Brian Maynor February 20, 2014

I know Valentine’s Day was last week, but it did get me thinking about all of the professionals I know looking for love.  While they span various generations, they do have one thing in common – working long hours.  So when you work long hours where and when are you supposed to meet 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 line around looking good that you shouldn’t cross in the office?  Here are some thoughts and ideas on how to tell if you have overstepped the acceptable boundary of an attractive professional:

1.    Balance fitted pieces.  Fitted clothes are great and there is 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 flowing pants and skirts.  Reserve wearing two fitted pieces together for after work events.

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

3.    Professionalism and decorum.  Conducting yourself in a professional manner is very important to being seen as a professional.  Being over touchy and flirty is not appropriate in an office or professional 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 conduct yourself.

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

Office romances are still taboo and carry with them a lot of complications, but it is perfectly OK to look outside your immediate office for eligible dates.  Just remember hunting for a mate does not generate a paycheck, so don’t sacrifice your professionalism in the process.

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 coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training 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 like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, 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.