CEOs on the Office Fashion Mistakes That Most Annoy Them

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Dress codes vary from office to office, but there's undoubtedly something more important wherever you work, and that's your boss's personal preference. Now, this personal preference doesn't mean that they get a say in whether or not the color yellow is your thing—it means that whether you like it or not, there are certain things you should and shouldn't wear around the office, both according to the HR handbook and according to your boss.

Well, it just so happens that I recently had the pleasure of chatting with two incredibly stylish CEOs on this exact topic. As two women who care about not only fashion but also their employees' well-being to the utmost degree, their quotes on the topic are ones you might want to pay attention to. To preface, both of these CEOs encourage personality among their employees' wardrobes, but there are definitely a couple of "mistakes" that don't go unnoticed at the office. Ready to find out what makes them tick?

Ahead, see which fashion "mistakes" Katherine Power, CEO and co-founder of Clique Brands, and Yvonne Niami, founder and CEO of N:Philanthropy, always notice—and shop pieces that will ensure you look office-appropriate 24/7.

Katherine Power. Co-Founder & CEO of Clique Brands

"Being the CEO of a fashion-focused company means I see more freedom and creativity at play when it comes to the way that people dress for work. I love it, but I always prefer that people err on the side of formality and professionalism (this was actually a chapter in [co-founder Hillary Kerr and my] book The Career Code). Too often we see people wearing items that are more fit for a night out with girlfriends or a summer barbecue, and though they might be right on trend, an off-the-shoulder top or dress with cutouts isn't as appropriate for meetings with clients."

Yvonne Niami, Founder & CEO of N:Philanthropy

"I want all of my employees to feel confident and dress like themselves. The worst mistake that could happen fashion-wise is somebody feeling like they aren't in their skin. A good rule of thumb is picking an outfit that makes you feel comfortable. You can't be confident during a meeting if you are constantly pulling at a skirt or if your heels are killing your feet. Confidence is beautiful and anything that helps you feel that way is a perfect office outfit in my book."

Next up, shop the best underwear styles to wear with every kind of denim.

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Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.