5 Things a Professional Woman Should Never Wear

We hate to admit it, because we personally feel that clothes shouldn’t matter. In a perfect world, a person would be judged at their workplace based solely on the caliber of their work. Unfortunately, that’s not how the world works.

How you choose to dress each morning reflects how you feel about your job – that you take your position seriously, that you are ready to work and that you pay attention to detail and know what you expect to encounter that day. You wouldn’t go to a construction site in your favorite four-inch stilettos, right? Of course not, you’d go in a hard hat, because it’s appropriate for the situation. Appearances matter!

We’ve all been there, though. The days you wake up feeling sick, but still have to make it into the office, so you throw on any old thing that’s (kind of) clean. The office where you never see anyone but your hated boss and your frumpy coworkers. The jobs you work from home in your pajamas and no makeup.

Regardless of the excuses, there are some things that professionals should just never wear. Ever.

We’ll show you what these things are, why they’re a terrible wardrobe choice and if you’re guilty of having one in your closet – or (gasp!) in your daily rotation – we’ll give you a much better alternative.

Crocs

 

Why not?

Crocs are for the beach. For small children. For working in the garage or around the house. We realize they have cool antibacterial and slip-resistant properties going for them, but even their website admits that Crocs were originally “intended as a boating/outdoor shoe.” Face it, Crocs are not for the office.


Try me instead:

If you absolutely cannot let go of the Crocs name and comfortable-shoe concept, give YOU by Crocs a go, the brand’s “high fashion” line that still incorporates the “croslite technology” – which means it’s odor resistant and anti-microbial – and that has extra padding right where you need it most: The ball of your foot and your heel.

The Exception
Celebrity chef Mario Batali. If you’re Mario, you have our blessing.


  

Fanny Packs

Why not?

The fanny pack went out of style way back in the 80s, taking side ponytails and neon brights along with them. Sporting a fanny pack in a professional environment shows you have no idea what’s in fashion – whether you consider yourself style savvy or not – while also giving your look a big case of the casuals. You’re not on vacation in 1983, so lose that vinyl fanny pack!

Try me instead:
Just about any handbag, clutch, satchel, tote, even a briefcase, will do the exact same thing as a fanny pack: Hold your essentials.

The Exception
If you’re Hulk Hogan and your muscles make it impossible to put anything over your shoulder, this look is appropriate. Otherwise, never.

 

 

Message Tees

Why not?

It may be cute or funny or so totally true to you, but you never know how other people are going to react. You might be an Italian Princess or The World’s Greatest Mom, but those honorable titles are best kept for your weekend wear.



Try me instead:

Wearing a plain t-shirt and saving your little jokes, observations and rants for email or IM. Keep it clean!

The Exception
Smirnoff girl

 

Piling on the Jewelry

Why not?

We like it when people make an effort with jewelry, but loud, clinking bracelets can be a little on the distracting and irritating side. Just ask the people who have to sit next to you all day! Clink. Clink. Clink. It’s enough to drive someone crazy. And if you’re wearing so many necklaces that someone mistakes you for Mr. T, you only have yourself to blame.

Try me instead:
Instead of piling on numerous bracelets, try one big chunky bracelet. It’s a great way to make a statement without making a racket.

The Exception



Fortune tellers

All-Over Animal Print

Why not?

Animal print almost always comes back in style, so purchasing a leopard or zebra print piece isn’t a terrible idea. However, it’s when you overdo this trend that the horror begins. If you keep it simple, your office will think you’re edgy — which is what you want. But take it over the top, and they’ll think you were up to something a little bit shady last night.

Try me instead:
A little bit of animal print goes a long way. If you do choose to wear a piece with this print, make sure it’s only one item of your outfit. Only shoes, or only your bag, etc.

The Exception



Pussycat dolls, pimps

 



Look Good in Unpredictable (Hello, April Showers!) Weather

An animal-print trench goes great over any rainy day attire.
Betsey Johnson Double-Breasted Animal Print Trench, $180, Macy's

The Rain Coat Spring showers don't mean drowning yourself in baggy, shapeless rainwear. Look for a lightweight, belted, ultra figure-flattering trench in a stylish animal print instead. Animal prints are the new neutral-and something that can easily layer over any look. Or try a trench in a vibrant cobalt or emerald color to brighten up your next rainy day.

 

 

The Blazer
From drab to fab-a blazer transforms the plainest outfit (jeans and a tee) into a polished look. A bright color, such as coral-a major shade for spring-is chic and unexpected. And something with contrasting, color-blocked panels along the sides will help create an Hourglass figure, no matter what shape you are! Rag & Bone Jefferson Blazer, $535, Barney's

For a more affordable option, try Nine & Co.'s Button-Notch Collar Jacket, $45, JC Penney

The Candy-Colored Cardigan
Curvier on the bottom? (We're talking to you, Triangle types.) Draw all eyes upwards and away from a fuller bottom half with a brightly colored, fine-knit cardigan. It's also the perfect way to maximize your wardrobe: Throw one on over your summer sundress to keep warm on those not-quite-yet-summer days. JCrew Tippi Cardigan, $85

 

The Military Jacket
A classic military-inspired camo jacket instantly creates a cool, vintage vibe to any outfit. The best part? It's perfect for layering, there's no wrong way to wear it and it works with any body shape. Styling tip: Cinch in the ties at the waist for a slimmer silhouette (great for creating a smaller middle for Circle shapes). Gibson Military Jacket, $98, Nordstrom

The Wildly Cute Rain Boots
I'm obsessed with these lace-printed (on trend!) rain boots. Keep away from cropped booties and go for a taller boot that will slim the look of your calves and help make your legs look longer and leaner.

Bootsi Tootsi Lace Print Rain Boots, $39.50, QVC

- by Jacqui Stafford

Are Florals Old Lady?

You can’t say the words “spring” and “fashion” without mentioning florals. Whether they’re the focal point on a dress or splashed all over a pair of pants, florals are a romantic staple of the season. Can you wear them over 40 and not look old lady?? ….Heck, yes! This year’s florals are bold, bright and sophisticated and will make you look modern and updated. Here’s a few ideas for how to put together a floral outfit that looks fab.

1. Choose a Deep Floral
Those soft pastel florals you may have hanging in your closet from seasons before just won’t cut it. This spring bold hues rule. If hot pink and orange florals seem too loud, then go for deeper, richer shades like purple, emerald, Monaco blue, or even black and white which act as anchors to tone down the girliness of florals.

Poppy red is a popular color and this Diane Von Furstenebrg’s wrap dress would be a great choice. The pattern is bold but not too overpowering and the color -poppy red is vibrant, but not too much because of the black and white florals which tame it. Worn with large simple elegant black earring and black shoes and a clutch we have created a modern, very wearable look for most women.

Floral by fabafter40 featuring kendra scott earrings

2. Pair a Floral with a Solid
Love the floral jeans that all so popular right now, but worry they might be too much? Then pair them with a solid top in a single color to pull your look together. Make sure you pick a color that is one you’d find in the floral print of your pants so there is unity and you get a nice long, lean line.

Kim Cattrall in a  pretty print dress and leather jacket. You could easily substitute the print for a floral and it would look great. You get the idea.

 

3.Keep it Unpredictable
The way you may be used to wearing pretty florals is to keep your whole look pretty and delicate. For example, a pink, purple and cream floral dress with a matching purple cashmere cardigan and pretty sandals. That’s old lady. To look modern you need a little edginess to your look. Try a leather jacket over top of your dress or wear a pair of bold, sexy, strappy gladiator heels to make the look slightly more daring.

4. Dont’ Go Overboard with Accessories
The Florals this year are bold and busy. Having some great accessoreis that match the personality of your print can add to you look but don’t overdo it or you will look like one mixed up mess. A fab pair of earrings, a chunky bracelet or a single necklace is probably enough. And stay away from very tiny, dainty, dangly jewelry which would be swallowed up by these more modern florals.

What to Wear Over 40 – Casual Business Meeting

A classic, conservative leather jacket can be the perfect thing to help create a Business Casual outfit.

Today our guest writer is Lisa Taylor Richey.

Have you ever had to dress for a meeting with someone who is casual when you usually dress more formal? Last week I had a meeting at a country club with a tennis coach. Standing in my closet pondering over what to wear when you are over 40 and need to look professional yet not over dressed I felt overwhelmed.The problem:

• Needed to look business like (after all I am a businesswoman)
• Wanted to “fit in” and to be approachable.
• What could I wear that was going to let me be both of these things?

The solution:

• A conservative, classic leather jacket
• A striped casual, fitted top

Since I work with corporations and assist business people with their personal brands, people often ask me, “What is business casual and what are the guidelines to follow?”

First, let me tell you what business casual is not. Business casual is not weekend attire. If you want to keep your bar raised and attain a certain level of professionalism, do not wear your weekend outfits to the office. This includes sweat pants, wrinkled clothing, t-shirts with logos of your favorite band, yoga pants, athletic shoes etc. Funny, how we see this mistake being made all the time but it’s also time to raise the bar of casual style.

 

Nowadays, when getting ready to purchase a new item for my wardrobe, I ask myself the question ” Can I wear this to a meeting and will it work for my casual outings….out to dinner with friends or my husband”? If so, then I am willing to spend on the investment piece. My leather jacket is perfect for business and casual events. It has become my “go to” piece. If you don’t wear leather, high quality faux leather is a good option too.

Here is what I wore for the casual meeting with the coaches:

 Leather Jacket (Elie Tahari similar here and here)

Cream Colored JCrew pencil skirt (similar here and here)

Striped top (similar here)

Etro Scarf (similar here)

 

Here is the same outfit but with straight legged, dark wash jeans and some classic tall leather boots. This is perfect for going to a movie with friends or out to dinner with my husband. If you have some updated staples like these jeans and boots in your closet you can always walk out the door feeling fabulous after 40!

I really have gotten a great deal of mileage out of my leather jacket. It gets better with age and I am so happy with the investment I made and will have it for years to come. In the spring, I will wear it with white jeans and a navy top.

 

 

With just a few high quality basics in your closet you can mix and match them and always walk out the door looking sharp!

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Taylor Richey is a business etiquette trainer and speaker and the founder of The American Academy of Etiquette.

10 Rules for a Chic Workplace Wardrobe

 

Photo credit: Getty Images

Whether your place of work is strict or relaxed, there is a certain level of refinement that should always be maintained — and things you should simply never do. Learn the 10 rules for building a chic workplace wardrobe.

By Jenny Levin

 

1. Obey the rules, whether you like them or not. Dressing against office dictates won’t impress the boss — or your colleagues.

2. Never show your midriff. Wear shirts of a proper length, and shun pants that ride too low.

3. Avoid revealing too much cleavage. Work is definitely not the place for it.

4. Keep your straps under wraps. Never let your bra show, and make sure your shirt is buttoned up properly.

5. And don’t wear anything see-through without proper underpinnings, ever.

6. Keep your hemlines in check. Even if you have great gams, super-short skirts should be saved for evenings out or weekends. A few inches above the knee is the shortest you should go.

7. Save your flip-flops for the beach. And your sneakers for the gym. Wear a pair of simple flats for your commute instead.

8. Use your best judgment. Save slinkier styles, like lacy camisoles and strapless dresses, for the evening.

9. Try not to go too tight. The office isn’t the right place to hug every curve.

10. Don’t get too wacky. It’s fine to express your personal style, but keep it refined. Crazy hats, over-the-top makeup, and raucous patterns or colors will make you see too eccentric.

Read more: How to Dress for Work - Appropriate Workplace Clothes - Harper's BAZAAR- See more at: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/office-dress-code-gs-0310#sthash.sDzaH1xM.dpuf

What’s Your Shoe Personality?

“Why do you need so many shoes?”

 

If you’ve ever been asked this question by a guy, you’re probably going to love a great new Web service called JustFabulous.

 

Born from a deep appreciation of a woman’s relationship with shoes, the website is dedicated to the needs of the average shoe addict.

 

Why are so many women addicted to shoes? The explanations range from the practical to the therapeutic. On the practical side, we know no outfit is complete without the perfect pair of shoes. So, for every look we go out in, of course we need a unique pair of shoes to top it off! Shoes also last longer than clothes--because unlike our dress size, our shoe size doesn’t change—so, we can always wear our favorites, regardless of whether or not our favorite pair of jeans fit that day.

 

But, there’s also something more about shoes—when you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up, a great new pair of shoes often works wonders. JustFabulous seeks to provide shoe addicts exactly what they want when it comes to shoes--namely, their own personal stylist.

 

But, shoe nirvana doesn’t just mean your own personal stylist suggesting new shoes that fit your look and style perfectly—it also means being able to actually afford these styles, and that’s what JustFabulous does.

 

The JustFabulous experience starts with you taking a shoe personality quiz. It’s a fun, quick, online survey where you’re presented with a slew of different shoe options, as well as various celebrity and designer looks that you rate based on your personal taste. Based on your choices, JustFabulous then creates your unique shoe style profile.

 

Then comes the really fun part. JustFabulous employs a team of celebrity stylists with extensive experience dressing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Each month, the team selects and presents you with a personalized collection of five shoes that they think you will love based on your style profile. You can then choose to buy one or more of these shoes for just $39.95 each.

 

That’s right—only $39.95 for high quality, high fashion shoes. They’re able to get this kind of pricing for their clients because they work with a selection of high-end shoe manufacturers on a direct basis. These are high fashion styles like those sold by top designers for hundreds of dollars at retail--so, the quality is first rate.

 

If you don’t like any of the selections they come up with for you that month, you can request more, or just wait until the next month to see new selections. Shipping is always free, and any of the shoes you select can be returned for a full credit if you don’t absolutely love them when they arrive.

 

There is no cost to join, and you don’t need to enter your credit card unless you start buying shoes.

To get your own style profile, and see what selections the JustFabulous stylists select for you, just click here.

           

This article sponsored by JustFabulous Copyright Howlifeworks.com 2013