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Generation-Y is now 70 million strong. Surveys show inappropriate clothing is a big complaint of employers of this generation. If you’re young and trying to stay trendy that can get tricky.
Gen-Y is marked by their casual attire -- flip-flops, tank tops, and capri pants are staples that many 20-somethings are finding unacceptable in the corporate world. The number of companies allowing workers to dress casually every day dropped from 48% in 2004 to 37% in 2007.
"The issue was not enough money but still wanting to be professional,” Shannon Van Norman, told Ivanhoe.
Office staffing expert Dawn Fay says inappropriate office attire is a major complaint of employers. “Internally you want to make sure that there is credibility to what you are doing and appearance plays a big role in that.” Dawn Fay, who is a Senior Regional Vice President for OfficeTeam, told Ivanhoe.
This outfit is a don’t. The skirt is to casual not to mention the open toed shoes. But pair the same blouse with a different skirt, jacket and shoes, it's a thumbs up.
Tops can be confusing. If they look like lingerie leave them at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show your style. Fay says stick to basic colors when it comes to suits but you can play with brighter blouses and jewelry as long as they are not distracting.
"The real key is that people focus on you and what you are doing professionally not what you are wearing,” said Fay.
Bottom line -- here are the top five don'ts of work place attire. Flip-flops are always a no. Never let your cleavage show. Don't wear short skirts. Anything that's too tight is a no. And when it comes to shoes and accessories -- when in doubt leave bright colors or anything shiny and distracting at home.
Since more than 90% of employers polled by the office staffing agency OfficeTeam said a persons work style affects their rise to the top. Wearing the appropriate top could get you there faster.
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