COLUMN

Like all difficult conversations, it's best to knock this one on the head straight away. If possible, have a person of the same gender talk to the offender. Do not make a big deal of it and do not speak in the passive voice – i.e. "It has been noted ..." or "You have been seen wearing a very high leather G-string over your denim cut-offs" – as it will seem like everyone has been talking behind the poor man's back.

Better to wait until no one is around and then act like it's an accident. For example, "Oh my gosh! Kim, I think a button has come off your blouse! Do you want my pashmina?" That way there is no shame on your part, or hers. If it's a skirt or dress, the same principle applies: "Kim! I think I just saw your upper, upper thigh. Do you need to go home to change?"

If Kim replies that she's fine, you've got to go in once more – just make sure you avoid the word "inappropriate" as it's creepier than fishnets on a PA. So, something like, "Oh, I'm just worried that Greg from accounts might be a bit overwhelmed by it!" If she still pushes back, it's time to switch gears and ask Kim more directly if she wouldn't mind going home to change. Don't make jokes about it as this will dilute your message.

If the risqué sartorial choices continue, keep dealing with them as they arise. And if at any time you feel guilty or prudish (and I often feel both several times a day for no particular reason), remember what my former boss once told me: nobody should feel sexy at work.

Natalie Reilly writes the weekly Things you should know by now... column in Sunday Life.