Dress for success: Don'ts for women

Do the don'ts really need to be said? After a conversation about this exact topic with a coworker today, yes. They do.

Written Oct 27, 2008, read 214 times since then.

Ladies, I unfortunately think we are the number-one culprits for breaking dress code rules.

Here are the top 10 Don’ts:

1. Wear clothes that are too tight or too short. “Ask yourself, ‘What's the message I want to give?’ A safe skirt length is just above, at or below the knee. If, when you sit down, you can see your thigh, the message you are giving is sexy, not professional - even if you have great legs! Clothing that is too tight is not flattering on anyone, whether you are slim or heavy,” said Valerie Sokolosky, president of Valerie & Company.

2. Obsess over trends. “You don’t have to be boring and forgo all fun styles, but it’s better to focus on what works best for your body and your industry rather than what the high school girls are wearing,” said Jenn Hoffman, president of Get Some Media.

3. Go overboard with jewelry. “Wear a discrete necklace and one pair of earrings. If you have more than one piercing, make sure the only one you can see is the ears,” said Corinne Phipps, founder of Urban Darling.

4. Use too much makeup. “If you can see it, that's for evenings out, not job interviews,” said Caroline Ceniza-Levine, partner at SixFigureStart Career Coaching.

5. Wear flip-flops. “If you would wear them to the beach, they should not be worn at work. Wearing flip-flops leaves the impression that you don't take your job seriously - that you'd rather be at the beach than at the office. Not a good impression to make during a tough economy,” said Amy Elizabeth Casson, president of Polished Image.

6. Show cleavage. “Both men’s and women’s eyes are drawn to the woman’s chest, and it is hard to avoid looking there. Cleavage draws attention to the body rather than to what is being said. Any kind of tank top or shirt that reveals undergarments, such as showing bra straps, should also be avoided,” said Marcia J. Hall of Reputation Counts.

7. Be juvenile. “Wearing juvenile fashions is just as bad as talking in a little girl’s voice. You won’t get no respect,” said Barbara DesChamps, a wardrobe consultant. “Baby doll-style blouses can be OK, and cover up the early months of pregnancy if they are long enough, but choose the styles and colors carefully. Pleats and darker colors are better than ruffles and pastels.”

8. Forget to iron. “Wrinkled or shabby clothes send the message that you either don't care about your appearance or are too lazy to pay attention to details. Neither message is the one you want to be sending to the world,” said Marlys K. Arnold, image specialist and creator of the Image@Work Club.

9. Choose flats over heels. “High heels always make your legs look longer and add a sophistication to any outfit,” said Anya Sarre, head fashion stylist for Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.

10. Have a weak or limp handshake. “Your handshake says as much about you as the way you are dressed. A firm, but not bone crushing, handshake is fine. This will tell the person you are confident and engaged,” said Robin Kazmarek, director of career services at Stetson University.

Learn more about the author, Corinne Phipps.

Comment on this article

Posted by Debbie Rosemont, Sammamish, Washington | Oct 31, 2008

Great article Corinne.

I have one more "don't" (and personal pet peeve) to add to your list: VPL - Visible Panty Lines ladies! 'Nough said :)

Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant
Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Oct 31, 2008

These are some great rules of thumb, Corinne, and yet I will disagree with at least one. Sure, high heels are more flattering, but when I'm at a networking event, I want to be able to stand comfortably for at least an hour or two. I'm more natural, less distracted, and have better access to my internal sense of power when I'm not on stilts and having poor posture and foot cramps.

Maybe this is cultural difference between Cali and the Northwest, but high heels, to me, are best saved for the same realm as fancy makeup: for the red carpet or super special evenings out...when there's a valet, preferably.

Healing IS possible.
Posted by Kate Phillips, Carnation/Seattle, Washington | Nov 01, 2008

Corinne, is your brastrap showing!?

Coaching for Financial Transformation
Posted by Liza Rademacher, Seattle, Washington | Nov 01, 2008

There is definitely something empowering about wearing high heels. I definitely agree on wearing more sensible shoes when going to a more "conservative" meeting but hight heels make me at least feel confident, and as though I can handle more than one thing at a time... Being a woman and being an entrepreneur. Corrine, I think you definitely caught the attention of many! Keep coming out with more tips! Toodles~ Liza
Posted by Corinne Phipps, Santa Clara, California | Nov 01, 2008

Thank you for all the posts!

That is NOT a bra strap, it is a camera strap showing in the picture. IT was taken at the Ladies Who Launch event in September.

This article was written for the intent for a woman going on an interview. I am not sure how that part got erased, sorry about that!
Posted by Maria Ayello, Seattle, Washington | Nov 01, 2008

Corrine,

I strongly agree with #1-10. When you work in a professional environment, "old school" definitely wins hand down. However, if I want to feel sexy, then I choose certain undergarments. Besides, no one could ever say I'm risque for what I'm wearing underneath my knee length skirt or suit! ;-)

Have fun ladies!!
Posted by Marie Daniels, Portland, Oregon | Nov 19, 2008

I also agree although with a few comments. First, I'd move #10 up the list a bit. Women - don't be afraid to have a good handshake, palm to palm, no fingertips. In our culture, a good shake screams confidence. Second, I'd add something about making sure your clothing isn't see-through.

Last - I'm already tall and am never entirely comfortable in a heel higher than 1"-1.5". Stiletto heels are also out for me - I like the big ones!