Intern Diaries: What Not To Wear

June 24, 2009 Posted in Reality

cleavage This week, I have decided to dedicate my intern diaries post to the topic of clothing and the workplace. I must report that I have been quite surprised by some of the wardrobe choices that I’ve witnessed around the office, and I thought I’d share these thoughts with you. Oy, someone needs to call Stacy and Clinton STAT.

By Maddie

Bad Surprise Number 1: Cleavage Overkill

In my opinion, overly exposed cleavage is never cute – even if you have a rack that rivals Scarlett Johansson’s in perkiness and perfect round shape. In the office, however, I think that this is particularly inappropriate. Last week I attended an intern meeting and could barely focus on the speaker because the girl sitting across from me was practically spilling out of her V-neck tee. Put ‘em away, ladies! It’s not professional, and more likely than not you’ll be confronted by one of your coworkers for violating the office dress code (which always exist, even if you haven’t been handed something in writing).

Bad Surprise Number 2: Rainboots
It’s basically been raining for the past 10 days and I no one dreads soggy toes quite like I do. Rainboots are a practical (and cute – I’m loving my green Hunter Wellington’s) way to stay dry as you race to make your 9:30 meeting, but they are only meant for the outdoors! When you get to your desk, swap your booties for a comfortable pair of heels, flats, or boots. Rainwear worn inside ends up looking sloppy and strange, and they make those weird squeaky sounds when you walk down the hall that are just downright annoying.

Bad Surprise Number 3: Scrunchies
They still make these?

Bad Surprise Number 4: All black
Isn’t summer the time for bright colors and fun prints? Apparently not. You wouldn’t believe how many people I pass in the office wearing all-black ensembles a la Morticia Adams in the middle of winter. Lighten up, everyone! I’ll speak for myself when I say that I’ve fully embraced the white pant (which I admit that I wear all year round… forget those Memorial Day/Labor Day rules) and the floral dress and plan to wear them all summer long.

And one good surprise…

Good Surprise Number 1: Spandex worn right
I’ve always maintained that if you wear spandex, you must wear a shirt/dress/tunic that covers your butt (and ideally makes its way to mid thigh) unless you want some serious camel-toe or dimple-butt. Leggings aren’t substitutes for pants, and they shouldn’t be treated as such. But I’m ready to make an exception for those trendy stretchies that look like denim even though they’re regular old spandex (some styles even have zippers, pockets, or buttons) and pair perfectly with blouses and blazers. Member’s Only makes a really cute pair that are as dark (and concealing) as regular jeans so that you’re not walking around overexposed.

325929 CommentsIntern+Diaries%3A+What+Not+To+Wear2009-06-24+18%3A30%3A30Maddie+-+Tufts+University on "Intern Diaries: What Not To Wear"

Sam says:
Wed, 24th Jun 200911:10 am

Isn't it sad stuff like this isn't common sense to everyone?

Kristina says:
Wed, 24th Jun 200911:12 am

@Sam: You'd think, but then again, she *is* promoting SPANDEX PANTS while simultaneously dissing black, so…

Denise says:
Wed, 24th Jun 200911:21 am

a la Kelso: BURN!

Erin says:
Wed, 24th Jun 200912:05 pm

honestly you may think it's common sense but I see so many tragic cases like what was described I begin to wonder about what else these girls think look good. Especially wearing all black, it drives me nuts. You can still wear color even in a very conservative office, and you can show a little cleavage. Both must be tasteful and not over the top.

C says:
Wed, 24th Jun 200912:51 pm

where the heck do you work that you could get away with denimn spandex? that'd be pushing it even on casual fridays

Erin says:
Wed, 24th Jun 20091:54 pm

Yeah for real, If I wore denim spandex to work I would be told to go out and buy something or sent home, and I work in a very liberal store, and not as a sales associate dealing with mainly conservative customers thank god. I think there are few places Denim spandex is okay like at the MAC counter at Macy's, but only in New York City, because the get away with anything.

Casey says:
Wed, 24th Jun 20096:28 pm

Ha ha I had to laugh at the scrunchies one. I admit I wear scrunchies still. But I have reasons! and really good reasons!

I live in Florida so it's like 90+ degrees year round, and last summer the AC in my car broke and I can't afford the $1500 to fix it. So I have to roll my windows down when I drive, since I have long hair I have to put it up and if I don't want to wear my hair up all day I use a scrunchie cause it's the only thing that will keep my hair in a ponytail in a wind tunnel and not leave that little crimp in my hair when I take my pony tail down once I park.

My second reason is that I'm not allowed to wear my hair up at work, but my job requires a lot of climbing, looking down, and bending over so my hair always falls in my face. Again I don't want that nasty crimp in my hair for the rest of the day so when I'm doing those tasks I use a scrunchie to put my hair up.

My co-workers make fun of me all the time for it, but they don't understand that I can't do my job without putting my hair up, because otherwise my hair falls in my face, irritates my skin and gives me hives. yeah that's really weird, but it's true.