I’ve been writing mostly about what you SHOULD wear to the office. It’s high time we cover what you most definitely SHOULD NOT wear to the workplace. Here is my roundup of office wear no-nos.

1. Flip-flops
Someone might have casually dropped the word “casual environment” during the interview but don’t take this as an invitation to wear flip-flops. Unless you regularly get a pedicure, your feet would probably look much better hidden. After all, what point is there in showing bosses and colleagues alike the bacteria factories strapped onto your feet?

Casual does not mean flip-flops. When it comes to workwear, socks and leather shoes are still must-haves.

2. Text T-shirts
There is no legitimate excuse for wearing a t-shirt to the office - none! The only reason that might hold water is if your house burned down and you haven’t yet found time to go shopping. Until that day comes, do not ever show up for work clad in a t-shirt with text boldly plastered onto the front or back — and yes, that includes that souvenir shirt you won from last night’s concert.

A t-shirt with text is what you wear on the day you pick up your last paycheck. Until then, leave the tee where it belongs - inside your closet.

3. Shorts
Do you really want to see hairy male legs darting from cube to cube? No? Neither do your colleagues so spare them the ordeal and leave the shorts alone. If you really feel toasted in your workplace each time you wear cotton or wool trousers, try linen pants.

4. Cap
Sportswear is not officewear. Get that straight before you even go prowling for a job. A cap - especially one with a team logo - is for sporting activities. It doesn’t matter what color the cap is or what material it’s made of. There is no way it’s okay for you to wear your cap to work, unless you’re coaching little league or are driving a ten-wheeler from state to state. Moreover, flipping your cap backwards will not give it an edge, make it look “cool”, or make you look cute.

The next time you feel the urge to pair your suit with a hat, sit down and count up to ten. The urge will pass.

5. Cargo Pants
Sure, cargos are great for weekends. They’re also great for looking casual, strolling along beaches with, or making mad dashes to the grocery in. But you must never take your cargos to work - never! The only time it’s okay to do so is when you’re pulling double shift as a coffee shop or work at a warehouse. Moreover, in those occasions when it’s okay to wear cargo pants, you should not stuff your pockets with as many objects they can hold. There is no point in walking around with pockets hanging down all the way to your knees. Pockets are pockets; they should not be made to take the place of backpacks. If you really need to carry more than a few extra small, lightweight things along, bring a bag!

Remember, success is a result of hard work. In an urbane, highly competitive work structure, however, success can sometimes be all about simply showing up and looking the part. So, while you may not feel like - or be worth - a million bucks, it doesn’t hurt to look like you are.