Your appearance at work can significantly impact how confident you feel and how others perceive you. Unfortunately, making these style mistakes can undermine your professional image and make you look less polished. Here are some fashion faux pas mistakes that you should avoid to maintain a strong and self-assured presence at the office.
1. Sloppy, Poorly Fitted Clothes
Clothes that are too tight or too loose can make you look uncomfortable and less confident. Whether you’re fidgeting with your clothes or you look like you’re swimming in fabric, you appear less confident when your clothes are sloppy. Investing in well-fitting, more structured pieces that flatter your body shape instantly boosts your confidence and creates a polished appearance.
2. Dressing too Casually
Dressing too casually, especially in a formal work environment, can make you appear unprofessional and less serious about your job. Always dress appropriately for the occasion, even if your office has a relaxed dress code. You’ll always feel your most confident when you’re dressed in smart, formal clothes that are appropriate for the office. A button-down shirt is always a good idea but stick to crisp white, blue, or a fine pin-stipe. And add a blazer to really boss up.
3. Looking Untidy
Personal grooming is essential for maintaining a confident image. Whether it’s messy hair, untrimmed chipped nails, or having bad body odor, these things can cause people to pay attention to you for all the wrong reasons. It will also undermine your professionalism and confidence in the workplace. Make sure hygiene is of the utmost importance in your daily schedule in order to be your best self at work.
4. Avoid Outdated Trendy Clothing
There are few worse feelings than feeling out of the loop when it comes to fashion. Sticking to outdated styles can make you seem out of touch and can even make you feel insecure about your appearance. While you don’t need to chase every trend, keeping your wardrobe updated with modern, classic pieces can help you look confident and current. Experient with fashion on the weekend.
5. Wearing Inappropriate Shoes
Wearing uncomfortable or inappropriate shoes can affect your posture and the way you walk, making you look less confident. Opt for shoes that are both stylish and comfortable, giving you a confident stride throughout the day. Strappy sandals have no business in the office, so go for a classic pump or a mid-stacked heel instead.
6. Overdoing the Jewelry and Accessories
Accessories can feel like a comfort blanket when we don’t feel sure of ourselves; however, wearing too many accessories can overwhelm your outfit and distract from your professionalism. For utter confidence in the office, pick one or two great accessories that make you feel yourself and wear those, but be mindful not to clutter your look with too many.
7. Not Ironing Your Clothes
We get it; pulling out the iron feels like the last thing you want to do in the world, but wrinkled clothing can make you look unprepared and careless. Not only this, but it’ll attract all the wrong sorts of attention, which will make you feel vulnerable and insecure about your appearance. Taking the time to iron or steam your clothes before work can make a huge difference in how polished and confident you appear.
8. Beware of Bold Color Pops
Wearing bold or clashing colors or mismatched patterns can create a chaotic look that detracts from your confidence. While it might feel like a fun and bold fashion move, leave the experimentation for out of the office and stick to a cohesive, neutral color palette that complements your skin tone and overall style.
9. Overloading on Perfume or Cologne
While a signature scent can be a confidence booster, overloading on perfume or cologne can be overwhelming and off-putting. It’ll show on other people’s faces when you’re wearing too much cologne and perfume, which in turn can make you feel insecure. Apply your fragrance sparingly to leave a subtle, pleasant impression that makes you feel confident.
10. Wearing Excessive Makeup
Makeup can transform our faces and give us unbridled confidence. While heavy makeup is great for a night out with your friends at work, it can come across as trying too hard and may undermine your natural confidence. Opt for a more natural look that enhances your features without overwhelming them. Clean, glowing skin, mascara, a hint of blush, and a muted lip is all you need.
11. Not Dressing for Your Body Type
There’s no more powerful fashion tool than understanding your body type and dressing to it. Wearing clothes that don’t suit your body type can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. When you dress to your figure, you’ll not only feel confident, but you’ll also look great.
12. Drowning Yourself in Logos
Logo-covered clothing and accessories might seem fashionable, but in actuality, clothing with large logos or branding can look unprofessional and detract from your overall appearance. Choose understated, classic pieces that project a more polished and confident image.
13. Skipping the Final Mirror Check
Rushing out of the house in the morning is a recipe for disaster, best case scenario is that you might leave your lunch behind, the worst case scenario is that you leave without checking your appearance. Leaving the house without a final once-over in the mirror can lead to overlooked details like tags showing or smeared lipstick. A quick check before you head out the door ensures you look your best and feel confident all day.
14. Dressing Too Flashy
Overly formal office clothes might feel drab with all the neutrals and conservative silhouettes. However, wearing overly flashy or attention-grabbing outfits can make you seem like you’re trying too hard to stand out, which can come across as a lack of confidence. To be your most confident and best-dressed self, stick to demure office attire that doesn’t stand out.
15. Not Updating Your Work Wardrobe
Wearing the same outfits repeatedly can make you feel stuck in a rut, it might also draw a few eyes and even comments about your reoccurring outfits. There’s no better feeling than showing up to work with a brand-new pencil skirt or loafers. Regularly updating your work wardrobe with new pieces can keep your style fresh and boost your confidence. And don’t forget your eyewear; it’s part of your outfit.
16. Carrying the Wrong Bag
Statement-making designer handbags, especially anything small, impractical, or flashy, don’t work for the office. In today’s remote world, you need a bag that can carry all of your essentials, including your laptop. Your bag says a lot about your approach to dressing for work, so keep it chic, polished, and professional. A large structured handbag, satchel, or briefcase will show you mean business. And you will never go wrong in a classic black dress in a midi length.