Work Wear: Dressing Modestly

This subject has been heavy on my mind for quite some time.  As you know my blog is mostly about my everyday work style.  For those of you that don’t know I am a property manager and I attend graduate school as well.  The dress code in my office is business casual but I prefer to dress more business than casual.  I love dressing in lady like outfits and silhouettes; dresses and skirts make me feel pretty and their easy to style.  Honestly, if you work in an office environment your work attire is probably pretty different from you everyday style. Just so happens I am all for dressing up and being extra fancy all the time.

Now that we are all caught up let me say in no way do I consider myself to be a modest blogger or the modesty police.  People can wear whatever they want.  However, I have noticed that modesty at work has become something of the past.  Gone are the days of women wearing proper undergarments, knee-length skirts, polished suits, and structured blazers.  I am probably biased because in most cases I am always overdressed! Regardless of my personal preference I just can’t get over women wearing skirts so tight that you can see their thong prints or rocking six inch platforms to the office.  When did it become okay to wear thigh high skirts to the office?  Do I sound like a prude? I probably do but hear me out.

In a professional environment appearance is everything.  Before you speak a word out of your mouth your subordinates, peers and superiors visually judge you.  As a young woman, that’s built like a brick house I am always assessing myself to make sure my appearance is on point.  I want to be known for my abilities and skills and not as the girl that wears the short skirts with the outta control booty.  With all the other issues women have in the workplace, appropriate dressing can easily be remedy and shouldn’t be something that holds you back.

Here are a few head to toe guidelines for ensuring your work wear is appropriate and modest:

1. Stay away from plunging and deep necklines.  Layer a tank top or cami underneath a shirt or dress if it’s low cut.

2.  Avoid sheer and tight shirts which maybe too revealing and show your bra.

3.  Say no to spaghetti straps and make sure your back is not exposed, save these items for the weekend. 

4.  Make sure your shirts/cardigans button up properly and do not pull across your bust.  Also, avoid showing cleavage by buttoning your top appropriately.

5.  Wear skirts that are fitted but not tight and wear the proper undergarments to ensure your not revealing panty lines. I still wear slips when I feel a skirt or dress is too thin or I just want extra coverage.  I also have lightweight shapers to smooth me out when needed.

6.  Keep hemlines a little longer than arms lengths.  I try to keep my skirts and dresses at knee-length, I need the extra length because of my big booty. 

7.  Absolutely no shorts.  Make sure your jeans aren’t too tight.  I will admit I break this rule by wearing skinny jeans to work.  However, jean trousers would be a better option.  Absolutely no ripped or destroyed jeans.  Stay away from printed and colored denim.

8. Pants should fit but not be tight.  Curvy ladies pay attention to how your pants fit across the thighs make sure they aren’t too tight and don’t bunch.  Also, do a butt check, make sure your not showing off too much of the goods.

9. Try to keep your heels at least 4 inches or below.  Stay away from over the top platforms.  No flip flops and make sure sandals have a strap on the back. 

10.  Lastly,  casual Friday is not for weekend wear.  Keep it cute, try pairing a tank top, denim jacket with your favorite midi skirt and cute sandals. 

Dressing modestly for work doesn’t have to be boring, have fun with patterns and colors.  Also, dress up your outfits with accessories such as a fashionable purses, scarves and belts.