Lady Dianne's Blog

A few days ago, I was at a shoe store in Maryland.  The young woman who waited on me showed an awful lot of cleavage.  In other words her “boobs” were exposed.  I can imagine my husband was amused at such a site but I was appalled.  So in hopes of helping young people improve their professional imagine I am sharing the following information.

There are three things we do not want to see when you provide services for your organization – your boobs, your belly and your butt. These are the three Bs to avoid in workplace dress.  For over twenty years I have talked about the prevention of sexual harassment.  While the courts have said that provocative dress is not an excuse for sexually harassing someone, when you reveal the three Bs in the work environment, it can create other problems.  People may not take you as seriously.  People may see you more of a sexual object as opposed to a skillful and knowable employee.

While many employers can no longer tell employees how to dress, I can advise employees about what not to wear.  Dress and grooming does matter in the work place.  If you want the job, look the part.  If you want the promotion, look promotable.   If you want respect, dress in a respectful manner.

Below are some general grooming no-nos

·        Exposing the three B’s

·        Plunging necklines

·        Bare bellies

·        “Cracks” showing

·        See-through clothing

·        Clothing too tight and restrictive

·        Spandex

·        T-shirts with messages

·        Clothing not pressed

·        Dirty teeth

·        Bad breath

·        Body odor

·        Dirty and/or unkempt hair

·        Dirty fingernails and/or chipped fingernail polish

·        Smell of smoke

·        Heavy scents and heavy makeup

·        Big jewelry and/or too much jewelry       

·        Flip-flops

It is important to look at the effect appearance has on you and others.   For more information see Workplace Etiquette, A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Workplace.

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