Brian Maynor February 20, 2014

I know Valentine’s Day was last week, but it did get me thinking aboutall of the professionals I know looking for love.  While they spanvarious generations, they do have one thing in common – working longhours.  So when you work long hours where and when are you supposed tomeet potential partners other than associates around job?

We talk a lot about the importance of looking your best and dressing for your body shape to work with it not against it, but is there a linearound looking good that you shouldn’t cross in the office?  Here aresome thoughts and ideas on how to tell if you have overstepped theacceptable boundary of an attractive professional:

1.    Balance fitted pieces.  Fitted clothes are great and thereis nothing unprofessional about them, if you keep a healthy balance.  Pencil skirts are a classic suiting staple, but they are fitted and play up curves, so it is important to balance them with tops that are looser and frankly more modest.  The same rule applies to fitted tops,sweaters and blazers.  They need to be paired with fuller and flowingpants and skirts.  Reserve wearing two fitted pieces together for afterwork events.

2.    Rule out anything overt.  Generally speaking anything thatscreams sexy should not be worn in a professional setting.  For exampleminiskirts, even with tights, plunging necklines and cropped or shrunken tops are not professional.  This rule also applies for attitudes andbehavior.

3.    Professionalism and decorum.  Conducting yourself in aprofessional manner is very important to being seen as a professional.  Being over touchy and flirty is not appropriate in an office orprofessional setting and generally will not be tolerated by superiors.  There are boundaries, even among colleagues, that must be recognized and enforced.  By all means be friendly, polite and conversational, but you should be somewhat reserved with what you share and how you conductyourself.

4.    Shoes carry a lot of weight.  We all know an outfit cansucceed or fail based on the accessories, and shoes have a huge role inthat determination.  Stilettos and stacked platforms are not acceptableoffice shoes.  Not only do you sound ridiculous clopping along like aClydesdale, it is hard to take someone seriously as a professional in ashoe that has a heel and/or platform that exceeds 3 inches.

Office romances are still taboo and carry with them a lot ofcomplications, but it is perfectly OK to look outside your immediateoffice for eligible dates.  Just remember hunting for a mate does notgenerate a paycheck, so don’t sacrifice your professionalism in theprocess.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coachesin the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.