Fashion mistakes that could be killing your career

As a stylist, I've had the opportunity to work with lots of women on their work place style - from young graduates, to entrepreneurs and heads of [insert fancy job title here]! One thing I've learned from working with different kinds of women in the workplace is that no matter what your profession or calling is, your overall look can make or break you.

Your choice of clothing is a reflection of you, your position, how you want to be perceived and ultimately - your personal brand.

While what to wear definitely shouldn't occupy your whole train of thought every morning, your work wardrobe should definitely be thought through.

I was recently interviewed by News.com.au on what I thought were the big no-no's when it comes to career dressing - the kind of mistakes that can take you from 100 to sub-zero!

Here's my top fashion mistakes that could be killing your career:

Not embracing what suits you

If you find something that's stylish, comfortable and perfectly reflects your personal style, then buy it! And by the way it's totally okay to buy the one item in different colours if it means you don't wear them too quickly.

For example, as a hard wearer of shoes, I once bought the BEST pair of black heels (on sale!) that I wore out in 6 months. On reflection, especially at that bargain price I should have gotten two pairs and stretched them out to last a year or more!

Letting white pieces ... go grey

Picking up from the previous point above, wearing items often can diminish its quality and value quickly - and this is especially true with white pieces.

There is such a pure, pristine crispness to a white dress or blouse that you don't want to overextend the welcome by continuing to wear them even after they are shabby or worse - when they start to look a bit grey!!

Not keeping shoes and bags on point

My personal view is that we tend to get away with lower price points in clothing as it is easier to find "expensive" looking clothes at a bargain price due to improvements in how fabrics are produced nowadays.

Whereas it's harder to get away with lower price point shoes and bags. This is probably because, although great options are on the rise, trying to pass off faux leather for real is a bit tougher to do.

Look for high-quality shoes and products that can stand the test of time, making it worth the investment, as worn out shoes and bags are often the first thing people notice.

Emphasising the "casual" in business casual

Casual workplaces or "Casual Friday" dress codes can be interpreted in so many ways - which is where so many of us stumble.

My rule of thumb is to stay on the "business" end of "business casual". After all, it's still a professional workplace at the end of the day!

Keep things casual but sharp with dark wash denims for jeans and using blazers to bring the biz back to your outfit.

Skimping on accessories

Regular readers of this blog will know how much I love accessories. It just "completes" the look.

Wearing an ensemble that is finished and well put together is one of the best ways to show that you're on top of things and have everything sorted down to the very last detail.

You can do lots here - from a simple pair of stud earrings to a fun clutch to counter the formality of a suit.

So stay away from these workplace mistakes and don't forget to exude confidence and let your wardrobe complement the lady-boss that you already are :)

For more useful tips, check out the full article here! >> News.com.au

With wardrobe happiness,