5'1" and wearing a 4 inch heel is just another day for me so adjusting to that at the work place has been weird.

As far as clothes we are more of a business causal setting too which makes dressing easier for me. I also, like Wendy, have "assets" so button downs and more formal clothes are definitely more tailored which makes them pull in the wrong places. J. Crew cotton crew neck tees and tanks do the trick for me. They are a thicker cotton so you can't see through them and still have a very crisp look. I also have a pair of Rich and Skinny dark wash trouser jeans with a higher waist that I wear when I know I'll be at the computer doing creative work all day.

Really glad you broached the topic! I work for a land development office so most of the guys wear jeans boots and company button downs. I have no one to get advice from!
Sophia Lee-Spencer

Very good post and certainly a topic that interests most women in the workplace.

Having more options than our male colleagues do inevitably leads to days when it's soooo hard to find the right thing to wear.

As a basic rule I stick to look good, feel good and project a good image. First impressions count and I always try to dress appropriately for the relevant occasion.

Our office is pretty corporate so for me the 'little black dress' is a wardrobe essential. It's an amazingly versatile article of clothing and can be dressed down with flat shoes and a cardigan, or up with heels and jewellery so no matter where you are, it's hard to go wrong.

However, I also like to let a bit of individuality shine through and for me this is in my shoes. Sparkly, high, low, bright colours or funky patterns - you name it, I have it and love wearing it.

If I'm working at home however, things are very different and I have been known not to change out of my pj's until close of business... lazy? Perhaps, but I'd rather spend the time working than dressing up, especially if there's no-one to see :o)

So, in a nutshell - dress for how you want to be perceived, and always bear in mind the dress code for your office, if there is one.
Brandi N. Neloms

Great post and even better comments!

Sometimes I feel like my rate of productivity is directly connected to how I'm dressed. When I'm wearing a suit I tend to get more work done. Weird? Maybe.

I was lucky to find a few women in higher positions that I can look up to and watch how they dress. The VP at my agency is relatively young (upper 20s) and she's great at adapting fashion trends to the workplace. I follow her lead while staying true to my own style. I normally dress for whatever I'm doing that day. If I'm going to a client meeting I dress one notch above the norm in their office.

I agree with the other young professionals who commented that we have to pay closer attention to what we wear. The "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" quote is a good one.

My problem with workplace attire isn't the length of my skirt or the height of my heels - it's accessories. I love bangles, large earrings and chunky rings (not in that order, and not all at the same time). I have to admit that I sneak an awesome pair of earrings in at least once a week.
MeghanButler

I completely agree with you on a productivity-clothing connection. When you feel that you look good, you feel good and that shows!
startabuzz

This is a tricky question, and it's one that has a different answer for almost everyone, I think. Since I work for myself, I could easily sit at my computer in PJs and slippers, but I don't. Because when I do that, I don't feel like I'm at work. At my home office, I almost always wear *nice* jeans and some seasonally-appropriate top. But if I have to meet clients? I always wear suits or dresses. Like Wendy, Ann Taylor is my go-to store for work clothes. I can get things there that are classy and elegant, but still not stuffy. As for shoes, I don't have a problem with va-va-voom footwear. I think that there's a line in there somewhere, but cool shoes? They're awesome, and always a great conversation starter (and just because they're high, it doesn't mean they're, uhh, utty-slay. :D )
Tamsen McMahon (@tamadear)

My general rule of thumb: only one item of fabulosity at a time. I tend to wear form-fitting clothes. Not tight, but form fitting. And that rule of thumb helps keep what I wear from ever stepping over any perceived lines.

If I'm going to wear high heels (and I do--most of my heels are over 3 inches), I wear jeans, pants, or a no-higher-than-the-knee skirt. If the skirt is shorter (but still never more than inch or two above my knees), then I'll wear flats.

My chest never comes out to play in work situations. Ever. Period.

In jean-friendly offices, I do tend to keep the color dark, but that's not hard and fast.

And all my tattoos are always covered by my clothes. ;)
Noël Fisher

I have the same high heels rule! :)
Brandi N. Neloms

I love the "only one item of fabulosity at a time" rule. I'm adding it to my Work Wardrobe Philosophy now! Thanks for sharing.
Diane K. Rose

Look at what "professional" women -- lawyers, doctors, police detectives -- wear on TV shows. No wonder so many of today's young women enter the workforce with no clue about how to dress. If someone has to tug down her skirt when she sits to avoid giving co-workers a freebie or must constantly readjust a shirt to keep the girls in check, then the attire is likely not a good choice for a professional venue. Not saying that frumpy is required -- just saying that it's better at work to direct people's attention to the brain instead of the bod.
Meg Fowler

I've been a freelancer or a worker in a dress code-free office for pretty much my entire career. I don't think I've actually had anything in particular I was supposed to wear since I was a Starbucks barista in university, and I had to wear khakis and a black or white collared shirt.

I have dresses and dressy slacks (usually black, in both cases) for client meetings or special events where I'm supposed to look more businessy, but at work, I'm often in jeans (dark wash, nothing faded or beat-up looking) and a sweater or top, or a sundress or tank in summer. I have no love for shoes, as pretty as I think they are (making me radically different from the vast majority of the female population), so I end up in ballet flats, sandals, my Havaiana flip flops, or flat boots during the winter.

It's been nice not to have to worry about maintaining a particular wardrobe, but at 36, I wonder if I've been too casual for too long. I think I could stand to raise my game a little, especially since I sit near a particularly lovely and stylish lady (Tamsen) at work, and happen to have a very fashion-conscious boyfriend. I do love nice clothes -- I've been reading Vogue since I was 13ish -- but as a round person, I often liked styles that wouldn't particularly suit me, so I probably gave up a little easily.

I'll think on how to change that.

All that said, one of my big things is grooming. I never go in to work without clean, tidy hair and a tasteful face of makeup. I think that's a very important part of self-presentation. I'd never show up at work with wet hair and nothing on my face but Chap Stick.

Accessories are another area I'm big on: I tend to wear big bags, big earrings and rings (all somewhat of a personal signature), which don't always roll in a conservative workplace. I tone things down with just a watch and hoops, pearls or diamond studs when I'm in a formal business situation. But that's one area -- even when I'm in jeans -- that lets me express a little more of who I am.
DelaneyKirk

I agree that it depends on the type of job you have (and that promotion you want! :) I tell professors that our students need us to both act and look the part of someone who is credible. This applies to those in the business world as well.

Here's more on this: http://tinyurl.com/38npegp
Rebecca Frank

As a fairly recent college grad/new workplace entrant, I find the concept of "business casual" to be thorny. I've worn jeans and tops that are more "professional" than a colleague's cotton skirt, so there are clearly no hard and fast rules.
But I've noticed some guidelines:
1. If you're uncomfortable with the length/depth of the v/rise of the pants, do not purchase them. The clothes will not magically improve, but they will worsen - usually during your meeting with the CEO.
2. When in doubt, OVERDO IT! Even in my casual workplace, I didn't wear jeans for the first six months of employment (I know because I chose to wear jeans on my six-month anniversary. Trouser jeans. On a Friday.) It helped me show the rest of the staff that I was serious, and made me look older and more professional.

Now if only someone could explain to my interns that even in a casual office, leggings as pants are inappropriate.
Chantelle

Thank you for your post, rebecca! I'm going to be transitioning from a professional environment to a casual work environment, So jean s are allowed, I think I'm going to hold off until my 6 month anniversary as well.
Kelli

I’m not sure if I’m right in my thinking or not but I feel that as a young professional I need to pay a little more attention to my work attire. I’m the youngest person in my office by a good 20 years and my age is often a topic of conversation. I let my work do my talking but I also try to a little more dress professionally (not that my coworkers dress unprofessionally by any means). I tend to put forth some extra effort into finding appropriate attire and getting ready in the morning, meaning dresses and skirts at the knee, wrinkle-free trousers, flats or small heels and when we get to wear jeans on Fridays I stick to darker washes. Plus I’ve always felt that it’s better to dress up than dress down.
Evan E. Roberts

I dealt with this just yesterday! A lot of my clothes are very business professional, but the company culture I'm in has no dress code and so to fit in, I was exhausting my rather small rotation of jeans and khakis. Now it's laundry week (or two weeks really cause I never have time) and I'm wearing my biz attire more because that's what I have. But I've found that I'm more focused at work, because I can throw on a jacket and tie and forget about it, freeing me up to not worry about fitting in so much as getting stuff done.

So that's my advice. Wear what you need to so that you can focus. Obviously if there is a company dress code, dress within that but if you're allowed more freedom, focus on forgetting what you have on. For me, it's a shirt and tie. Weird I know but I'm comfortable in it.

As far as tats and piercings go, I'm a blank slate. A lot of my friends have them and the rule I keep hearing is "get them where they can be easily covered up."

My stance on shoes would have to be "flyness above function" but again, I'm a guy and usually our fly dress shoes are also very comfortable. It's funny, @rachelesterline did a post similar to this last summer, and I think my advice then was "know your audience." I'd have to say now though, that you are your primary audience in this case.
JamieSanford

The job I left in March had gotten to the point where everyone was wearing jeans every day, but it was such that everyone kept it more professional Mon-Thurs. Jeans with an appropriate top (no t-shirts etc) and dressier shoes. It was always the rule there that Friday was OK for t-shirts and sneakers.

(To answer Lauren's question - I think dark wash is always a better way to go in a business situation - they just look sleeker than a lighter wash.)

I started a new job in May and it is a different situation. Fridays are casual so that's that. The rest of the week, there is a wide range of style choices, mostly what I'd call "business casual." This ranges from khakis to dress pants and tops to match. Some people are more formal, some less so. As the summer heat rages on, I find myself in the middle, I see no problem in wearing khakis if the top and shoes are business appropriate. I have heels in varying heights - the tallest I'd wear to work is probably 2-3 inches.

Ultimately, I think it's about where you work and what is acceptable there. I went toward the dressier end of the spectrum when I started my new job but then adjusted toward what is standard here/what is comfortable for me that fits into those parameters.

In a related note, why don't more people iron things? Excessive wrinkles will destroy any look. Anyone who complains about ironing? Buy a Rowenta. Yes you will pay at least $50 for an iron, but it will change your opinion about ironing and you will almost look forward to it.
Karen Nicole Costa

I have always had a really difficult time getting a work-friendly wardrobe. Due to the size of my upper *ahem* assets, I have more camis than I can count and more cardigans than Mr. Rogers to cover up in the workplace. Button-down shirts are a joke, but I do really well with dresses. Ann Taylor + Banana Republic-length is never an issue when you're 5'2".

The company culture at my current job is super casual, but I find that I prefer to feel a little more dressed up than dressed down. A boss once told me to dress for the job you WANT to have, not the job you have.
Jon Moody

I once read a quote that said something like: "Dress well and they will notice the person, dress badly and they will notice the clothes." For well/badly I would substitute "appropriately". I always err on the side of formality and then loosen up on later meetings if appropriate. I thinkdressing for business is easier for men though: the old suit, shirt and tie combo doesn't exactly tax the brain...
Janet Aronica

I almost feel like having a super casual dress code at my job makes it harder! If all the guys were in suits and stuff I'd just be really conservative too. But because it's a startup, everyone just wears jeans or whatever they feel like. Honestly, I wear jeans and flip-flops all of the time. If I feel like a skirt or dress is too short I put leggings under it and if I feel like a top is too low I put a cami under it. If I worked at an agency, I'd definitely bust out the button-up shirts...and actually purchase an iron.

Wow, I'm a fashion mess.
Allie Mac

Great post! I agree with Bryan that it varies from company to company based on the culture. But I do think that no matter what the culture, you want to look professional with what you're wearing.

Shoes: I still do peep-toe sometimes. But I balance it with a more conservative top or shorter heel. That way, even though my shoes are fun and a bit more casual, the outfit as a whole comes off polished

Skirt length: same as above.. balance. If I happen to wear a shorter skirt one day (and by shorter.. it's still only a few inches from the knee) I tone down my heels so I don't look like I'm ready for a night out with the girls

Jeans: I've always gone for darker wash. And I like to pair my jeans with great heels or boots. But, I;m sure there are plenty of places where lighter wash and flats or sandals are appropriate, just find a top that's a bit more put together.

I think it's all about balance; finding what works and what doesn't in the culture of your company; and coming off as professional - no matter what you're wearing.

again, great post!!
Ashley Carter

Love this post! I've been dealing with the same issues as a 20-something yp. I'm 5'6 so if I wear anything taller that 3 in heels, I become taller than one of my bosses, and that doesn't exactly feel right when walking into a meeting with them.

Jeans are here to stay in the workplace - just make sure they don't look like they came from Abercrombie & Fitch covered in holes. And please make sure they cover your bottom - no one wants to see that.

Other mistake lots of women make is how low their neckline goes... you want to keep your clients looking at your face!

Overall, keep it classy! You're not in college anymore so leave the flip flops and tank tops at home and invest in a few staple pieces. They'll pay for themselves in the long run.
Amanda Beauchamp

I feel like I struggle with this every morning as I ransack my closet until my whole closet is on the floor! Personally I like to dress in a more classic way; neutrals, trouser style pants and black heels of course. But at my new agency job everyone is wearing what I would consider casual jeans and v-neck T's. I have realized so far it is a company culture thing but I feel that if you blend your personal work style with the company culture style you are still staying true to yourself and what makes you feel professional while not sticking out. I will say though--Sleeveless shirts at work are a big no-no!
Bryan Cromlish

This is a great post and I agree that it isn't just for women. These are vary tough questions because I think they are all a corporate culture thing. Companies tend to have different ideas on this based on the industry or even differences within an industry.

I think as a rule of thumb, I would dress formally for the interview and gauge what people tend to wear at that time.

Tattoos/Piercings
I think that a professional understanding for this has come a long way from when Tattoos started to hit the early majority. I think are more lenient to small/work appropriate tattoos but may still cringe at a sleeve with skulls allover it.
Amy McCarthy

I think it's also important to make your career decisions based on the type of atmosphere that makes you most comfortable.

I wouldn't take a job at a place that was overly conservative or strict about dress code. My current employer's code is "business casual," but the definition of that has seemed to change in the last several years.

As far as jeans go, I think that dark, trouser-style jeans are perfectly acceptable as long as they are well-tailored and fit appropriately.

I also wish that more women would be more conscious of their cleavage. It's so gross to see a woman who's clearly trying to use her boobs to her advantage. Those of us that want to be taken seriously would appreciate it if the others would keep the girls at bay.

Tattoos are an issue that is specifically important to me. I have a large tattoo that can be difficult to cover. I typically can cover most of it, but sometimes a little bit peeks out. When I interviewed for this position, I specifically made a point to wear an outfit that showed my tattoo. When they hired me, I knew that it wouldn't be an issue.

It all comes down to preference. If the perks of a job that requires suits and heels are THAT important to you, then take the job. I'd much rather be comfortable on a day-to-day basis than have a marginal amount of extra $.