Boring work clothes - YouLookFab Forum

1 week in and already I am getting fed up trying to work out what to ear to work every morning. Actually I have taken to deciding at night otherwise I would never make it out of the door in time. I though the basics I had would mix and match and I could add pieces if and when I got the chance. Well this week has taught me I am not going to get much of a chance, as already they have had me working the weekend. Between that and trying to spend as much quality time with Sothea as possible, there is no time left to even think about shopping for clothes! Secondly I have noticed the range of outfits being sported by my colleagues (not all of them great I may add meeaaooww!!) and I now feel a bit boring with my standard trousers/skirt and shirt set up! I have tried adding a few accessories to change the look fo things but its too hot for scarves etc which work best.
I think I would like to go down the slightly more smart/casual look and add a few dresses into the mix, and maybe some different shoes. Sorry this is a completely pointless rant, but thought it best to get it off my chest lol! Does anyone else treat there work clothes more like a uniform and wear similar outfits throughout the week? I suppose it doesn't help working with an interior deisgner who turns up looking overall fab everyday and making me feel a bit "beige"
I would like to add that working and balancing a home and young child is seriously hard work so well done to all you ladies that are managing it successfully, I hope to join your club at some point in the future!

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Mummy~ Sounds like you've been busy! Did you get a chance to take any pictures of your work outfits? I"m sure you're not looking as boring as you are thinking. Everything I've seen you in has been fabulous in my opinion. You wear effortlessly casual extremely well.

Don't be so hard on yourself- i'ts going to take time to work up your working wardrobe. Also, don't let yourself go down the path of competing with what the other ladies are wearing. I know it can be intimitading, but you're gonna stress yourself out and add to your insecurities. You always look great, and you have a natural beauty about yourself that will shine in even the simplest of outfits-- take advantage of that! Most women would kill for that

I hope you get some relaxation in soon!

marianne

Active Member

M2T, I agree with Queenie - I bet you look great anyway. I am afraid I can't offer any advice, but I know what you mean - shopping takes time, and it's so hard to work it into the schedule. And putting things together also takes time. When I was working, I used to rely on a uniform look, since I was going to work very early and I literally had to dress in the dark. I think the initial period that you are going through is very stressful, with all the changes your family has to go through, but you'll get a better grip of the situation, I am certain!

PalmFronds

M2T, don't be so hard on yourself! Wow, the first week gone already--congratulate yourself for making it through sane and even WANTING to go back in the first place
I echo what the ladies said above, especially not comparing yourself to the others at work(definitely not the the interior designer who probably has more time to contemplate fab color combinations). Getting together a work wardrobe that reflects your personality and style can take time unless you have unlimited resources or inherited some else's wardrobe intact. Putting your clothes out the night before is a must.It keeps me sane and the days I don't are the ones I invariably fall back on a so-so outfit and feel "beige" all day(or waste half hour in the morning throwing clothes around in frustration). I think accessories will help alot, for you to feel a little extra special and to bring some personality into the outfits while you build your wardrobe. Have you tried silk scarfs instead--they are great while not adding too much warmth if you don't need them to do so. Good luck! Oh, and kudos for even CARING about how you are put together at work. I think I was just happy to be fully dressed with matching shoes during those first few months!

JewelryGirl

Thea's momma - Give yourself some time. If you have the basics that fit you well, in your colors & you like that is well over 1/2 the battle I think! You have the wardrobe "bones". Now, just focus on color combinations, fun accessories, vests, scarves, killer shoes, etc.

Also, if you do have a few large thrift or consignment shops on your commute think about popping in those on a usual basis (whatever works for you - once a week, once a month, etc.) but look for those things that catch your eye & might work for you. Take a chance on a few things.

Example1: Thrifting this weekend - found some really fun shell bangles (black & brown) $1.19 each they went great layered up with some other white shell bangles I found thrifting a week or so ago. They were the perfect accent to the fun very well tailored black/inkblue/purple cord muted floral vest I found thrifting the same day with some fun vintage gold/black buttons. Paired it up with a simple black long sleeve t, some killer black booties & my favorite jeans (could opt trouser slacks out here) & it was an awesome new outfit for a little browsing in one of my frequented thrift shops & about $5 total!

Example2: Thrifting again - we're doing an "ugly Christmas vest" theme this year with my family. I picked up the perfect olive green vest - it's leopard argyle (tiny red lines running through the diamonds). It's very well tailored fitted wool vest with a type of tiny horn shell button. The funny thing is, as I was trying it on tonight at home I realized I can & will very easily work it into my winter wardrobe. It's my colors & my style (animal). However, were we not doing the theme with my family I would not have ever picked it up. Layering it on top of a white button-down with some denim trouser slacks it looks dynamite though! Or, layered under my olive uncut cord blazer. Who would have ever thought & it was only $2.29!

My point is - it's little things like that you can pick up in the oddest places that can really become part of your signature style & jazz up your wardrobe.

Be patient with yourself - little one's take up a lot of time & so do new jobs!

mummy2thea

Thank you to you all for taking the time to respond and give such wise words aswell. I think everything is getting on top of me at the moment and I always vent it by complaining about the way I look! I guess after a few weeks I will be managing the new routine a bit better and maybe then I will find the time to fit on some shopping or simply time to play about with outfits at home.
I have arrived in work early this morning so thought I would skive for a few minutes and catch up with some posts. Today I have went for black suit trousers, white button down shirt with ruffle detail on front and black mary jane style shoes. No accessories to speak of just my Christian Dior watch. I feel smart even if not exactly spot on stylish!
There might be a public holiday this Thursday (waiting on the position of the moon to decide - muslim country) and my husband will be off also so this might be the perfect time to pop to the mall and try and pick up a few pieces. I have a dress to return that I bought last week, I decided it was too short to wear to work, so I will return it for something else, hopefully another dress!
Thanks again for the words of advice, I will keep you posted on the progress of this much wanted KILLER work wardrobe!!

RoseandJoan

M2T, I think your work wardrobe sound ultra professional which is never a bad thing when establishing your self in a new work environment. As the company become familiar with your work and fab personality you will then be able to bring out the killer accessories.

Give your self time to adjust to your new routine, the first four weeks are a real adjustment but things do get easier.

rute

I live in work clothes, but this should never be boring! You can wear professional clothes and add you personal fun touch! Work clothes shouldn't drag you down!
You can wear a LBD with amazing boots, black classic pants with fabulous leopard flats, black pencil skirt with textured hose, wear statment necklaces, gorgeous shoes, fab bags (bold colors like yellow and red).. you can have so much fun and believe me that this will make you feel better!

Louise

Try ebay too. In the past few weeks i've picked up 2 new graphic t's, a military jacket, military denim waistcoat, patent slouch knee high boots, boyfriend blazer, shaggy waistcoat and a couple of necklaces and the whole lot has come in under £100. Especially if there is a particular item you want x

Edit i've got a bit of an ebay thing going at the mo- only got an account to sell stuff and all i've sold is a book which made 80p profit after postage!!!

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