Tag Archives: what not to wear
Fashion Infraction: Pajamas in Public
Pajamas in Public. Photo: Malingering on Flickr
You would think it’s common fashion sense to not wear pajamas in public, but a trip to your local grocery store will show you otherwise. Recently, Louisiana lawmaker Michael Williams pushed to make it against the law to wear pajamas in public.
“Pajamas are designed to be worn in the bedroom at night,” says Williams. “The moral fiber in our community is dwindling. Today it’s pajamas, tomorrow it’s underwear. Where does it stop?”
In January 2010, a grocery store in the UK banned people from shopping in their pajamas and were met by outraged customers. ”It is ridiculous and stupid,” one PJ wearing 24-year-old mom said. “I’ve worn my best ones today, just so I look tidy. … You see loads of people going in wearing jogging bottoms, what’s the difference?”
Weigh in — is it socially acceptable to wear pajamas in public?
I’m with Williams — pajamas are for the bedroom. When you go out, take a minute to swap those PJ bottoms for a comfortable alternative. As Jax said on Pinterest, it takes just as much effort to put on nice clothes.
Fashion Infraction: Clothes that make you uncomfortable
Last Christmas, my career coach friend Jen Armitstead bought me a great gag gift — a fashion citations pad of paper to write to people for fashion faux pas they wore — permission to be the fashion police. While I wouldn’t approach total strangers to call them out on their fashion choices, I’m going to use this style blog platform to educate people about what’s not working in their wardrobes and how to turn it around.
Today’s fashion infraction: clothes that make you uncomfortable.
If you watched Madonna’s performance at the Super Bowl on Sunday, chances are you were impressed by the 53-year-old’s tip top physical shape and her perennial ability to work a stage. She’s still got it! But did you see her slip on the bleachers? As fabulous as Madge looked in her Givenchy getup, jumping around on the bleachers in high heel boots became hazardous and she stumbled, luckily regaining her balance.
Here’s another example. Recently I was stopped at a light in Downtown Seattle and saw a woman wearing a micro miniskirt walking across the street. As she crossed, she must have adjusted her skirt six times in the 20 seconds that she was within my line of sight. Can you imagine how many times she must have been pulling on that miniskirt all day long? Talking to her boss. Sitting at a business meeting with a client. Riding the train home.
Wearing clothing that makes you uncomfortable is distracting and prevents you to be wholly present wherever you are. Not only is it distracting to you, but to those around you as well.
If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable about something you put on in the morning, err on the side of caution and change.
Have you ever worn something uncomfortable that distracted you from what you were doing?
Posted in celebrity style, fashion infraction
Tagged madonna at the super bowl, what not to wear
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What to (and NOT to) Wear to Your Office Christmas Party
Photo: Keatley Photo
‘Tis the season for office holiday parties! A word to the wise, here are some things you should when deciding what to wear:
- Cleavage — is that where you really want attention to go when talking to the guy from IT?
- Too short/tight dresses — leave the club clothes for Saturday night
- Too casual clothes — as to avoid showing disrespect
- Holiday costumes — no sexy elf costumes!
- Ugly Christmas sweater — unless that’s the theme!
Remember, you are partying with your boss and colleagues so that means your reputation is on the line. A good rule of thumb is this: Less skin is more! Because the more skin you show, the less authoritative you become.
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, let’s talk about what to do.
- When deciding what to wear, the word “classy” ought to be your guide.
- Metallics, lace, and sequins are on trend during the holidays. A little can go a long way! If you add some sparkle, make sure to go simpler for the rest of your outfit.
- If you are going straight to the party after work, bring a decorative accessory like a pair of glamorous stilettos, a bib necklace, or a feather clutch that will help make your outfit look more festive.
Here are some photos to get the wheels turning:
Photo: ModCloth.com
Photo: pinterest.com
Photo: Talbot's Catalog
What are you wearing to your office Christmas party?
What Not to Wear as an Intern This Summer
Here’s a guest post I wrote for My Colleges and Careers.
If you are among the ranks of college students doing an internship this summer, chances you are on your best behavior and doing everything you can to make a lasting impression. Since most colleges and universities don’t teach much about professional dress, here are suggestions of what not to wear as an intern this summer from an image consultant.
- Rubber flip flops. Recently voted the #1 “don’t” for what to not wear to the office, rubber flip flops are a no go (unless you work poolside). As a general rule of thumb, if you can wear it to the beach, don’t wear it to the office. Should you be tempted, just imagine the sound of your flip flops echoing down the hall.
- Too-Revealing clothes. Wearing revealing clothes that showcase your best features are distracting in the workplace. Too-tight clothing falls under this category as well. Make sure you have adequate ease in your clothing and save your high hemlines and low necklines for after hours.
- Torn jeans. I know you spent $100 on your pre-worn jeans, but to maintain your professional image, torn jeans are best to avoid. If you want to go for a more relaxed look, go for dressy denim trousers or khaki pants that are comfortable yet professional.
- Graphic tees. As fun as graphic tees may be, the graphics on the front of your shirt are going to become the center of attention, detracting from you.
- Too big clothes. If the sleeves on your dress shirt or blazer go halfway down your hand, it’s going to look like you’re wearing your dad’s clothes. Invest the time and money to get your sleeves and pants are hemmed by a tailor so they fit you well.
- White socks with black shoes. Attention goes to contrast, my friend, so wearing light socks with dark shoes will attract attention to all the wrong places. For continuity’s sake, wear dark socks with dark pants and black shoes.
- Unpolished shoes. When you show a lack of attention to detail to your appearance, people subconsciously wonder what else you’re not paying attention to in business. A little spit and polish can go a long way to making your worn shoes look young again.
- Perfume. Scents are subjective, many have allergic to them, and there are some people who go overboard. Since you never know whether your favorite perfume is the same one your boss’s ex-wife wore, it’s smart to skip on scents.
Posted in career, life, professional image
Tagged career, intern, professional image, what not to wear
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