Cherry Hill, NJ

It's that time of year again – time for the warm weather, when the number of women who wear their skirts too short and show cleavage sky-rockets.

But sexy is not a corporate look.

"Dressing provocatively in the workplace is the kind of mistake that can severely damage a woman's credibility," according to business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of numerous books, including GREET! EAT! TWEET! She adds, "The key for business women is to ask themselves these questions: What are they drawing attention to via their clothing? Are they promoting their ideas and their professionalism, or their sexuality?"

Pachter concludes by saying, "Women can still be feminine without flaunting their figures," and provides six tips to help women avoid dressing provocatively:

1. Pay attention to the fit of your clothing. Your clothing needs to fit properly. You don't want to over-emphasize body parts. Skirts or slacks can bulge when the item is too tight across the buttocks. Buttons can pull on shirts, when the item is too tight across the chest.

2. Don't reveal cleavage. It's a distraction to others.

3. Don't show too much leg. Short skirts draw attention to your legs. If you sit down when wearing a short skirt, you expose even more leg. Is that where you want people to look? The general guideline is that skirts should be no higher than the top, or slightly above the top, of your knees.

4. Don't let your underwear show. This includes bra straps and thong underwear.

5. Take note of the size of the armholes when wearing a sleeveless dress. Make sure the armholes are snug enough that no one can see in.

6. Never expose too much skin. This means you should not wear strapless or spaghetti-strap sundresses, or crop tops that expose your midriff. Do not wear a bikini when you are at a company picnic or on an award cruise.

For additional information on women in business, readers can click here for Pachter's Special Report: 5 "Power" Essentials Every Working Woman Needs To Know.

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