16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (2024)

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Rachel Premack

2018-05-12T16:10:01Z

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (1)

What to wear to work is a daily struggle for many. Luckily, you can cross off these 16cringeworthy pieces off your list.
Just because you work in a casual office environment, it doesn't mean you can get away with just any outfit.
Clothes that are dirty, wrinkled, or too provocative should never see the inside of an office.

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Business casual, classic casual, smart casual — the rules surrounding what to wear to work are constantly changing, and it's hard to keep up.

But there are a few things you can rule out. Fashion and etiquette experts agreed on 16 things that no one should ever wear to work.

Keep in mind this doesn't apply to every industry or workplace.It's a general guide that will hopefully put you on the right track to professional outfits that will still let you express yourself.

"The most important thing is to make sure your clothes are clean, pressed and that you're putting your best foot forward at work,"Betsy Aimee, a digital content producer who writes on workplace fashion and entrepreneurship,told Business Insider.

Read on to find out the 16 types of clothes you should never wear to work:

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Anything see-through

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (2)

Wear a camisole or undershirt.

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Yoga pants and leggings

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (3)

Aimee said this is one of the most contentious points between younger and older employees — are leggings or yoga pants okay?

Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are likely to say no, while millennials might argue that they're okay.

Generally, you should follow what your bosses are wearing to work. If they're not sporting leggings on a regular basis, you certainly shouldn't either.

"Wear what you’d like, but be mindful that people are forming an opinion of you," Aimee said.

Anything that's too tight, too short, or too baggy

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (4)

You are not a rapper from the mid-2000s. Don't wear super baggy clothing.

And tight clothes are also a major no.

Cold-shoulder tops

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (5)

Yes, they're trendy, but they're not appropriate for the office. Keep them for your weekend brunches or bar-hopping.

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Anything that shows off your back, cleavage, or tummy

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (6)

Your torso needs to be covered in the workplace.

"What are you drawing attention to — your competency or your body?" Patcher said.

Visible undergarments

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (7)

"Neither gender should show underwear, but they should wear underwear!" Patcher said.

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A lot of animal print

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (8)

You probably do not want to be known as the person who owns cheetah-print pants.

Pajamas

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (9)

Your employer might be hesitant to keep you on the payroll if it looks like you're about to take a nap.

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Crocs

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (10)

There are some high-fashion Crocs being produced... but no. Just no.

Anything you would wear to the gym

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (11)

Workout clothes don't belong in even the most lowkey workplaces.

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Anything you bought for clubbing or bar-hopping

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (12)

You can experiment with converting these pieces into daywear by throwing on a blazer, cardigan, scarf, or jacket.

Otherwise, save them for the weekend.

Clothes that are stained

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (13)

It's time to donate or trash them.

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Light-wash or ripped jeans

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (14)

If you work in a truly casual outfit where your manager is sporting light-wash or ripped jeans, go ahead and sport them too.

But typical business casual offices draw the line at dark-wash denim. Look around your workplace before you wear them tomorrow morning.

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Muscle tees

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (15)

Congrats on all your bench presses and bicep curls. But, your coworkers don't need to see your guns.

There's a caveat here: plenty of stylish, professional sleeveless tees are around for women. But men should keep their upper arms clothed at work.

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T-shirts that you bought in a beach resort gift store in 2005

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (16)

Especially if they're racist, sexist, or anything else that's deeply problematic. Actually, just throw them out.

Anything that's emblazoned in sequins or sparkles

16 things you should never wear to work — even if you work in a business casual environment (17)

Keep it to your Met Ball look or prom dress.