Yes, it’s cute for a night out. But not the office desk.
“Wonder Woman Files” is a weekly career column on Madame Noire. Stay tuned for more topics, comment or write us at editors@madamenoire.com if you have suggestions!
You know what I’ve always thought was messed up about What Not To Wear? That those poor unfortunate souls were really rocking all types of insanity into their office and no one told them it was not OK. Well before you end up seeing yourself on hidden camera or, worse, being called out without meeting Stacy and Clinton or getting a $5,000 dollar shopping spree, here are some office style faux pas every Madame must avoid.
Yes, it’s cute for a night out. But not the office desk.
The Date Night Pencil Skirt: This one gets me because every lady knows when she has it wrong. Madames let’s be real: we all know the difference between the work pencil skirt and the date night pencil skirt. The work pencil skirt allows you maximum stride length and the ability to get up stairs if need be. The date skirt zips up with room for at most a water with lemon and is meant to keep your beaus eyes clinging to you. Unless you are looking for wagging tongues in the office, leave the date pencil skirt on the hanger.
Those heels are very ‘Fergalicious’ but not career ambitious. Unless you’re a professional video model.
Club Heels: you found a killer pair of caged sandals that look like the YSL pair Fergie and Beyonce rocked on the red carpet. That’s cool. But in no way does the beauty of a sick shoe override your office’s dress code. If they look like they belong in the ‘Get Me Bodied’ video, then you get another option for 9-5.
Perfect for a casual night out, this sequined blazer wouldn’t really fit in at the water cooler.
Sequined Blazer: not much to say here but it had to be mentioned because we’ve seen it done. Work event? Maybe. Daytime? No. Unless you “work” on the set of The City with Whitney Port- this is a no. Again, big sparkly NO.
This dress transforms into five other outfits, but can’t get you a promotion… not the honorable way at least.
Your 5 in 1 American Apparel Dress: you can make it a strapless, a one-shoulder and even a halter but what you can’t do? Make it not spandex. Too often women try to disguise the clingy fabric with a boyfriend blazer thinking this will make it formal. It won’t. If you rocked it to the club over the weekend and are febreez-ing it come Monday morning, put it down.
