I'm thinking of wearing a tasteful red halter top to my office Christmas party. There's just one problem...

Question

When I was 18 and incredibly stupid, I got a tattoo of a Playboy Bunny on my left shoulder blade with my name under if in pretty cursive. (Please, no "I Told You So" or "Serves You Right" lectures about tattoos, I regret it enough as it is and plan on getting it removed). If I were to wear the halter, my tat would show like a sore thumb.

I'm pretty sure this wouldn't be appropriate at all and I'm planning on covering it up with a little method I learned when I was a cheerleader in high school, but my boyfriend is under the assumption that it wouldn't be a problem since other women in my office have tattoos.

What's your opinion on this?

I'm sorry, but I can't be proud of this tattoo. I got it on a whim and wish there was a way I could simply erase it. Yeah, I liked it at first and thought it was cute, but it's just not me.

I have another tattoo on the small of my back that I'm very proud of because I put a lot of thought into it, but I just can't be proud of the atrocity on my shoulder blade. Sorry.

Geez, I think some of you are taking this a little too seriously! I'm sorry if I sounded extremely urgent in my question, I was simply asking for opinions! As for this being a self-confidence issue, thanks but I have plenty. This isn't really about "self-confidence", it's about what's appropriate and inappropriate at office functions. I could care less who sees the tattoo! I'm simply not proud of it. Let's focus on the issue at hand, shall we?

Unless it wasn't stated clearly enough, I think I know when a halter is and isn't tasteful. I've been to my share of clubs and cocktail parties, so I think I know the difference. Thanks!

The reason the halter is red is because this is a CHRISTMAS party. The attire is FESTIVE. It's not because I want to stand out. It's because red is a color of the CHRISTMAS season. I've seen some of my other female co-workers' outfits and they're all basically going to be wearing the same thing. I honestly didn't think people would look THAT far into this question! The whole reason I'm asking is because I KNOW the tattoo is tacky and I was wondering what people's opinions were on showing it! Wow..... Calm down people!

Answer 1

At any business function, you are there to network as well as get know your co-workers. If you can cover up the tattoo easily, why let your appearance detract from your professionalism?

You are obviously uncomfortable with the tattoo and that will come across in your demeanor. When you feel self-conscious, you will be less likely to make the most of the event and enjoy yourself to the fullest.

I'm all for freedom of expression but what can honestly come out of showing off something that you, yourself, are not proud of?

Answer 2

I think most people would be offended by a halter at an office Christmas party. Unless the party is being held in a club, don't wear it. Stick to something dressier (a halter is not dressy no matter what fabric it may be made of).

If you do decide to wear the halter, you can cover the tat with Dermablend or the method you already know. Just because other women have tattoos does not mean they will be showing them.

Have fun!

Answer 3

Dear, I'm going to give you a fair & balanced answer: Do Not Show that Tatoo at your Office Party. I'm a Teacher now, but I once worked in corporate America for a fortune 500 company--and I'm telling you, you do not want to show that tatoo. If you like your job, and if you want to keep it for a while--the LAST thing you want your boss & co-workers to see is a playboy bunny tatoo. Even on jobs, you'll be suprised at how much the bosses personal likes & dislikes play a role in who moves up and who doesnt in the workplace. You'll never know how the perception of you would change once people see that tatoo. Plus, you have to understand that most people in their 50's and up (The BabyBoomers) see tattoos as being extremely tacky, low-class and distasteful. If your boss or anyone in a position of power is in that age group--Do Not show your tatoo!!

Also, since its a Playboy Bunny--you have to understand that the Playboy image is over 40 years old now--and its a classic symbol of porn--period. Do you want everyone in your office to whisper and giggle and speard rumors that you have this wild, secret dark lifestyle that you live? Even though its wrong to do that--people are still Human, and yes, they gossip like that.

I'll also go a step further and say that the red halter top is also bad taste. Even you think it may be tasteful--showing all that skin in bright red is tooooo sexual. Thats too attention grabbing, and wearing red, especially a sexy halter--seems like you want to be the center of attention and be viewed as a "hottie". Listen, this is an Office Party--not the Playboy Mansion! You basically want to show up, look professional but somewhat fun; then you want to be charming with everyone--then Leave! You are not there to look like a hot momma, do the Beyonce booty-shake dance, get drunk, and sing drunk karaoke with your co-workers. Leave that stuff for PERSONAL LIFE. So, get a simple black dress, cute heels to look fun, and call it a day. Business is Business. Thats if you want to stay smart and get ahead.

Answer 4

I would definitely cover it, but not tell you "I told you so". At 18 you think you're going to be young forever, and you don't think about the consequences of getting what seems like a really cool tattoo years down the line. That's just part of being 18, and since you've learned your own lesson from it, no one needs to preach at you about anything. Enjoy your party and have a backup top available just in case the tat doesn't cover as well as it used to.

Answer 5

If you really really do want to wear the top, then just do it. It will kind of be like when we want to go out and look nice, but get a big pimple. You just have to pretend its not there and try to look good anyway. And as long as you don't act like its a big deal, nobody else should.
If you think you'll end up feeling uncomfortable about showing it, then don't. Or maybe put a sweater on too that still shows your halter... Good luck :)

Answer 6

I think it depends on where you work. If you work in a more professional setting, I would say it's better to wear something that doesn't show it, even it's for a party. I don't think it would be a big deal if you worked in a more casual environment. To be safe, you can always choose to wear something different since there are plenty of other nice, fancy tops out there that you can wear.

Answer 7

Well, tattoos are the "in thing" now and you would probably be surprised to learn who has one. If you have a way of covering it up for your own comfort, then do it. If you don't mind answering a few questions about it at the party, then go with it uncovered. It's your decision. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Answer 8

Yes, I'd cover it for an office function. You wouldn't want co-workers to get the wrong impression of you. (you know with the playboy bunny symbol and all)

Answer 9

If you don't feel comfortable with others (particularly co-workers) seeing your tattoo, then cover it. Believe me, with baby-boomers getting older (like me), the cosmetic industry has been wonderful with producing excellent products. Find a good cosmetologist (check with the more high-end stores that usually have a cosmetic section complete with a make-over cosmetologist). While your at it, treat yourself to a make-over. They are usually complimentary if you purchase a product. So you get a make-over and you buy your concealer all at one time.

Answer 10

At a Christmas party, you could get away with showing your tattoo. the problem is that you would have to own it and it sounds like you don't. If you are embarrassed of it, cover it up but if not, let it fly. btw I would be considered a VERY conservative person in my very conservative office.