https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 18:38:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-819129 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:44:01 +0000 Lisa 819129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. I've worked in a business setting where it meant very classic items, trousers or skirts or dresses, simple designs and prints, subdued colors. I'm fortunate now that I can dress a bit more casual at my current job (jeans and boots instead of trousers and pumps) but I never know what the next work place will require. I always try to enjoy my weekend outfits because the only style rules on weekends are my own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-819062 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:01:12 +0000 Lauren 819062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My work like completely changes how I dress but JUST at work. I work in technology, in a very conservative/male dominated office and so my clothing choices have to be more restricted. It's annoying for work but I still try and get creative. I recently decided to wear a patterned pencil skirt to the office and got interesting reactions, for instance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-816812 Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:52:04 +0000 moira 816812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely. I own a a small business (travel agency) and I really can wear what I want, but if I am meeting with a corporate client it will be more conservative then if it a vacation planning session.<br /> I have also found that as I have gotten older, I don't need my clothes to provide the "authority", my gray hair and middle aged face do that. I have earned my stripes and I don't need a jacket to prove that to anyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-816507 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:29:05 +0000 MsMary 816507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work in the law, which is one of the least bastions of business formal. The men still wear suits every day at my workplace. I am one of the most senior women so I feel like I can be a little more flexible with my clothing than the more junior women. I wear brighter colors, more prints, and more tending-towards-business-casual outfits than is usual for my job site, but that's okay with me. But certainly I always want to appear powerful and businesslike. (In practice that means I wear a jacket almost every day!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-816501 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:22:31 +0000 Anonymous 816501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To a certain degree, it does. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-815054 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 05:27:42 +0000 Anonymous 815054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When teaching my style I'd definitely influenced. I need to be able to sit on the floor, be modest, look approachable, but also look confident and in charge. Dressing down too much can actually invite discipline problems. When I first started teaching, many of my sixth grade girls were as big or bigger than I was. I had to dress older than my age.<br /> High heels are also out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-815009 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 04:53:40 +0000 Charmian 815009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, absolutely! Like Diana and several others who work in the sciences, I work at a place where dressing up is ... well, it's not forbidden, but the pressure to conform to the environmental norm (ie, to dress casually) is quite strong. For example, I've heard co-workers at my company comment on external visitors behind their backs if they dress up too much.</p> <p>My ideal style is somewhere in the neighbourhood of "minimalist modern classic". As I've gotten more confident in my time here at YLF, I've started to tiptoe away from the "casual" descriptor. But I can't let go of it entirely because (1) it's a very comfortable look for me (I've worn it my entire career!) and (2) my workplace's environmental norm. In fact, last month one of my co-workers called me out on my increasingly "nice" outfits, and there were definitely a few folks who looked away awkwardly. I guess my Super Sekret Technique for hiding nice blouses (wearing them with jeans) hasn't been as successful as I'd thought it was! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-814101 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:46:03 +0000 Desmo April 814101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of the huge perks for my job is that anything goes. Most people are fairly casual but no one really takes it too far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-814046 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:04:20 +0000 Anonymous 814046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Mary, classic doesn't have to be boring. At least I *hope* it's not boring, LOL! I do add a few trendy pieces to my wardrobe to keep it current, and that gives a modern spin to classic dressing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-814039 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:53:10 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 814039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not for me. I prefer a dressy, classic, feminine style most of the time and I've always had office jobs where that style fits in. I'm usually more dressed up and colorful than others, but not in an inappropriate way. Maybe my style influences my job choices. I've never pushed to work from home even though that option is available to some employees - when would I wear all my pretty clothes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-813972 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:01:28 +0000 RedM 813972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm an accountant, but I work in the trucking industry. We are very casual--flip flops don't get a second look during the summer. I prefer to be dressier, and am so when I have meetings without outside parties. If I dress up too much the rest of the time I find that I invite questions about my motives (Why are you so dressed up? Have a hot date? You don't have a job interview, do you?). Sometimes I just do it anyway because it makes me feel good.</p> <p>One of the times I make sure I don't dress up is when interviewing possible accounting clerks or customer service reps. While we don't have a lot of turnover, when we do applicants tend to be younger entry level types and the relaxed dress code is generally a positive to them--so I always wear jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-813941 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:37:07 +0000 Janet 813941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I meant to add that I totally relate to Gaylene's comments about the sort of "double life" wardrobe! Years ago, I worked in a conservative private school and dressed accordingly during the week. But I was in my early 20s, I worked as a radio DJ on the weekends, and I went to concerts 3-4 nights a week. Every so often I'd run into students or parents while I was out and about, and I took them by surprise -- for one thing, they realized how young I was when I wasn't dressed in my conservative work wear! It was an interesting time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-813931 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:31:18 +0000 Janet 813931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic, and its interesting how many here are in the education profession! </p> <p>I am very lucky -- I have carte blanche to wear pretty much literally anything I care to wear. I'm self-employed and an artist and sometimes radio announcer. (Trust me when I say that if you show up to a radio job in anything more than jeans and a tee, you are going above and beyond!)</p> <p>I do see clients and visitors regularly at my studio and in their homes, so most days I make sure to wear something that would be appropriate for an impromptu meeting, but that can be as simple as jeans, top, jacket and booties. Other days I'm just in the mood to wear some of my dressier stuff (a dress or a blazer or heels, etc.) and I just go for it. I worked from home for many years and slipped into a rut of jeans and tees (as well as a lot of loneliness from being so isolated), so I'm having much more fun expressing myself with fashion now.</p> <p>On days when I'm going out shooting pictures, I dress way down, but still try to keep it presentable. Older jeans, rugged shoes, neutral colored casual tops (I photograph a lot of reflective surfaces and I've discovered colored tops affect my results!), and washable layers because I often end up sitting or laying on the ground to work, or leaning up against dirty or dusty surfaces.</p> <p>I feel very fortunate that my profession is not just a job, but an integral part of me and my creative life. I have been a designer/artist of some sort for most of my life, and I even feel like fashion might have a role to play in my eventual career path, so I'd have to say that my profession influences my style, and vice versa. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-813922 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:24:34 +0000 Anonymous 813922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for posting, Henley. I suddenly feel a bit better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-813920 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:23:27 +0000 Anonymous 813920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi A. I think you hit the nail exactly on the head. I work in an engineering firm and I do believe that every single fashion choice is dictated by how I will be perceived in the work place. It always has been because as a woman I had to dress in a fairly non-sexual manner that indicated I was there to work and not to meet a husband (don't even ask...). </p> <p>Would I like to expand my fashion choices? Yes. I think that is why i come to this site so often. When I try though I feel uncomfortable and out of place. I return to to the safe formula that has worked so well for so long. </p> <p>You might suggest that I experiment in my personal life. I have tried that, but I frequently find myself in a similar formula (just different, slightly more relaxed pieces).</p> <p>I ask myself, has the work environment really dictated my clothing choices or am I really just a classic boring type??? I suddenly feel sad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style/page/2#post-813910 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:16:01 +0000 Anonymous 813910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to have to say no, my profession doesn't influence the way I dress. I work in the corporate headquarters of a hospitality company and we have a business casual dress code. Some dress much too casual (hoodies and casual pants) and some dress in a bohemian style. But I've always preferred modern, classic dressing regardless of what I was doing for a living or where I worked. And I prefer to dress that way on weekends, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813891 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:59:02 +0000 crst 813891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a professor of accounting I can relate to the statements of both the accountants and those who teach in higher ed. I try to be a role model for my students who are interacting with professionals and interviewing, as well as finding their personal appropriate style. My natural style (modern classic - with a twist) works well for that. i don't wear suits, but most of our business community is fairly casual here anyway.</p> <p>I used to dress in jeans and t-shirts on non-teaching days in the office but I have come to realize that it really isn't appropriate to do so. I even try to dress in a fairly polished way around our small college town. I have female students comment positively on my attire and seek me out to ask questions about appropriate dress, so I know that they are watching. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813866 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:47:37 +0000 catherine 813866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I teach in higher ed. On teaching days, I try to wear something that might be interesting to my students without looking as if I am trying to imitate them.<br /> This can be tricky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813823 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:10:51 +0000 rute 813823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, here we have a dress code:business casual, so that influences a lot the way I dress because I spend most of my time at work and I don't want to invest a lot on a wardrobe I would wear only on weekends, so I ended up dressing on weekends the same too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813821 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:02:30 +0000 Anonymous 813821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks ladies, that was very insightful, to your dressing style and your daily lives.</p> <p> I haven't read a lot of Rae's posts but I think she disliked banking and is now in her dream job?....I swear it's that stuffy hidden dress code Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813808 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:03:34 +0000 ManidipaM 813808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes!</p> <p>I used to be in one of those 'liberal' workplaces, but it tied me down or cut me up stylistically to the point where I'm very leery of working for such an organization ever again. It was a publishing group that brings out lifestyle magazines, including a couple of international fashion magazines for women. I was *told*, on the one hand, that I needed to be dressed on-trend; on the other, as one of the youngest and definitely the shortest 'seniors' on the editorial team, I had to dress for authority and extra maturity, a la Gaylene. </p> <p>Most days, I actually dressed in a way that had me feeling either out of sorts or dull enough to disappear. Just NOT my speed, with too much denial of what IS! (Dressing 'Indian' was out, I was told in no uncertain terms. And I'm not comfortable with trendy, though sometimes I can be weirdly fashion-forward to the point that the average 'trendy' person finds me inexplicable and unspeakable.) ::shudder::</p> <p>Nowadays, I have a whole lot more freedom, but like Suz, working from home means I actually miss dressing up a little more! I'm not a 'dressy' person usually, but anything too delicate or pale or tailored --- all of which I sometimes crave --- can be problematic for my daily life because I'm (a) clumsy in the cooking and cleaning and gardening which are interleaved into my working day, (b) fighting with high heat and humidity, sans central air-conditioning, most months of the year, and (c) barefoot and cross-legged half the day but walking through decidedly mucky, messy country roads the other. :-/</p> <p>I'm... still adjusting my style to suit! :-)</p> <p>Btw, note that UWP Rae, one of the first of that tribe, used to work in a bank...! She's been GREAT at the balancing act, truly inspirational. You might like to explore some of her older threads, especially one where she looks back at dressing UWP with a dress code. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813701 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:31:52 +0000 crazyone 813701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what Diana said goes for me. Leeway to wear almost anything (though I abide by the closed toe-shoe rule--we work with too many heavy objects and too many toxic chemicals), but also the mindset that dressing better = frivolity that would have been better directed towards science. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813689 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:22:20 +0000 christieanne 813689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am lucky that I work in a creative, fashion field (department store manager) so that means I can try trends and have access to a lot of new items. It's not as much freedom as you might guess though because our corporate culture is denim driven - so much so that if you skip jeans in favor of trousers or a skirt and an executive is around or go to a meeting outside of store, you do get some awkward glances.<br /> I try to be a good role model for the team - blazer with the jeans, adding accessories, wearing our brands to show loyalty and value, but always always comfortable (flat) shoes are a must! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813676 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:09:09 +0000 catgirl 813676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel that my profession hinders my style! I would like to dress UWP/casual/rugged all the time, but ripped jeans and shredded leather motos are not going to pass muster with clients or court, sadly. I get away with a lot running my own office, but not nearly enough! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813647 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:45:57 +0000 Mo 813647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, Rae worked in a bank up until just a few months ago, and Una is a lawyer, so I'm not sure. I wear a uniform at work, so not only does it influence how I dress, it dictates it. I was just commenting to a new coworker today that liked my jacket that I dress quite differently than my uniform </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813597 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:05:53 +0000 anne 813597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Until this week, I have been a complete SAHM and that has influenced my style. I'd love to wear suits and sophisticated sheath dresses, but they haven't got much wear.<br /> Before kids, I pretty much had one pair of jeans - now I have several, and wear them a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813579 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:48:26 +0000 Susie 813579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While my profession- human resources- may tend toward the conservative, my workplace is casual. We rarely have customers in the office and the owners are fine with a relaxed dress code and I love it. I can wear a dress one day and jeans the next. Because I am a Director and part of senior management, I do dress up a bit more than most staff. I tend to limit jeans to Fridays and I dress a bit more when I'm interviewing. </p> <p>Today it was rainy with no reason to not be casual so I wore jeans, boots, black turtleneck, a long gray topper and a scarf. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813566 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:33:55 +0000 Diana 813566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On the one hand, I have a huge degree of sartorial freedom because I work in a university lab, have no dress code (aside from closed toe shoes, but to be honest I blatantly break that rule in the summer. I have closed toe shoes under my desk in case safety inspectors come. =P) So I can pretty much wear whatever wacky things I want unless I happen to have an interview or important talk or something. I also see the same people day in and day out so they are used to my crazy outfits by now. </p> <p>On the other hand, and we have talked about this a lot here in the past, there is this huge bias in science that being fashionable or stylish = being flaky and not a serious scientist. I think academic science is one of the only fields where it might not be an impediment to dress like a slob. Some people still think that's a sign of a genius mind, LOL. I am trying to change this one outfit at a time! (or at least that's what I tell myself.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813544 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:19:28 +0000 Sara L. 813544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think profession definitely plays a role in style. I'm an engineer and while my colleagues all dress business casual, the unwritten dress code is still conservative. I feel like I stick out enough just being one of the only females in a meeting, so I don't like my clothes to draw too much attention to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-your-profession-influence-your-style#post-813533 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:14:55 +0000 Elly 813533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I err way more conservatively than I really need to be. Most of my jobs involve working with/for a government agency or conservative institution, however my field itself is pretty creative. To some extent there needs to be some professionalism because organizations that answer to the public or shareholders allow me to work with irreplaceable and very valuable/delicate items. However, most of the very successful people in the field have a strong art background or are highly inventive and often somewhat eccentric. </p> <p>One of the main ways in which work limits me is the practical aspect. I work hard at work and sometimes get dirty. I have to be able to walking outdoors in the snow in my work shoes, stand for long hours on concrete, layer because of cold indoor temps, must have hair that can be tucked or pinned up out of my work that I don't always have to keep touching (no product if it is a style I will touch), I need sleeves that exist but can be pulled or rolled up out of my way, and I am not allowed to wear most jewelry (no rings, bracelets, long necklaces, or clothing with lots of metal on the front). Same goes for nail polish-- and since no polish will stay on my hands except for Shellac-type stuff, it means no nail polish ever, unless I am on a long vacation. There are rules about lotions and perfumes as well. Of course, at any moment I go from dealing with dirt to getting unexpected VIPs through my workspace. </p> <p>I have a strong tomboy element to my style and I struggle with maintaining the simplicity of silhouettes that goes with that while still looking interesting and put-together, while also being sufficiently casual and following my practical work guidelines and the rules about accessorizing. I have a hard time moving beyond nice jeans and a tee or button down when 3/4 of accessories, shoes, and jacket options are out. For example, I love arm candy, but it often seems hardly worth it to cultivate it as a look for the weekend, especially since many of my weekend activities nix a load of jewelry, since I spend a lot of time at home cooking for the SO (I love to cook), painting, and hiking. </p>