When I entered the workforce back in 1992 I had to shop for a true work wardrobe highlighted by the three Ps: power suits,
pantyhose, and pumps. For the past seven years I've worked in a casual
office and my panty hose quotient has dwindled down to nearly nothing.
Recently when I was picking up my daughter from kindergarten, her
teacher asked if I'd worked from home that day, knowing I telecommute several hours a week. I knew the glorified jogging suit I had worn to
my office that morning had put me in that Casual Friday Fug category.
Here are my Top 10 Casual Dresscode Don'ts:
Mom jeans. You know better to avoid like the plague anything
that's been the subject of a Saturday Night Live skit . You can pick up
fashionable jeans anywhere from Target to JC Penney to Kohls or even thrift stores as trendy college students change out their denim
wardrobe faster than they can text. My big winter find at Goodwill was a pair of nearly new GAP bootcut jeans for less than $4!
Vacation t-shirts. I don't care if you bought it at the Ritz Carlton in Maui for $40, save the vacation t-shirts for the weekend or playground time with the kids.
Running shoes. I'm guilty as charged of wearing running shoes (more like walk really fast shoes for me) to the office on rainy days, but they are best left for home or the gym.
Diaper bags as workplace tote. Don't carry your important work papers in the same bag you keep butt wipes.
Tight, ill fitting clothing. Anything too tight is inappropriate for the office. Besides, you want to have breathing room for those mornings your co-worker brings in a box of steamy hot donuts.
Flip flops. Someone at my company may or may not have worn flip flops at the front desk last year. For the love of Jimmy Buffett, leave the toe thongs in your beach bag.
Anything wrinkled. I detest ironing, but wearing a wrinkled blouse gives the impression that you really don't care what you look like. You can always find something
wrinkle free. How about a nice cardigan sweater set in a fun, vibrant
color? I love wearing sweater sets in the spring and fall with nice tailored
black pants or a black skirt because I never know if it will be too
cool or too warm in my office.
Yoga pants and pimped out hoodies. Again, same as the running shoes, no one wants to see you slinking around the office looking like you just rolled out of bed. Save the super comfortable things for days you work from home and won't see anyone but the family dog.
Crocs. I know tons of people love them, but even my 5 ½ year old has enough fashion sense to not wear Crocs, so please save them for the weekends or running around with the kiddos.
Going commando on top. I worked with a woman years ago who bragged about how she was not wearing a bra to work, like it was some sort of cubicle truth or dare. Granted she had on a sleeveless halter top
underneath a very conservative blazer, but unless you work at a strip club, your co-workers don't need to hear about your free and easy breasts while checking their e-mail.
Other great business casual tips:
What Not to Wear to Work this Summer via Styledash
Business Casual Tips for Summer via CareerBuilder
When the office is casual, casual, casual (and you are not) via The Working Closet blog at Work It, Mom! I highly recommend subscribing to this blog, written by Susan Wagner.
Head over to Blissfully Domestic's Forum to discuss your tips for looking fashionable (and casual) at work!
(images and outfits shown: Old Navy)
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Wow! I always thought it was cool to talk about my free and easy breasts
I have been out of the workforce too long 
Great post, Jamie!
*snort* Amy – too funny!
Jamie ~ this is such a great article! so funny and such good advice!
UHOH! I spend my life in hooded tops and sweats (looks down at outfit). EEEK.
Trust me, this article serves as a reminder to myself about "what not to wear!"
The old comfy black Keds "rainy day" loafers I have on today? Need to be burned. I'm just sayin'.
But I love my Crocs…………..
Oh my goodness! That last one is SO true! My husband works for a very large company here on the West Coast, and he tells me about these women who wear (excuse the expression please) "wife-beaters" and NO BRA!! To work! In a professional office!!!! PLEASE LADIES! Here in CA, people can't WAIT until warm weather to be taking off their clothes! But please, in an office?
I'm sorry…just a pet peeve. Believe me, hubby's not "looking", but there are some things you just can't help but notice. Do these women just not have any respect for themselves?
Angie, that is unbelievable BUT hilarious! Oh my.
Carolyn, I do realize we are freaks of fashion by being the only household in America to not catch on to the Crocs phase.
I need to make more time to read these posts! This was is perfect and my teens would agree with each of Don'ts – especially the 'MOM' jeans. Thank goodness they approve of how I dress.. thanks for the good post! It's a good reference to more people than I'd like to admit!
I'm a SAHM and my daily uniform is yoga pants and some sort of tank. I can't tell you how BORING it is!
I love days when my son and I have errands to run and I can put on my nice clothes that I buy but never have a chance to wear.
One way I've found to spice up my yoga pant/tank combo is to wear my jewelry (wedding rings/right hand ring/bracelet/diamond studs) It makes me feel pretty and doesn't make me look like I just rolled out of bed if we have to run to the store for a quick errand. It is also important to me to shower and do my hair/makeup everyday. It gets my self esteem going and puts me in a better mood.
Funny post, and quite true; however, I am guilty of wearing flip flops to work. The thing is, though, that everyday is casual Friday unless the bosses and/or I have to go to a meeting or event. When I first got the job, I reveled in the fact that I could finally wear my nice clothes to work, but then I got to the office, and the bosses are in polos and jeans. Lovely =]
Other comments:
Crocs are hideous and should be relegated to the garden from whence they came.
Women should not go commando *ever* unless they are fortunate (?) enough to be flat chested. Give the poor girls some support!
Thanks for sharing these excellent tips! I actually just linked to this post on my "Tuesday Tours" column because I think my readers will enjoy reading your "Top 10."
In a future post, I'd love to see you showcase some great alternatives to running/tennis shoes – shoes that are stylish, but also comfy.