5 Things NEVER to Wear to Work

For the last time, leggings are NOT pants. Beside the obvious culprits — short skirts, plunging necklines, and anything “distressed” — we've seen some pretty big wardrobe offenders around the workplace. We wish they were limited to this list but…let's just say these are only the first five:

Capes – These might be having a fashion “it” moment, but leave the couture at home. Trust us. While a chic tweed capelet might look cute strutting around Manhattan on the weekend, you're just going to look like a couch potato in a glorified quilt sitting at your desk come Monday. Stick to refined, tailored suits and dresses to look your best at work without sweeping everything off of your neighbor's desk when you walk by!

Leggings – There is nothing, we repeat, N-O-T-H-I-N-G, more uncomfortable than the leggings and slightly-too-tiny-tunic combo that we've all seen everywhere the past couple of years. Don't. Just don't. Leggings are not and never will be legitimate pants. As such, you should never wear them under anything except for a dress that is long enough to be worn without them. While they might be comfy and fit for yoga class, they have no place in any office, no matter how “Zen” it might be.

Hats – You're not snagging a prince; he's already taken. You're not shielding yourself from the sun, and you're not looking out for a foul ball, so really all wearing a hat to work achieves is making everyone think you took the weekend a little too far and are hardcore recovering at your desk. There are better ways to cover up a bad hair day than smooshing a hat over your tresses, and while it may seem old-fashioned to some, wearing a hat indoors is just tacky. Brush your hair, slip on a headband, and leave the ball caps to the ball game.

Perfume – Perfume was originally crafted in order to mimic and enhance the body's natural pheromones to attract a mate. So following the very important tenet that you're not supposed to date a co-worker…what are you doing smelling like the lobby of a department store? Beside the fact that it's downright unprofessional and unnecessary, many people are actually allergic to perfume. Your musky scent could trigger itchy eyes, sneezing, and even anaphylactic shock from your cubemate. Don't be that gal.

Flip Flops – This is a tough one for all of you commuters out there. We get it, and appreciate the ingenuity – you don't want to stomp around the subway in heels, so you wear your Havianas on the train and pack your heels. However, it becomes a problem when you don't actually change once at work. Let's face it: no pedicure is cute enough to make beachwear appropriate for the office. And that slapping noise coming down the hallway doesn't exactly sound like success. If you just can't bring yourself to squeeze into stilettos all day, opt for a stylish and comfortable pair of flats instead.