Crazy (long!) nails You may think your nails are the one place you can safely express yourself, but unless you work in a creative office, crazy nail art or super long nails can make you seem unprofessional. As a general rule, steer clear of busy designs, accent nails, 3D decals, and claw-like shapes. As for shades, office-appropriate color has evolved past classic red and "Ballet Slippers" pink. You can usually get away with a spectrum of colors -- just steer clear of super-bright and neon hues. A smart solution? The new nudes, which are trendy without being a snooze-fest.
Length is another nail factor to consider. Not only is color more distracting on longer nails, but the clickity-clack they make on your keyboard is also sure to irk your cube mates.
Years ago I worked for one of the "big eight" accounting offices. BOTH women and men were evaluated on their dress (you could never go to an audit site without a jacket), makeup, hygiene. Good piece!
This is a good article that would work for a professional or casual environment. It's important to be considerate of others especially when you're in close proximity.
The scent issue has become a big one with many places having scent free policies in effect, makes it pretty clear about the situation. I work in a school and on one occasion used a low scent hairspray in the washroom 1 and 1/2 hours following the end of the school day, thre were likely 4-5 people in the whole building! I was having family photos done and didnt think it would be an issue to use a bit of spray in the washroom at that time of day. Also it was an Aveda low scent product. The following Monday I received a notice to atttend the upcoming health and safety meeting. Apparently someone had complained about it and I was spoken to about not doing this. Needless to say I was surprised but the message was clear, no use mens just that, no matter the circumstances. Pretty unusual for anyone to be around at that time of day particularly on a Friday, however I did the crime so no excuses not again!!
These are excellent points for upwardly mobile career women! Regarding the heavy perfume issue, many people are actually allergic to some smells, and the last thing a gal wants to do at a big board meeting is to make her co-workers sick! DEMOTED!
Informative article. I work in education and this is helpful because children and adults can be critical when it comes to looks. Sometimes it's hard to find a balance between polished and low maintenance. I am not a morning person, so I make my routine as quick as possible, but I don't want to look like it.
I think that this is spot on with most of the tips. I have been the victim of working with someone who not only wears too much perfume but it is not a pleasant smelling perfume. I have also been guilty though too. Like the desktop touch-up sometimes turns into my whole make up routine at the desk while working. I've tried to keep it out of boss' view, because it feels unprofessional while I'm doing it - guess there's a reason for it.
Everyone, no exceptions, should have these things down - especially the hygiene ones! Seriously, some things no one wants to see anywhere, let alone in the office!
Everyone should read this. Men and women, especially the perfume part. I\'d add nail-clipping to the list- lots of people do it at their desks, and it\'s super disgusting.