Wearing What You Want to Work – Whoopi Goldberg
Are you criticized for the clothes you wear to work? Don’t let it get to you! Take Whoopi Goldberg’s, who is a genuine “woman who wasn’t well-behaved.” But remember — there may be a cost associated with wearing whatever you want to work…
Did you hear Whoopi’s response on The View to the woman who criticized her clothes? Among other things, the woman said Whoopi’s clothes were baggy and unappealing; Whoopi told the critical woman to “Kiss my a–” and offered other choice words that don’t make her a well-behaved woman (my kinda lady!).
As a woman, should you wear whatever you want to work? Only if youd don’t care about furthering your career or if you’re established in your profession – like Whoopi Goldberg is. Here’s how wearing what you want at work can affect your career…and, to learn more about this successful woman, click on Whoopi Goldberg: The Journey From Poverty to Mega-Stardom by James Robert Parish.
Wearing What You Want at Work – Whoopi Goldberg
Don’t get “no respect” at work? Check your appearance… Like it or not, the clothes you wear to work affect the level of respect you get, the chances you’ll be promoted, and how credible you are to your colleagues.
“Before we even open our mouths, people have made a mental judgment about us based on how we are dressed, how we carry ourselves, and the demeanor with which we present ourselves,” writes Lois Frankel in Stop Sabotaging Your Career. “Within 30 seconds, a first impression is formed, so you’d better make that the best impression possible – it can make the difference in someone giving you the edge or simply dismissing you.”
But Whoopi Goldberg’s in a different class…or is she?
If you knew nothing about Whoopi and you came across The View, would her clothes (casual, comfortable, and baggy, like she’s hanging out at home) add to or detract from her opinions? Would you think Whoopi was a successful woman, based on what she wears to work?
Think long-term about what you wear to work. I love Whoopi Goldberg and I respect her for addressing the woman who criticized her clothes! But I do wonder how her clothes affect her long-term career potential. Now, I know that Whoopi is set for life and probably doesn’t have to worry about her next job or career step…but I also wonder if her appearance affects her long-term job prospects. If she was a young woman at the beginning of her career, would she dress differently? Maybe, because it would matter more what she wore to work.
We regular women at work need to consider our long-term career potential – and that includes thinking twice about what we wear to work. No matter what our fashion choices are, I think it’s important to be conscious of the fact that our appearance affects our colleagues, our income potential, and our future prospects.
Do you think Whoopi’s clothes matter? And what about your clothes – do you wear what you want to work? Has your appearance, image, and fashion style furthered your career, or stalled it?
First of all, I want to say that I love Whoopi Goldberg–she is the main reason I watch the show. In spite of my enjoyment of her, I am always shocked to see those unusual outfits when she makes her entrance! They are the craziest clothes I have ever seen and they look so unappropriate for the show. Why does she dress like that? Whoopi also needs to clip her braids to keep them from covering her eyes. It is very distracting when she occasionally moves them out of her face. I will continue to watch the show but hope to see her dressing more appropriately. I understand Whoopi has a lovely figure–however, no one would know that because those huge and unsightly outfits she wears hide everthing.
Hi Whoopi I love your clothes we are about the same age and back in the day I use d to like the urban casual look you know just chillin. I rememeber “Maud used to wear the tunic long length vest with her elephant pants, well you just stepped up your game that’s what’s up!! If I could dress in that fashion “yes” I would. Listen when you decide to for any reason to rid yourself of any clothe check me out. I don’t have a problem and any way one size fits all. luv ya! To all the haters turn the channel if you don’t like what you see!
I love the different shoes Whoopi wears & I love the way she dresses. Where does she find her shoes? I love that her style of dressing looks comfortable and like she’s at home. That’s my style also but I do like color. Don’t hate on Whoopi’s style cause she got it like that! Glad to see her & Oprah get it together today on the Oprah Show. Two beautiful & talented Black Women/Sisters!!!!!!!!
Whoopi, Whoopi, Whoopi, I wait with baited breath to see what she will be wearing when she enters the stage on the View. It is sooooo painful to watch her and those hidious outfits!! Half of the time I can’t even figure out WHAT she has on! This is only my opinion, but she is an embarrassment on that show! I like her, but OMG! she needs to do better.
Say what you will or may — but it is ridiculous how Whoopi dresses on the View. I was watching today Monday, March 1. All of the ladies ( as usual came out looking very gracious and classy — that is all but Ms. Goldberg. As a matter of fact, the camera panned away from her until she took her seat. When she sat down, she took her seat as if she were a guy! I DO like Whoopi Goldberg, but her style of dressing leaves much to be desired. I know to each his own – but when you are on a show such as the View, I would think she could at least show a little more class in her attire. So sue me -but this is my opinion and I am entitled to that. As a mater of fact – what the heck WAS she wearing ????
Hi Diane,
I’m not sure if Whoopi is making a statement with her black and white clothes, or if she’s just not into color. Everytime I leave the house, I notice how many people wear black…..it’s everywhere! So maybe she’s just like everyone else, and wears black clothes as a fallback or habit.
And yes, I agree that she needs a change. A makeover, perhaps!
I have to watch The View tomorrow, to see what she’s wearing….
Laurie
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You still did’t answer Why she wears Blk&wht Every day,is it her choice or is she making a statement? I think she definately needs a change.
Thanks for your thoughts, Gloria. It’s interesting that Whoopi doesn’t appear to be self-confident (by rushing to her seat or trying to hide) — and that she doesn’t wear bright colors. (or does she? I don’t watch The View enough to know, but I seem to recall some bright colored shoes ???).
It’s fascinating to think about how our clothes affect the people around us, and how they respond to us. And, our clothes really do reflect who we are and what we believe about ourselves and the world.
Maybe the only way to know for sure if Whoopi’s clothes represent who she is or if they’re just threads that serve a purpose is to talk to her in person — get to know who she REALLY is. Maybe who she is on The View is who she really is….but I suspect there’s more to Whoopi than meets the eye.
I definitely agree that whatever floats your boat should rule your world!
maybe
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Personally, I think Whoopi should dress a tad more feminine. I know she has been married several times in the past and I don’t believe she is gay?! With that being said, all of the ladies on the View come out looking very very classy and well dressed. Whoopi usually comes out last and it appears as if she is trying to hide or rush to her seat! My question is why on earth does she wear a white shirt and a black sweater or jacket everyday? Maybe if she were to add some color to her wardrobe, she would not draw so much attention to herself. However, whatever floats her boat!!! Whoopi is who she is!
Thanks for your comments, Val and Sher.
I love how Whoopi expresses herself and her personality with what she wears — baggy clothes or trendy Donna Karan fashions! Other women express themselves with Armani and Versace (or are they expressing what they think society wants?).
I think getting respect at work isn’t just about one thing. It’s about the whole package: work ethic, abilities and skills, education, people skills or “emotional intelligence”, ability to handle stress and work pressure, and appearance. And, appearance includes clothes, make up, and hygiene!
Laurie
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So I guess having the right qualifications and mentality does not matter as long as I dress myself up in Armani and Versace … Yeah thats right, I might be useless at work but if I show off for a while, in the long run I might get noticed and then promoted.
I do not go to work looking like a bus ran over me but at the same time I do not pamper myself like going to a party. Keep it down to earth people. Maybe “respect” at work is not only about clothes….
I, for one, would like to know where Whoopi gets some of her shirts. As for whether her clothes matter or not – depends on the situation. Whoopi Goldberg is a creative person, an entertainer, an artist. She expresses who she is, partly, by the clothes she chooses to wear. In general, people who criticize others for being who they are, tend to be ‘cookie cutter’ types with no imagination or originality. Do you, Whoopi!