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Should You Wear Fishnets to Work at the Office?

Are Fishnet Stockings Appropriate on the Job?

Jul 16, 2008

No doubt, fishnet stockings are sexy. However, that does not mean they are absolutely inappropriate to wear at work.

Whether or not fishnets can be worn in the workplace essentially depends on how they are worn – as an accent to an otherwise fairly demure ensemble, or in a blatantly sexy manner. In other words, what is worn with the fishnets is just as important as the type of stockings that are chosen.

Workplace Clothing Guidelines

Numerous recent studies have shown that women who dress to accentuate their sex appeal at the workplace are looked upon as less competent than their counterparts. Fair or unfair, that means that it is not wise to do anything at work that may cause such an impression.

An excellent guideline to follow when choosing outfits to wear to work is to wear what those a few rungs up wear. This rule of thumb is especially true for those on the promotion list. But even when great care is taken, it is unavoidable that there will be those who feel fishnets are always a definite "no-no" on the job. Fortunately, there are guidelines that help a person overcome any stereotypical attitudes.

How to Wear Fishnets at Work

Match the color of the fishnets to the color of the skirt’s hemline. For instance, if the dress being worn is dark, dark hose are probably best. Wear black, navy, or charcoal grey hosiery.
Match the color of the fishnets to the shoes being worn. Again, if the shoes are dark, dark hose are probably the best bet.
Sheer or flesh-colored hose are fairly “safe” choices of hosiery with virtually all outfits. Match skin tone as closely as possible to approach “invisibility” when choosing this route.
If pants or pantsuits are suitable for the workplace in question, a safe yet trendy option is wearing netted trouser socks. Since these stop at the knee and the pants cover the legs down to the ankles, the socks add individuality without risk.
Length of skirt is very important to making fishnets look classy. A mini-skirt paired with fishnets is too obviously sexy for work. Save the mini and choose a pencil skirt.
Just as length of skirt is important, so is the type of shoe. A pair of 5-inch stiletto heeled shoes is a bit too daring for most office jobs, especially when matched with fishnet stockings. Round-toed shoes put together with fishnets look modern, feminine and unique.

Should Fishnets be Worn to Work?

Fishnets can be worn respectably and comfortably. They are much less stifling than pantyhose and are certainly less conventional.

Of course, choice of fashion depends on the workplace and the personality of the woman wearing it. Apply the rules that are usually applied to the rest of an acceptable wardrobe. A pair of neutral colored fishnets opposite demure clothing and accessories can look quiet stylish rather than sexy.

The copyright of the article Should You Wear Fishnets to Work at the Office? in Women’s Fashion is owned by Renee Blixt. Permission to republish Should You Wear Fishnets to Work at the Office? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.