Do you follow any fashion bloggers?  I do.  I would not consider myself fashion forward.  In may cases, I am barely on par with the current trends, if not a little bit behind.  I like themotherchic.com and MrsCasual.  Fashion bloggers can be very helpful, except for a few small things.  Many times the items are so fashion forward and trendy, they are for the superthin and not appropriate for many workplaces.

Fashion bloggers are generally very thin, seem to have lots of money to spend, and tend to focus on either the super casual or fancy date night routines.

But what about work?  And what about work-wear that NORMAL women can wear - cause as much as I'd like to be, I am not a size 00.

When it comes to work clothes, times have definitely changed.  Suits are out - for the most part.  Most places are much more casual.  But let's face it.  It is WAY easier to dress casual as a man than a woman.  Men throw on a pair of khaki's, button down shirt and march out the door.  Women need more...time.  And options.

And there are lots of options.  If you follow a few simple "don'ts", you can pretty much look polished, professional and fashion-forward in most work environments.

1.  No belly-baring, tight mid-driff shirts.  

If you want to be taken seriously - at all - you have to TRY to divert attention from your belly and boobs.  I wish I could say men will automatically value you for your mind but I'd be lying.  So help them keep their eyes UP.  If you wear a belly-baring shirt, even if just the slightest amount of skin is showing, you are bringing their eyes - and their minds - down.

2.  Keep the dresses and skirts at modest-ish lengths

What is modest-ish?  It means that if you bend over and automatically show everyone your undies, it is TOO SHORT.  People shouldn't get to second base with you just by looking at you when you pick something up off the floor, reach for a file in a low cabinet or in any other way bend over.  If you can wear it to the bar, you shouldn't wear it to the office.  Show off your legs in the right place with the right people.  If you want to be taken seriously, you need to help other people out.  It is unfortunate but true.  Keep people looking up - not up your skirt.

3.  Invest in the RIGHT shoes

This is more of a DO then a DON'T.  Most women agree - great shoes make an outfit.  But more importantly, the wrong shoes can take away from all that hard work and destroy the rest of the outfit.  So, in the winter, don't wear sandals.  In the summer, don't wear winter boots.  If no one else is wearing sneakers, then you shouldn't either.  And, almost always, avoid flip flops (unless you are pregnant cause then sometimes those are the only shoes that fit). It might seem silly, but people notice shoes.  Shoes pull the outfit together - so don't let it tear them apart either.

Otherwise, follow your own fashion sense and you be you!