Style Advice for the Front Office

Style Advice for the Front Office

Unfortunately, some folks need style advice, especially when greeting clients in the front office. Having recently began work in an office building, I was shocked to see what employees think is appropriate attire at a medical office window or reception desk, which prompted Monday’s Hair Police to offer a bit of style advice when working in the front office.

Style Advice for the Front Office: This would be a NO!

Happy Monday beautiful, and welcome to Ask the Pro Stylist’s Hair Police column that kicks off the week of beauty! I generally focus on hair, nails and makeup. While I consider myself to be somewhat put together, I am not a fashionista or a risk taker. I prefer what I like to call age appropriate sexy elegance, and limit style advice to the field I was trained in…hair.

For those of you that follow this beauty blog, you are aware I recently began work in a law office. The building is four floors high, and houses many offices in a wide range of businesses.

There is what I believe some type of medical office on my floor that has an open reception area, and the staff is visible behind the window. Now, we all have seen many facilities that describe the above, and the staff dresses professional/casual or if it is medically related, wear some type of scrubs.

Last week I noticed a young girl in the bathroom dressed for the bar, or maybe a workout…I couldn’t tell. But, I did notice she needed a bit of style advice, because she walked into this said office, and sat right at the window.

Her hair was in a high, side ponytail, circa 1985. Sure, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga have made the look hot and trendy, but that has been for performances, red carpets and fashion galas, not the front office.

Style Advice for the Front Office: This would be a NO!

Her makeup was bright and vivid, mimicking the look of the retro hairstyle, but again, this would be appropriate in the club. She wore white leggings with a black pattern, and her short, tight black tank top didn’t cover the camel toe, all which is similar to the chosen photos. She accessorized with a pair of what could have been Doc Martens, but I’d shoot for a Payless knockoff instead.

Style Advice for the Front Office: This would be a NO!

My style advice is to keep the whole ensemble if it is comfortable, but add a slightly longer than hip-length cardigan or tunic to make it appropriate for the office. Wipe off some of the brightly colored hues on the face, and opt for some neutral tones for daytime.

For your hair my dear, I have tons of options. You could center the ponytail and create a cute topknot, lower the ponytail to various degrees and even add a braid. My best style advice, however, is not to substitute appropriate work attire to be on trend. You could dress fitting for the office, yet still exude your own personal sense of style and fashion and stay current with what’s hot.