July 1, 2014

Are Your Clothes Holding You Back? 6 Office Outfit Mistakes

When it comes to career advice, we like to take it from the ladies who’ve made it, whether that’s Anna Wintour, Jenna Lyons, or Aliza Licht, Donna Karan International’s SVP of Global Communications, the brilliant voice behind @DKNY, and author of the upcoming book Leave Your Mark (available for pre-order Fall 2014). The mentoring guide is chock full of insider secrets on everything from how to land your dream job to how to rock social media, and while we wait not-so patiently for the book to come out, we present Licht’s list of office dressing no-no’s.

Scroll down to make sure you’re not committing any of her outfit offenses.

Mistake #1:

“Please don't dress for a nightclub: You're at your desk at 9 a.m., so what part of hot coffee and email made you think micro mini skirt and strapless?” -Aliza Licht

Instead: Play it safe with hemlines and silhouettes.

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Gastro Chic

Mistake #2:

“Breaking news: You're not Marilyn Monroe, and even her cleavage wouldn't work in an office. It's distracting, sends the wrong message, and creates water-cooler gossip. Save it for the beach, sister.” -Aliza Licht

Instead: Button up that shirt!

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What The Chung

Mistake #3:

“Dirty hair. Okay, I know that's not a fashion tip, but the wrong beauty look and a lack of cleanliness can kill the best outfit. "I don't give a damn" hair can make people (cough, your boss) think you don't give a damn about other more important things either.” -Aliza Licht

Instead: Add dry shampoo, and put it in a ponytail.

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Melodie Jeng

Mistake #4:

“I love a good lace bra as much as the next girl, but good lingerie should be your secret. It doesn't belong in the workplace. See point number two for more information.” -Aliza Licht

Instead: Wear a nude camisole under anything sheer.

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Blame It On Fashion

Mistake #5:

“Dress the part for the role you were cast in. You want to rock runway look #4 in the courtroom, go for it. But just remember that you're making an impression before you have even opened your mouth.” -Aliza Licht