Intern Diaries: What Not To Wear

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.

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.