Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Using Spring Colors in Wardrobe Question: Is it good to wear spaghetti strap top or flimsy top for work? Lindsay Answer: Dear Lindsay, Tops with spaghetti straps and those made of see-through fabrics or thin materials all shout “social” time. While they are fashionable and appropriate (if you have good arms) for social or leisure occasions, they will sabotage you in the workplace. Wearing those items, make you appear that you are dressed for Happy Hour at 8 AM, more concerned about where you are going after work, or that you are simply inappropriate. Both of which show poor judgment. You then run the risk of the powers that be in your workplace making the assumption that you do not use good judgment in your work habits either. I am not aware of any company that allows spaghetti-strapped tops or see-through fabrics in their dress code. And if there is not a written dress policy, I assure you wearing those items in the workplace will work against you. It’s logical as a lot of skin showing is distracting in a work environment. Men are not allowed to wear muscle shirts, tanks, or see-through fabrics either for the same reasons. It’s just human nature for the eye to be drawn to bare parts, whether or not we find them attractive. Clothing advertisements, particularly those targeted to young woman and teens, are filled with alluring spaghetti-straps tops. Some ads even show the bra straps. While this may be an in-vogue look for hanging-out time or for going out, beware of the negative affect it could have upon you if worn for work. The word “flimsy” carries a strong negative connotation. While sometimes fun to wear such things in your off-work time, flimsy fabrics and designs in a business environment can make you look like a flimsy person. The only exceptions would be a workplace in the beauty or fashion industry. And even there, it’s important to show good taste. You still want to be careful of how others perceive you on a professional level. It always gets down to this question: what are your goals? Do you want to get ahead in your current job? And if you have plans to leave that position or company, do you want a good recommendation from your superiors? Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Advice for dressing when overweight How much makeup should I wear at work? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'