The office environment is a dynamic environment, in that it serves as a confluence of cultures, values, beliefs and social interaction at various levels and in different capacities.
We need to understand that central to enabling and maintaining a professional environment in the workplace, is the way we choose to manage our professional image vis-à-vis our grooming and accessories.
Therefore, to maintain a sense of professionalism and show consideration for our colleagues in the workplace, we need to avoid fashion blunders that may end up offending their sensibilities and irritating them. Of course the end result is that you may end up losing the little respect they have for you.
That said, the year has just started and I am aware that some corporate companies make available clothing allowances for some of their staff. Now before you go out there shopping and emptying all the fashion shops in Accra, kindly take note of some fashion blunders to avoid if you are keen on projecting the right image of yourself and ensuring that you are curtaining on top of issues relating to fashion.
It is of course obvious to all that we cannot dress anyhow and in anything to a work environment.
As we all aware, grooming wrongly can easily affect your rise up the corporate ladder. Some people have missed out on work promotion all due to poor grooming and dressing inappropriately to the workplace.
Fashion blunders to avoid
Watch your hemline: A lot of ladies make the mistake of thinking or assuming that short clothes look good on them. Generally, all skirts and dresses should at least fall just one inch above the knees, on your knees or better still below the knees in order for you to look professional and be taken seriously.
Also to be avoided are high slits behind your skirts and dresses. They end up exposing more than what is necessary we don’t want you pulling down your skirt every two minutes when walking around.
Showing too much cleavage:
Any type of clothes that would make you expose your breasts should be avoided. This can be very distracting at the workplace and end up sending a wring signal to your colleagues at wrok.
Your workmates will perceive you as desperate for attention and you will not be taken seriously.
Avoid colourful makeup: learn the art of distinguishing between work/day makeup and evening/night makeup. These are two makeup styles. Nobody wants a work colleague whose makeup can be seen from miles away.
Day makeup should be mild and subtle. It should enhance and not distract from your main features.
Tight fitting clothes: Clothes that sculpture your body are not attractive for a work environment. The focus at the workplace should be on your job and the role you play and not on your clothes and what you wear to work. Clothes which make your breast and bottom protrude and your stomach stand out should be a No! No!
Perfume Cocktail: Perfumes which overpower people around you and make them sneeze can be a turnoff. You should be aware that there are people who are allergic to strong perfumes and in consideration of them, you should ensure that your perfume is not strong and overpowering. Also to be avoiding is the art of mixing perfumes. When done wrongly, the fragrance emitted can be nasty and confusing.
Colorful Hair: Your hair should be simple and stylish. Otherwise, you could opt for a low haircut. Avoid large wavy hair if you have a petit face. Also not in good taste is to have your hair covering half of your face.
It especially can be irritating to have a long stand of hair dangling all the way down your ace. It is not suitable in an office environment. Leave that for the beach or when you attend a party.
Should you want to dye your hair, ensure that the colour you choose is mild and reflects on the environment your work in?
Stained And Wrinkled Clothes: Stained or rumpled clothes make you look tacky or unkempt. It also gives the impression that you do not have time to take care of your professional image. This makes it difficult for your employers to trust you with additional responsibilities which of course can affect your rise up the corporate ladder. So please avoid these habits. You may assume that the stain cannot be seen but for all you know, it is obvious and flaring to onlookers. So manage your image from inside out.
Office Shoes: Keep these neat and in good form. Avoid extremely high heels; they can be so uncomfortable to work in and are not suited for the office environment. Platform shoes should equally be chosen with care. You need to move around smartly and comfortably in the office. It is also poor grooming etiquette to bring a pair of slippers to work so that you can change into these when you arrive in the office. It is so unprofessional. If you cannot wear your shoes throughout the day in the office, then why did you buy them let alone wear them to the office in the first place?
Hand bags/luggage: Your handbags should be moderate, practical and functional. It should not be overly big to be classified as hand luggage rather than a handbag; neither should it be lovely small to have all your items in the open. Never make it a point to carry only a particular designer brand for bags. Are you paid for the free advert?
Chipped nails: You are not under any obligation to keep long nails, so if you cannot afford the time to care and maintain your nails clip them short and keep them neat without nail polish. It’s not a fine sight to behold an elegantly dressed lady with chipped fingernails or toenails. To earn respect, begin by leaning to respect yourself and your colleagues. Always make it a point to ensure that you are dressed professionally and appropriately to work.
Alternative, if you have a close friend that you trust can be as sincerely honest with you, ask them what they think about your style of grooming.
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