If you want to succeed in the business world and work your way up the corporate ladder, it really is important to ‘dress for success’ and make a great ‘first impression’ every day at the office. With lots of companies allowing ‘business casual’ attire, sometimes the lines between what is appropriate and inappropriate become blurred. If you look at powerful and successful women in the workplace, you will notice that they do dress very conservatively at ALL times. If you see yourself as being the woman who will one day run the company…here are ‘seven fashion no-no’s’ you should follow!

Seven ‘Fashion No-No’s’ For Professional Women In The Office

1. Nightclub shoes. Do not to wear anything to the office that you’d wear to a nightclub–that includes extreme platforms or overly edgy shoes. Keep it timeless with a modest heel in classic shapes like a peep toe, pointy toe, or even a wedge, which can be easier to walk in.

2. Wrinkled or stained clothing. Total fashion ‘no-no’ and makes you look unprofessional and unkempt. No matter how late you are, make sure to take a moment and check your garments for wrinkles and stains. Nothing is worse than seeing a gorgeous, powerful woman in a shirt that looks like it was picked up off the floor or from the back of a drawer.

3. Excessive makeup and/or perfume. Skip the extreme eye makeup and cakey lipstick. If you love a bright lip, go for one of the many great, slightly transparent bright shades, instead of something super chalky or glossy that should be reserved for night. Too much eyeliner and shadow will only start to bleed and smear as the day goes on. Use perfume sparingly, or light body sprays instead.

4. Chipped nail polish. Remove your polish altogether, instead of a manicure that’s past its prime.

5. Short skirts. The best test is to make sure your skirt is at least the length of your fingers when your arms are stretched down to your sides, with your fingers stretched straight too. Depending on  the length of your arms, you may need to adjust accordingly. but it’s best to err on the conservative side.

6. Ill-fitting suits. It doesn’t matter how much it costs,  if it doesn’t fit you properly, it won’t look good. Make sure your  sleeves are the right length, darts falling in the right place, and hemlines that work with your office shoes. Sometimes it is best to buy suit separates, or have a suit altered for the perfect fit.

7. Tanks and halters. A tank top is probably a no-no and a halter is completely off-limits. Best bet for comfort in summer is to invest in blazers in spring and summer fabrics like linen or a cotton blend, or go for lightweight cardigans over your bare arms.