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We all know it can be tricky to judge what constitutes appropriate work attire. (See old episodes of "Ally McBeal" for reference.) We like to use a version of the expensive-meal rule: Just like you can't afford something if you have to ask how much it costs, if you're not sure whether you can pull off a work look, you probably shouldn't risk it.

While shiny gold lamé leggings might constitute "power dressing" at American Apparel, in general you should steer clear of these office dress-code violations -- especially number one on our list.

12. Leggings
If you're cold, wear tights. If your dress is too short, put it back in the closet. If you don't feel like wearing pants, well ... tough. Leggings lack the polish and professionalism of standard work slacks or a nice pair of Wolford tights. Toss in the fact that they're generally unflattering (hello, cankles!) and make you look like you're headed to a Jazzercize class, and you're better off calling in sick.

11. Boobs
OK, we get it. You've got a mind for business and a body for sin. But trying to emphasize the latter in a revealing tube top or strapless dress could backfire. "If you show too much cleavage, people will not take you seriously," says Atlanta-based image consultant Peggy M. Parks of The Parks Image Group. "You always want to bring attention to your face so people will look at your eyes and listen to what your mouth says without being distracted on the way up. You need to dress professionally to show that you are there for business and you mean business."

10. Shorts
First, ask yourself this: Do I work at Hooters? If the answer is no, step away from the booty shorts and flesh-toned tights. Shorts don't scream "corporate titan." And no, we don't care how hot it is outside. That's why God created air conditioning.

Click here to read the top nine after the jump.



9. Crocs
A nurse can get away with them. Mario Batali can get away with them. But you, gentle desk jockey, cannot get away with them. Besides being ridiculously hideous, these menacing mules are overly casual and suggest a certain complacency. You might as well throw Grandma's afghan around your shoulders, kick your feet up, sip some chamomile tea, and hang up a sign that says "I'm much too relaxed to be doing any actual work."

8. Miniskirts
Remember the dollar-bill dress code from high school? If you place a dollar bill above the knee and can still see skin below your skirt's hemline, go straight to detention -- or at least get a frown from the folks in HR. Avoid the Heather Locklear on "Melrose Place" look and opt for a chic pencil skirt that grazes the knees.

7. Anklets
Yes, we know there's much more to you than this stuffy accountant job implies. We can see the Tweety tattoo every time you drop a file. But slipping a thin gold chain underneath your pantyhose presents a host of questionable visual images that your co-workers and clients would simply rather not contemplate. And don't even get us started on the toe rings.

6. Graphic and Logo Tees
While some T-shirts may pass muster in the office -- such as a classic polo on a guy, or a nice-quality, solid scoopneck -- logo and statement tees should be reserved for when you're off the clock. Sassy statement tees announcing that "Everyone Loves an Italian Girl" or "I Have a Case of the Mondays" don't exactly instill your boss or clients with confidence about your work abilities. Be honest -- would you buy insurance or hand over a six-figure licensing contract to someone with Snoopy on their chest?

5. Harem Pants
Harem pants might fly over at Vogue, but if the devils in your office wear Men's Wearhouse or Talbot's, not Prada, steer clear. You will not get to be No. 1 in the company if all anyone can think about is you looking like you're going No. 2.

4. Bra Straps, Peekaboo Panties and Headlights
There's nothing like a flash of a pink lace Hanky Panky thong or an errant bra strap slipping down the slopes of your shoulders to sabotage a perfectly polished outfit. Avoid inappropriate underwear-as-outerwear moments by getting a professional bra fitting at your local department store and buying bras tailored to your dimensions.

3. Too-Tight Trousers
In the immortal words of girl group Fanny Pack, "Is your crotch hungry, girl / because it's eating your pants." Tight pants can be a problem for many reasons -- poor circulation, VPL, unflattering, overtly sexy -- but the main charge against them is the dreaded camel toe.

2. Sequins
Unless your job title is stripper, car show model or Miss America, you will never, ever, ever have an excuse to wear sequins, rhinestones or any other dazzling shiny embellishment at the office. The company holiday party, maybe, but never the office.

1. Flip-Flops
It's hard enough to ascend a real set of stairs in a pair of flip-flops, let alone the corporate ladder. Exposed piggies just don't have a place in the office, for good reason-do you really need to see Burt in HR's bunions? Besides being too beachy, casual, and annoyingly loud in their thwack-thwack-ness, flip-flops also pose safety risks that have encouraged some companies to ban them outright.
Tell Us: What's the worst fashion faux pas you've ever seen someone make at work?

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