Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Fashion: what works at work?

First Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next Last
Dan Message

There are plenty of outfits and styles that look great in the workplace.

On the flip side, there are just some things that just don’t work in a professional setting.

The Royal Gazette asked people to tell us what three things they felt should never be worn to work.

Hair stylist Tyler Wilson said crop tops, sweatpants and revealing dresses would be better worn in one’s personal time.

“It depends on what type of work you do, because that might be appropriate for someone’s profession, but I’d say stay away from wearing crop tops in an office environment,” the 24-year-old said.

“Sweatpants, as well, are very unprofessional and tend to look very hobo. And I’d say don’t mix nightlife wear with business wear, those things shouldn’t go. So revealing tops or dresses should be saved for outside the workplace.”

Mr Wilson described his style as a mix of classic, urban and modern.

“I try to dress how I like, but still look professional so I can pass for a hairstylist,” he said.

“I brand myself so you can tell I’m a person in the arts world.”

He gets inspiration from looking at men’s fashion magazines, but then he tries to emulate the same look for less.

“I don’t shop at major department stores. I like to thrift because there’s better stuff for less and I don’t want to look like everyone else,” he added.

Stephanie Riley, 30, agreed that midriff-baring tops were an office no.

“I don’t think it’s very classy with your stomach hanging out, especially if you are working in an office environment,” she said.

“Also, depending on where you work, I’d say leggings are a no. I work in an office environment and that’s not the impression I’d like to give off to my co-workers or clientele.”

The office manager described her style as eclectic.

“Sometimes I’m chic, girlie-girl and other times I am all about the sweats and chucks,” she explained. “It’s all about my mood and how I’m feeling that day, but I typically go for comfort. Even with my work shoes I go for comfy boots, rather than high heels.”

Accountant Dan Message believes that businessmen should stay away from “mismatched outfits, dishevelled hair and scruffy shoes”.

He encourages men to invest some time in grooming themselves before going in to work.

“These few things can make a huge difference in creating a great first impression at any moment,” he said.

The 29-year-old described his personal style as “classic British, with a modern twist”.

He said: “I like to mix things up and create a vibrant, sophisticated look to stand out.

“I take a large influence from my time in London and Miami, combined with New York fashion, together with the latest lifestyle magazines.”

Kerri Hartle, 25, said there were two things she would never recommend someone wear to work: a low-cut top or denim jacket.

“You can never make a denim jacket look smart and it’s just inappropriate to wear a low-cut top,” the accountant said. “I think it sends the wrong message, the kind you wouldn’t want to give off in a professional environment.”

Ms Hartle’s style is typically smart but fashionable.

“I normally pick out trousers or a skirt that’s smart and then I can choose a more fashionable accessory to pair with it,” she said.

Stephanie Riley
Tyler Wilson
Dan Message
Stephanie Riley
Tyler Wilson
Fashion on the Street: Kerri Hartle. (Photo by Akil Simmons)

EXPERT OPINION

What the experts say you SHOULD wear to work in 2015:

An edgy blazer:

The style experts at Glamour Magazine suggest forgoing your strait-laced blazer and opt for something a little more out of the ordinary. Think about something with a bold pop of colour or unusual cut.

Statement shoes:

Some offices won’t let you play around much with your attire, but you can still show off a little creativity with your shoes. Try picking something in a bold colour or print — like polka dots, leopard or stripes.

Bold earrings:

Accessories are an easy way to stand out at work, suggests Glamour. Instead of your usual gold studs, why not try something in a startling hue to add extra pizazz to your workday outfit.