College over, internships done and now you’ve landed a job. The human resource team has handed over the formal appointment letter, and the dos and don’ts of the company’s policies to follow; including what you can and cannot wear. What we falter on the most, our clothing to be precise. We Indian women take it for granted that saris, salwars and anarkali tops with leggings in any print and pattern or style, cut and design are apt formal haute wearing options. Newsflash dear heart, we have been wrong all this time. Formal clothing or smart casuals for work have limitations too, especially when picking up that asymmetrical kurta to wear with straight cut pants- the same may not be ‘formal’ per se. Here are other five ethnic wear and ensemble ideas which look cool for a coffee time or a movie moment out, but not for work. Here’s What NOT to Wear to Work This Summer…
Make a good impression at work by not wearing these styles!
1. Avoid loud prints and patterns
If you are attending seminars, client meets and presentations almost everyday, chances are you would be noticed and under the spotlight. For such occasions, it would be best to wear color blocked sarees, salwars or churidars, which is the equivalent of wearing a long black dress in western domains or an ideal office pant-suit too. Loud prints and patterns are distracting and don’t call for seriousness, not more than what the slightly less formal or a knee length kameez in self-colors with a churidar would. If you have to wear prints, going very light on them and without any sparkling embellishments would work well.
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2. Go for fabrics that do not crumple
It is not okay for men to wear crumpled shirts and smart casual tees to work, even on a Friday. And it isn’t any different for the female task force at work too. One has to be very diligent in choosing ethnic wear such as kurtas, salwars, saris or blouses that aren’t made from fabrics that crumple easily. Georgette and crepe are best bets to wear, cottons too- the quality of cotton should be high threaded ones which wont allow sweaty moments to happen and crumpling would be a thing of the past. Choose salwars and kurtas that accentuate the body frame you have been blessed with, and not crumply ones that bring about a shabby look.
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3. Color-wise keep it sophisticated
The best bet for Monday through Friday in colors for the workplace would be pastels and light creamy shades for the summers, while hues of darkness for the winters are advisable. You may go ahead and add a scarf in neutral tones to accentuate the look, however, when wearing fabrics as accessories, it would be wise to check if the item does gel well with the rest – color wise, or not. Pay attention to the contrasts and complimentary aspects of the color wheel before heading out to work.
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4. Nothing too tight or too loose
Wearing ethnic clothing to work is not a chore and is easier than deciding on western ensembles to be worn for the day. However, the ethnic piece you decide to wear shouldn’t be too tight or too loose- fit wise. The office you work at is a place where you have to be serious and committed, sans the distractions caused due to your clothing- movement especially. Blouses with tassels, salwars with very long and embellished trails, chunky jewelry accents on Indian wear et al, are best left for the party scene and not for work. Needless to say, at work, one should not wear low V necks and short kurta tops- nothing too revealing!
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5. Shoe talk
Keeping to flats, such as jhutis, mojaris and khussas or open lacey flat sandals would be the best footwear ideas for your feet- they blend in well to bring about a complete desi look too. Pumps, heels and lacey sandals with pointed heels are best left for after work party times, when you don’t have to be running around too much. Flat footwear allows for better movement, and you wouldn’t be waiting for the day to end to get out of them. Colors to be chosen are neutrals to warm or cool tones- the latter too should be matte and subtle though!
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We hope you do understand these five rules on what not to wear and how not to style up at workplaces? At the same time, we urge you to use your creativity and not be boring!
