Tether Your Tats
Don’t let your blings and tats torpedo your shot at a dream job.
by Rita Gworek

When you are dressing for a particular dress code, whether it is business, business casual or casual, you need to consider what accessories are appropriate for that code. Accessories can make us stand out or help us blend in with others. Whether you should stand out or blend in will be determined by the circumstances and who you will be interacting with. Many of us want to have our own style. We don’t want to look like everyone else. But it is important to stay within the parameters of a dress code.

Piercings
Body piercings can detract from your look under any dress code, depending on which part of the body is pierced. The piercing of women’s ear lobes is generally acceptable, as long as there is only one piercing per ear. Two or more piercings would be considered extravagant. It also draws attention to your ears. In a work environment, you always want others to treat you with respect, and one way to help earn respect is to keep everything within the norms. You never know who you might run into, and if you are not dressed appropriately, chances are slim that you will be remembered in a positive way. Always think: Would my superior invite me to an important meeting the way I am dressed?

Men should not have their ears pierced, nor should they wear earrings. This is not considered the norm for most men. If you have already pierced your ears, then do not wear earrings of any kind. Just because you see entertainers wearing earrings does not mean you should. You are not in the entertainment field. Put the earrings in after work hours on your own time. It is important to comply with the dress code of the organization that is paying you to work.

Piercings that can be seen when you are dressed for work should not be adorned. You never know the prejudices of those around you.

Tattoos
Tattoo designs can be beautiful to one person and offensive to another. It would be best to conceal any tattoos you have. Hopefully this can be done by wearing clothing. Again, you never know who you will encounter on any given day or how you might influence someone.

Jewelry
Jewelry for men should be in sync with the dress code. For example, if you are wearing a business suit, your watch should have a metal or leather band with a plain, flat face. You should not wear a sport watch with a black plastic band that calculates your heart rate or how far down you can dive. If you do not want to purchase a dress watch, then don’t wear one. The only jewelry acceptable with a business suit is a wedding band, dress watch, tie chain and cuff links if you are wearing a shirt with French cuffs. A lapel pin may be acceptable, but make sure the pin is easily recognized and won’t offend anyone. If an item wasn’t addressed here, don’t wear it with a business suit.

The jewelry guidelines for men’s business dress codes apply to business casual as well, with a few exceptions. A casual code allows you to wear a wedding band, sport watch and possibly a memorial band around the wrist.

For women wearing a business suit, jewelry can include earrings, a pin, bracelet, watch, necklace, headband, barrettes or one ring on each hand and/or a wedding band set. That means no ankle bracelets, or a ring on each finger and all of the bracelets you own. The jewelry should compliment your clothing if you are wearing a conservative business suit.

For business casual, follow the basic guidelines for business dress. Casual allows you to wear more fashionable accessories, as long as they do not become a distraction to everything else you are wearing. Still, do not wear ankle bracelets, body piercing jewelry, or more than one earring per ear. Even with business casual, don’t allow tattoos to show.


© Copyright 2010
Rita Gworek is a presenter for the TAP/ACAP seminars on “Dressing for Success.” She has been an image consultant for more than 10 years in the Washington, D.C., area.