6 Inch Heels

High heels are amazing! They help to enhance a woman’s figure, aid in good posture, strengthen the calves and arches of the foot. Ultimately, they’re  absolutely beautiful and sexy but in a business environment, they’re inappropriate. High heels are just way too sexy! However, many women today still wear them to work. With sexual harassment lawsuits on the rise today and the “Me Too” movement encouraging women to speak out against sexual harassment and exploitation in the workplace, it is imperative that women be mindful of their own behavior and fashion choices in work environments. So, what is allowed in the workplace and how does one stand out while maintaining respect from their peers, superiors, and inferiors?

The manner in-which a person chooses to present themselves to the world speaks volumes about who they are as a person. Individuals who value themselves and others, work hard, and pay attention to detail tend to invest more time and energy into their appearance. This tells the world that they are serious and deserve a certain level of respect. The more effort one contributes to making sure they’re neat, clean, coordinated and well groomed will affect how much success they achieve in life. How you dress directly controls how people perceive you and how they treat you. Everyone wants to make money. Money attracts money, and don’t you forget it! Hard work, creativity, intellect and dedication makes money and that is what employers look for when they are fulfilling a role for their company. 

What should you wear to a job interview? How should you dress on the job? What are some dos and don’ts?

Let’s start with the interview! Whenever you are preparing for a job interview, it is important to understand the culture of the company and the position in which you’re applying for. Ask yourself this question and do a little research: do the employees dress business professional, business casual, sporty, fashionable or industrial? Many companies post photos of their employees online. You could also physically take a visit to the company and play “I spy”. It is also important to read the company’s mission statement and learn as much as you can about the people who work for them. Some companies post the biographies of their top executives. Read! Study them! Understanding the culture of the company can help you to shape an outline for your look.

When putting an outfit together, remember to look your best, but try not to dress too flashy. Jealousy is a thing and you don’t want to make the interviewer feel bad about themselves or inferior to you. Try to stay away from clothing that have designer labels on them. You want to wear something that separates you from all of the candidates but also shows how serious you are about the work you plan to do for them. Be as neat as possible! Shirt tucked, pants creased, and shoes shined. Show them that you are organized and perfect, perfect for the job and perfect with the execution of the job. You want the interviewer to feel that you share the same values as them and the company and that you have something to offer, just by looking at you. So don’t over dress and don’t under dress.

So, you got the job! 

Yay you! Give yourself a pat on the back for all of your hard work. Now, you must build connections with your co-workers. You want your coworkers and your boss to like you and have respect for you. How  you dress will set the tone for these things to happen. Remember, first impressions are everything and what they see comes before what they hear and know. Again, it is important that you dress within the culture of the company. Find ways to fit in and if that is impossible for you, maybe that job isn’t the right fit. In the meantime, try to compromise: be yourself in ways that won’t disturb the natural order of things. Always build positive connections and avoid seduction at all costs. Flirting your way up the corporate ladder can backfire in your face. Women tend to be territorial and competitive over the attention of men and you need female allies, especially if a man in a powerful position tries to harass you. Here are a few guidelines one should follow to avoid jealousy, gain respect, and optimize their connections on the job:

• No Open Toe Shoes

Open toe shoes are not professional. It can be dangerous to wear sandals and open toe shoes in an office or factory setting, for a number of reasons. Most importantly, it can have a sexual connotation.  For some people feet are associated with sex, especially if you get pedicures and paint your nails. Keep your feet covered! It can be difficult 

• No low cut shirts OR cleavage

Cleavage is an absolute no-no!  Having your chest exposed in any way can send the wrong message to your co-workers. Skin catches people’s attention and you don’t want individuals staring at your breast, right? Breasts are definitely associated with sex and causes sexual arousal in both men and women. For busty women, it can be difficult to find shirts that fit you and your breasts. Tip: always buy the larger size. Another option is to wear a tank-top or turtleneck underneath a shirt that’s cut low. Always make sure that your breasts are covered!

• Be mindful of your under garments

Have you ever seen a woman dressed nice but you noticed her panty line, or her nipples were hard, or perhaps the color of her bra? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who noticed. She is not the only woman to have made this mistake but in an office setting, these simple wardrobe mishaps are completely inappropriate! 

Here are a few rules to follow:

• Wear black, brown, or nude colored bras and panties.

• When dressed in thin clothing that may be form fitting, wear seamless undergarments. Clothing doesn’t always have lining these days, so be sure to follow this rule. Even with lining, it is still possible for undergarments to show. Thongs are great for eliminating the panty-line.

• If you choose to wear spaghetti strapped blouses or dresses (which is not recommended), please wear a strapless bra. Bra straps, neck and shoulder lines are sexual to many people. The American business suit was created to eliminate many of these issues but with women entering the business world, the fashion lines have been blurred. 

• Live a wrinkle free lifestyle

Always make sure your clothes are pressed and wrinkle free. This day and age, ironing clothes has become extinct for many individuals but it communicates to people that you are responsible and should be taken seriously. Wrinkle clothing says that you don’t care about anything or that you are poor and don’t deserve a high salary. That “I woke up like this” look just isn’t professional.

• Keep those shoes clean & shined

Shoe shining is still in vogue! Just as your clothes should be neat and tidy, your shoes should be the same. If you have to buy a toothbrush to scrub the soles of your shoes, so be it. You can also buy shoe polish and shoe paint from your local pharmacy or convenient store. Roll up those sleeves and get to work! Dirty and dull shoes can affect your salary negotiation.

• Skirts must be at least fingertip length

Legs are sexual and the shorter the skirt, the easier it is for a person to visualize going up it. Avoid being sexually harassed or sexually harassing others by covering sexual parts of your body. If you wear a dress or skirt, sit like a lady: ankles crossed, not the knees. Crossing at the knee while wearing a dress or skirt can make it easy to see up the skirt and can draw attention to your legs and thighs.

• Lastly, be mindful of your behavior!

Women are strong and intelligent, just like men. Women are just as capable as men. Men don’t show thighs or cleavage in the workplace. Men don’t dress sexually in corporate settings. Think about your actions. Unless you’re a fashion model, the focus of your job is not to look pretty but to be respected and taken seriously. Wait until you’re home (or at least not at work) before you let your hair down. Long hair is and has always been sexualized in society. In the office, neat ponytails and buns are recommended. Also, try not to be too touchy feely. Wear clothes that actually fit your body. Skin tight clothing sends the wrong message.  It’s okay to be fashionable but be mindful! Watch how you sit. Lady’s keep their legs closed when wearing dresses and skirts. Lastly, be mindful of the scents and fragrances you wear in the office. Some fragrances have pheromones in them to help attract the opposite sex. Stay away from warm musky, sweet and overly woody scents and choose fresh and clean smells.