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, are ready to work, 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, or the office where you never see anyone but your hated boss and your frumpy coworkers, or the jobs where you work from home wearing 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 and 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, try the brand’s “high-fashion” line, YOU by Crocs. It still incorporates the croslite technology—which means it’s odor resistant and anti-microbial—and has extra padding at the ball of your foot and your heel, right where you need it most:.
Scrunchies
Why not?
Because scrunchies went out of fashion at the same time fanny packs did. Wearing one only emphasizes your need for a makeover, not a raise. Bows, or ribbons tied into bows, also fall into this particular Don’t. Ribbons in your hair are appropriate for the seventh grade cheerleading squad and other teenage displays of team unity. Not. Professional.
Try me instead: There’s nothing a scrunchie can do that an ouchless hair elastic band can’t. Other options for pulling your hair back? Bobby pins, clips, headbands, hair scarves—even a hat, if your workplace is business-casual enough.
