https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:47:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1275076 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 02:55:13 +0000 Windchime 1275076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds like a really cool job--congratulations! My job as a church musician also includes sitting at my desk, attending meetings, and conducting or accompanying rehearsals, with plenty of running up and down stairs and and all over the building. On days I have meetings or rehearsals, I choose my outfit with those in mind. If you start with two or three hardworking bottoms--maybe black ankle pants, a neutral colored knit skirt, and another color and style of pant--and find a variety of tops and toppers that can each be worn with at least two of the bottoms, you'll be amazed how many outfits you can create. Oh, and one good blazer can turn almost anything into a "professional" look!</p> <p>It seems to me that, working for the theater, you'll be able to be very creative and artsy in your dressing. Best of luck with the wardrobe and the job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1275056 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 02:31:09 +0000 Vix 1275056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Heidi --</p> <p>Congrats on the new job. So many great ideas upthread, and I second the notion of looking at thick jersey dresses and ponte knit skirts/pants.</p> <p>One thing that helped me -- and my budget! --&nbsp;when buying for scratch is to make sure I was buying tops that worked with a specific bottom (or vice versa). </p> <p>I kept the tags on as long as possible and dragged items with me to try on with new possibilities. If I never found mates for an item, back it went.</p> <p>In terms of maximizing your dollars, sign up for emails from any store you might buy from. Tedious floods until you disconnect,&nbsp;but lots of discounts in the meantime (Ann Taylor, Gap and Banana Republic, Boden come to mind) that put the full-price stuff in the same range as the outlet prices.&nbsp;Target and Lands End dresses have gotten lots of good reports&nbsp;(you can return LE to Sears if you have one close by).&nbsp;</p> <p>If your budget allows it, definitely try to buy items in 2 sizes or colors and return what doesn't work vs having to do an exchange. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1275000 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 01:34:54 +0000 Lajj 1275000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Kat, I'm a big fan of the knit pencil skirt. I can move in them easily and I don't wear them formfitting, rather more tailored. Give it a shot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1274320 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:56:18 +0000 kkards 1274320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>check out the gap, they have a lot of things that i think take an outfit from casual to business casual, plus if you sign up for emails, you'll find that they run 40% and other promo's online --all the time. &nbsp;also, don't over look target, they are on trend, and very affordable.<br />i'd invest in a couple of toppers, things you can slip on&nbsp;over a tee that will elevate an outfit to meeting worthy. &nbsp;i'd buy a couple of slinky tee's as the base.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1274247 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 05:54:36 +0000 rabbit 1274247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For some reason I'm thinking of the tv show Slings and Arrows (Canadian) and what the various parts of the theater company including the office workers wore. &nbsp; Not in terms of what works with today's trends but in terms of the arty/comfortable vibe --- especially if you will be using your body a lot during rehearsals. </p> <p>Also in terms of affordable and a broad spectrum of styles/original price points&nbsp;to choose from I've been happy with the Rack, Ross, T J Maxx, and Marshalls, although you have to be happy with doing the hunting yourself. &nbsp;It's what I dressed in when I worked in design, and now in the visual arts. &nbsp; I also kind of feel like as long as someone has&nbsp;interesting shoes&nbsp;they have the 'creative' slot covered (bags aren't as visible at work).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1274245 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 05:31:34 +0000 Sal 1274245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you want to start with about eight outfits....but it could be as little as five....<br />I would tend to think<br />Three pairs of pants<br />One skirt<br />One dress<br />Two toppers<br />3-5 shirts/tops<br />That would allow some mixing and matching and variety...<br />You may have some of these pieces already or things that will suffice for a while...<br />I think you will get most wear out of trousers in this situation but on days that are more office or meeting based you could really enjoy a dress or skirt, in a ponte or stretch type fabric.<br />To keep it simple you could have at least two of the trousers being similar shapes but different colours<br />ie ankle crop trousers in black and ankle crop in a black and white pattern... these would work with shirts in black, white and maybe yellow or blue. &nbsp;Between these five pieces you have six combinations.<br />You could then go with a silky jogger style in say slate blue and these could work with at least two of the shirts and possibly three.<br />Sorry I am starting to ramble now:)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1274244 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 05:31:24 +0000 Adelfa 1274244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second (third) the ankle pants for this time of year. Also, take a good look at buying shoes that are current and comfortable. Shoes really make a look. Perhaps some wedge sandals would work for running around, or some refined gladiators or some pointy toed ankle strap flats. A top that is silky and roomy looks professional but lets you run around. A cardi in a modern silhouette can add interest to a simple outfit. &nbsp;Good luck and have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1274238 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 05:18:29 +0000 cciele 1274238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, going with the arty aspect -- maybe you can wear harem pants and silky track pants! Wear with a structured topper like a blazer and wedge heels for the office, and with a fluid blouse and sneakers for the theater parts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1273722 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:50:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1273722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the new job. When I was reading your job description, I immediately thought of pants. Do you feel like you need to evoke a more professional vibe in traditionally cut trousers? If so, I'd go for rayon/poly blend washable trousers like these from Eddie Bauer.<br /> <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/slightly-curvy-washable-stretch-trousers/21107918/_/A-ebSku_0119553157001006__21107918_catalog10002_en__US?showProducts=&#038;backToCat=Pants%20_%20Capris&#038;previousPage=GNAV&#038;tab=women&#038;dcolor=157" rel="nofollow">http://www.eddiebauer.com/prod.....dcolor=157</a><br /> If you think you can go a bit more casual, then I'd get some ponte knit pants in your preferred silhouettes. Then you can mix and match with tops - some details but not too fussy, knit maybe so you can easily move in them. Get some pulled together but not too impractical shoes and you've got the basis of a great work wardrobe. </p> <p>Also, what is your personal style? As rachylou alludes to, this is maybe a job where you could go more arty, either boho or architectural, if you wanted to. Eileen Fisher type monochromatic outfits with tunics and slim pants? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1273700 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:26:01 +0000 rachylou 1273700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm wondering, since you're in theatre, if there's a "creative" requirement to your office wardrobe... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1273693 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:16:24 +0000 Kat 1273693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the new job! &nbsp;I have a career that sounds a little like yours, action-wise&nbsp;-- some grown-up parts, and some running around, fun parts (actually both parts are fun in their own way) -- and I need to look appropriate at a meeting and then run around. &nbsp;Suja has great ideas, and let me add: the stretchy knit pencil skirt is the backbone of my professional wardrobe. &nbsp;Personally, I like ones with good stretch recovery that hit just at the bottom of my kneecap when I stand, and not too tight -- I know I can sit at a meeting table and not have a skirt ride up too high! &nbsp;Boy, can I sprint in those things. I like keeping a topper or two at work so I can quickly change looks (cardigan and blazer), and I keep a couple of pairs of shoes too. &nbsp;Ballet flats or wedges for a meeting, and then whatever the spirit moves for the sprints. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;Funky but comfy&nbsp;footwear is key for me. &nbsp;</p> <p>When I don't&nbsp;do a stretchy pencil skirt, I live in ankle pants. &nbsp;I agree that finding 2-3 key silhouettes that work for you, and duplicating your bottoms, can be a great strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1273672 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:49:12 +0000 Suja 1273672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently updated my work wardrobe and I can tell you what I do, although not all of it will be relevant. &nbsp;My tops are mostly from Ann Taylor or Nordstrom. &nbsp;Ann Taylor is really great for work appropriate tops, many of their tops have sleeves and if you go to the sale rack with a % off, they can be quite affordable. &nbsp;I have a few tops from Loft but I can't wholeheartedly recommend them because the quality is not great but they are worth a look and usually quite affordable.</p> <p>My bottoms are pencil skirts (I know they are out for you) and white jeans or black slim pants. &nbsp;I find that keeping the bottoms to known silhouettes and playing with tops for variety and interest keeps things streamlined. &nbsp;I suggest you find 2-3 bottom silhouettes that work for you. &nbsp;I duplicate my bottoms, meaning I have multiple pairs of the exact same slim black bottoms and white jeans to avoid laundry bottlenecks. &nbsp;Pants and jeans are hard to fit, so it makes sense for me to stick with a few that work.</p> <p>Also, to really up the professional aspect of your style, I recommend a third piece like a jacket or cardigan, or even a necklace to "finish" the look. &nbsp;Jackets can be pricey so you could start with cardigans. &nbsp;</p> <p>Below is a post on what I am wearing to my new job which starts tomorrow. &nbsp;It won't all work for you but there might be some inspiration.</p> <p>Congrats on the new job!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfits-for-the-first-week-of-a-new-job-and-thoughts-on-style-goals-long">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-on-style-</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cry-for-work-wardrobe-help#post-1273664 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:31:39 +0000 Heidi 1273664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello,<br /> If there was a cry for help sector this post would definitely come under that! I've just got a new job that involves both the office/meeting/acting like a grown up parts and running around a theatre conducting rehearsal parts (or the good part), I'm looking to update my wardrobe with items that allow me to do both - I.e pencil skirts are out, or anything too body hugging. I'm about 5ft5, v busty and looking for clothes that shout professional, but are still moveable and, ideally, affordable.<br /> I'd love to hear your suggestions on either specific items or shops to try.<br /> Thanks in advance </p>