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- 16 things you should never wear to work - even if you work in a business casual environment
16 things you should never wear to work - even if you work in a business casual environment
Anything see-through
Yoga pants and leggings
Aimee said this is one of the most contentious points between younger and older employees — are leggings or yoga pants okay?
Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are likely to say no, while millennials might argue that they're okay.
Generally, you should follow what your bosses are wearing to work. If they're not sporting leggings on a regular basis, you certainly shouldn't either.
"Wear what you’d like, but be mindful that people are forming an opinion of you," Aimee said.
Anything that's too tight, too short, or too baggy
You are not a rapper from the mid-2000s. Don't wear super baggy clothing.
And tight clothes are also a major no.
Cold-shoulder tops
Yes, they're trendy, but they're not appropriate for the office. Keep them for your weekend brunches or bar-hopping.
Anything that shows off your back, cleavage, or tummy
Your torso needs to be covered in the workplace.
"What are you drawing attention to — your competency or your body?" Patcher said.
Visible undergarments
"Neither gender should show underwear, but they should wear underwear!" Patcher said.
A lot of animal print
You probably do not want to be known as the person who owns cheetah-print pants.
Pajamas
Your employer might be hesitant to keep you on the payroll if it looks like you're about to take a nap.
Crocs
There are some high-fashion Crocs being produced... but no. Just no.
Anything you would wear to the gym
Workout clothes don't belong in even the most lowkey workplaces.
Anything you bought for clubbing or bar-hopping
You can experiment with converting these pieces into daywear by throwing on a blazer, cardigan, scarf, or jacket.
Otherwise, save them for the weekend.
Clothes that are stained
It's time to donate or trash them.
Light-wash or ripped jeans
If you work in a truly casual outfit where your manager is sporting light-wash or ripped jeans, go ahead and sport them too.
But typical business casual offices draw the line at dark-wash denim. Look around your workplace before you wear them tomorrow morning.
Muscle tees
Congrats on all your bench presses and bicep curls. But, your coworkers don't need to see your guns.
There's a caveat here: plenty of stylish, professional sleeveless tees are around for women. But men should keep their upper arms clothed at work.
T-shirts that you bought in a beach resort gift store in 2005
Especially if they're racist, sexist, or anything else that's deeply problematic. Actually, just throw them out.
Anything that's emblazoned in sequins or sparkles
Keep it to your Met Ball look or prom dress.
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