https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:02:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2019824 Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:05:40 +0000 Angie 2019824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Brooklyn</b> said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2019186 Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:08:01 +0000 jussie 2019186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stylefan, cee, Gigi, Astrid, Mainelady, Brooklyn, Madeleine, nomad and Jane:<br /> Sorry for my slow response. I read all the replies with great interest, and I can’t wait to implement some of the ideas. There’s so much collective wisdom here! I’m thrilled to have such helpful fashion advisors.<br /> I know my work wardrobe will get better- I just need a bit longer to settle into it I think... and some more outfit creation sessions rather than hurriedly throwing something together in the early morning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2018494 Mon, 08 Apr 2019 00:02:13 +0000 Cee 2018494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a bit like the liberties kids take when they have to wear a school uniform.</p> <p>All students at both my primary and high schools had to wear school ties in the winter term ( May-Sept back in the day ). I hated them and instead wore either a poloshirt or skivvy under the uniform sweater which was deemed OK by the school policy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2018453 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:14:07 +0000 madeline 2018453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two words: fun shoes<br /> I am an educator and need to project a professional image so I understand what you are saying.<br /> Try flats in unexpected colors that pick up the accent color in your outfit.<br /> I love driving shoes, loafers, brogues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2018451 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 18:58:13 +0000 Nomad 2018451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I can't picture you as frumpy; you certainly haven't been in any of your WiWs here!&nbsp; But I agree with everyone else that this sounds like a problem of your outfits not reflecting your own personality and style, even if they're not frumpy.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I think of your outfits on the forum, I think colorful, bohemian, soft, and playful. It should be totally possible to inject at least an element of that even into more "serious" outfits. I have the opposite issue to you... sometimes I find myself in outfits that feel too soft and feminine, and I have to remember to add at least one harder-edged element to make it feel like me (combat boots, a moto jacket, or something very structured). That juxtaposition of styles makes for an interesting blend. Taking the same idea but in the other direction, make sure you have at least one element of you-ness in every outfit... something floaty, or colorful, or that makes you smile.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2018381 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 11:03:08 +0000 Jane 2018381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm nodding with everyone thinking that your outfits are gorgeous with creative flair. I would love you to have taught me - I can remember what some of my teachers wore and I know that I would have remembered your outfits if you had taught me. </p> <p>May be start with working on say 5 outfits that you absolutely know work so well and you feel 10/10 in, then you know you have a weeks worth, then work back from there. I have found coloured jackets really helpful to make me wear things slightly differently.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2018374 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 10:40:22 +0000 Mainelady 2018374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear Jussie, you could never be blah. You have wonderful style. I think perhaps that in your quest to look professional, you have been a bit too strict with your options. You have to be you! I think you have received many good ideas to add some softness to the professional attire you have been wearing. If you like your hair out of your face when you teach, how about a half up, half down style or a side braid.....maybe a fishtail! In every professional outfit, you should have at least 1 or 2 elements that are really you. You will not only look professional, you will be memorable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine/page/2#post-2018241 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:31:46 +0000 Brooklyn 2018241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with Cee. I think it’s the blouse that’s the problem - to the extent that there is a problem Blazer + pants = sharp on any day of the week. You can’t go wrong with that. I’d try for a more funky top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018230 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 07:43:52 +0000 Astrid 2018230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just looked at some of your WIWs amd you have great style and don’t look frumpy at all! But I get the feeling. I suggest looking at your favourite outfits and then taking one item out of those outfits and incorporating it into one of your work looks. Maybe that would make you feel better about them! And I agree with the others who said you should try some variations with your hair, that usually makes a lot of difference. Or how about some fun nail polish? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018227 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 07:32:21 +0000 Gigi 2018227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the responses above, but maybe getting some interesting shoes would help? I know that an interesting pair of shoes can make an outfit look totally different. Of course, shoes are one of the more expensive things to buy, so there is that... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018195 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 00:09:55 +0000 Cee 2018195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditch the conservative blouse for something with a bright pattern or colour or wear a fine rib knit top or skivvy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018190 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 23:05:17 +0000 DonnaF 2018190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A brooch or maybe cluster of brooches on those blazers? Maybe you can scour charity shops for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018184 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 22:11:41 +0000 Style Fan 2018184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussie, I have always enjoyed your WIWs and thought you had a fun style.&nbsp; Your denim jacket and moto seem like good ideas for toppers.&nbsp; I worked with children for a while and I tended to dress less formally. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018173 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 21:20:05 +0000 jussie 2018173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roberta, Brie, Vix, Bella, La Ped, nemosmom, fash, Kiki, d.al, lyn67, bijou:<br /> Thank you all for the helpful responses, and the kind compliments. Yes to finding ways to include a statement “personality” item in each outfit. As for jackets, I would LOVE to have some more motos- but my budget doesn’t allow at the moment, so I must try to utilize the one moto I have a lot more, or even my denim jacket. Scarves: yes!! Must start wearing these again. I have some warm scarves with stars on them which would be a nice touch.<br /> The age of the students is 3-12 years. I avoid wearing a blazer for children under 5. Too formal!<br /> Thank you all so much for your ideas </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018108 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:43:07 +0000 Roberta 2018108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work with stylish children's librarians who face your dilemma - how to look professional and worthy of respect by all of our patrons, but also look approachable and fun (and able to get down on the floor with the youngest customers). What I observe is self-expression through one or two items of an outfit. It might be patterned tights, a bright floral top or sweater, braids or headbands, a fun watch or earrings. No jeans here either, so they wear chinos or leggings with tunics/dresses. Some of them have a signature touch, whether it is something Disney somewhere, or love of stripes.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is hard to even imagine you looking frumpy, but I completely understand your desire to look professional. Maybe its just a question of feeling more at ease after a few weeks. I remember when I got my first librarian job I practically wore a suit every day.&nbsp; You want to feel out the wardrobe culture, so to speak. Good luck, you got this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018104 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:16:21 +0000 BrieN 2018104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with Bella about the Moto jacket and also shoes can make all the difference.. Metallic, platform, ankle strap, colorful etc can elevate your look and add personality to an outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018100 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:02:43 +0000 Vix 2018100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jussie --</p> <p>I read all other responses and have nothing to add to the great ideas! </p> <p>As you said, I think it's more a styling issue than anything else since you know you're dressed appropriately for your profession. Time to play in your closet....</p> <p>One thing I didn't see mentioned was the age of the students...is it completely wide-open (5-18 y.o)? If so, maybe the blazers can be more for the older students to create impact and authority and with the younger ones you can have a bit more color and playfulness.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018097 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:51:40 +0000 bella 2018097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading the other answers: My solution to this problem is&nbsp;<br />tweed moto jackets insted of blazers<br />soft blouses instead of button down shirts&nbsp;<br />nice, dark colored jeans instead of pants - ETA I just saw that denim is a no go. Then try colored or black jeans. If you absolutely have to wear pants, then go for cigarette pants, not trousers.&nbsp;<br />And put away anything that makes you feel remotely frumpy. Wear the same one fabulous outfit over and over if necessary, especially if you won't be going to the same schools again and again.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018091 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:20:47 +0000 LaPed 2018091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along with all the advice you've received so far. My first thought was hair. I do not feel myself *at all* with my hair in a pony tail. Having all my hair pulled back looks more severe on me than the shortest pixie. IIRC, your hair is long enough to be very versatile. A messy bun, a top-knot, a loose plait worn over the shoulder, a half-pony that pulls your hair away from your face but leaves the rest loose... Definitely experiment with wearing your hair down and using barrettes or headbands to keep your hair out of your eyes.&nbsp;</p> <p>For wardrobe, I think the key is juxtaposition. For the schools I teach at, I would feel too corporate if I wore a blouse underneath a blazer, but a sweater or knit pullover under a blazer feels just fine. I use graphic/printed tops under blazers quite a bit; they make great conversation starters and students respond well to them. I'm not a big jewelry person, but a lot of my co-workers use quirky jewelry in a similar way, adding variety and personality to simple outfits. I do have a few signature jewelry pieces that students recognize immediately when I wear them and have come to associate with me. I find scarves a little fussy when working with kids because they flop around and I have to rearrange them too often, but I know others who wear them really well. If you want to mix up your look without adding too much new stuff, why not try pairing the conservative blouses with a denim jacket, and wearing more casual tops underneath your blazers?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And, echoing others, you always look *fab* in your WIWs and about as far from frumpy as a person can get. But I do know what you mean about not feeling like yourself in corporate attire. Those "French chic"&nbsp; type blogs often talk about finding one element in your outfit that you can leave "undone" -- loose hair, pushed-up shirt sleeves, etc. You retain the overall polished look, but relax it just a bit. I've found that mindset to be really helpful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018087 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 14:57:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2018087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops—famous show. You’d think I’d recognize the character. I’m really bad at pop culture and at recognizing faces.<br /> But I still think more fun patterns on the tops you wear with those very serious blazers could help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018085 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 14:46:27 +0000 nemosmom 2018085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I am nodding along with others that your WIW never look stuffy or robot-like AT ALL, but I totally understand feeling like something is 'blah'.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was going through some of my own favorite looks and couldn't figure out why I looked and felt so unapproachable. I looked 'unfun'.... What about a new or different hairstyle, happy lip color, fun jewelry, or a funky shoe?<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018074 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 13:29:00 +0000 KikiG 2018074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a non-educator who works with educators, mainly administrators and central office staff.&nbsp; When I'm training or out in the field, I try to have one "something" be interesting or eye catching, like leopard shoes or a statement necklace.&nbsp; This gives my plain or tailored "professional" outfits personality without them being distracting&nbsp; I have leopard ballet flats and leopard heels, and they are now a fashion essential for me.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018045 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:44:09 +0000 d.al101 2018045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Hi Jussi</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I had a little bit of the sabe problem when I started working... My outfits were to serious mainly because I was young, I was starting, and I wanted to be taken seriously...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a later adopter, I'm the opposite of a fashionist, but I love to give my outfits my own personality.. I think I got lucky, because I ended up working at a jelly shoes company that produces models a little bit different from the classic, but stil classic.</div><div><br /></div><div>My favourites are the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.lemonjelly.com/?id=263&amp;cat=200&amp;utm_source=youlookfab&amp;utm_medium=comment&amp;utm_campaign=jussie">oxford shoes</a> or the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://https://www.lemonjelly.com/?id=261&amp;cat=200&amp;utm_source=youlookfab&amp;utm_medium=comment&amp;utm_campaign=jussie">booties</a>.<br /></div><div>So now my outfits are always simple and clean, but the shoes do the non-boring trick :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018043 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:38:10 +0000 lyn67 2018043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why only pants???? You can wear denim jackets &amp; professional (or at least dressier) blazers with&nbsp; skirts(even tubes) and dresses (for ex.jersey)o f all sorts, too- in a neutral palette(and prints) and with comfy&nbsp; but dressier (for ex. patent)&nbsp; shoes (booties, loafers, wedge or flatforms etc.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018042 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:36:18 +0000 Anonymous 2018042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you naturally have a lot of Ingenue in your style-so if you mix those softer more yin pieces with the Classic type ones you'll feel more You! Here's examples on Truth is Beauty that could spark some ideas:<br /> <a href="https://www.truth-is-beauty.com/9893-9792-classic-ingenue----the-class-president.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.truth-is-beauty.co.....ident.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018040 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:30:05 +0000 Bijou 2018040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussi I work in a conservative field, accounting, yet I don't really dress in a conservative way most of the time. I think it is OK to be a bit more out there in dress, as long as the people you meet know you. When I meet new clients, I will dress in a more dressy and conservative way, but usually I add one point of difference (a colourful bag or wearing booties, a scarf, a brightly coloured dress or jacket) - just to keep it feeling like me.&nbsp;</p> <p>You have an artists eye for colour, are incredibly pretty and a great figure - with all of that going for you I just cannot imagine you putting a foot wrong in the style stakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018035 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:02:51 +0000 ChrisM 2018035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussie, you seem to be such a sweet soul - you do an excellent job of presenting a professional, secure persona that would be confident, reliable and comforting to your “audience.” Do not underestimate the value of that.</p> <p>I have to go into new clients regularly, and I want my first impression to encourage my audience to trust me, to be the calm in their world which may be in upheaval; confident, hard-working, and trustworthy. I show “me” (and satisfy my need to be “me”) in distinctive accessories on the calm trustworthy canvas of work clothes.</p> <p>I suggest an accessory - something that you love, that connects to your inner soul. A scarf (I use vintage neckerchiefs that stay out of my way) a bracelet (Mainelady style) a pretty hair clip (Firecracker) big earrings (that seems like “you”) without changing up everything. </p> <p>Good luck and best wishes in your new role! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018025 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:13:39 +0000 jussie 2018025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aly: thank you for the advice- stationary or an iPad cover could certainly be a way of including some personality. Clever suggestion. A lot of teachers have stickers on their iPads and laptops. Mine is plain at the moment.</p> <p>Liesbeth: thank you for your astute advice. I think you are absolutely right- I’m my quest to provide a completely neutral professional look that pleases everyone I encounter, all I’ve done is completely removed my personality from my clothing. Also I think your right in suggesting that the pieces themselves are fine, but it’s just the way I’m styling them that could be changed up a little. The pieces ARE nice, fit well and are mostly reasonably good quality.</p> <p>Fashintern: thank you for your feedback. I very much like your idea of using skirts of different shapes to add that little bit of flair to a professional outfit.<br /> The photo is of a character called Pam Beasley from season one of The Office (US version). An excellent comedy from a few years ago. Kind of a joke because she always dressed in a very conservative and repetitive way..... if you watch the series you’ll see what I mean :).</p> <p>Unfrumped: wonderful advice, thank you. Actually I agree, I think where I have gone wrong is having too many tailored, conservative pieces in each outfit. And I think because the blazers I own a very dark (two black and one dark navy) they look quite “heavy” and dull, so I probably need to try using scarves or earrings to lighten things up near my face. Or at least soften my hair somehow. </p> <p>Rachy: great idea about a peplum jacket. I don’t have one, but I DO have a peplum top that I could wear. It’s pretty funky and with some tailored pants or black jeans it might be just the thing.</p> <p>Jessikams: yes! My hair could REALLY use some kind of update. Even a topknot challenges my hair styling skills :/.</p> <p>Firecracker: thank you for the excellent advice. I think a coloured denim jacket with tailored pants is a brilliant idea :). And making use of pendants is something I should try again. For some reason lately I’ve lost confidence with wearing accessories.</p> <p>Kellygirl: thanks for your feedback. Yes I think even some small pieces of jewelry would help abut just to add some sparkle here and there..... I have double piercings in each ear, so maybe I could put little sparkly studs in both sets to increase the sparkle/funkiness factor?? Rather than just a single set of studs that I often wear. </p> <p>Lynette: thank you for such kind compliments! Most of my recent work wiws have been ONLY THE GOOD ONES!! Lol lol. The bad ones I haven’t photographed. I think I need to include at least one “pretty” piece into the outfit, like a ditsy print or a really feminine delicate shoe. That would increase my happiness factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018022 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 09:57:52 +0000 aly 2018022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found having great stationery (notebook/Filofax binder/good quality pens) is a way to achieve a professional and organised impression in meetings while allowing me to wear practical clothes for the laboratory part of my role. </p> <p>Would a useful and confident accessory (maybe a bold or thoughtful tote) help balance your image? I also find a thoughtful scarf is a nice way to show a little personality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-my-work-outfits-are-too-severe-and-masculine#post-2018015 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 08:44:17 +0000 Liesbeth 2018015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think unfrumped is spot-on. Your current pieces are probably fine but can be combined in better ways if you feel like a uniformed robot lol.<br /> Also, I think that even when first impressions are important and happening everyday, you should’t try to please everyone by choosing the most neutral outfit possible. It will likely do the opposite as you are now finding: make you look devoid of personality. I’m guilty too of overthinking my work wardrobe and wanting to give the exact right impression. But there’s just no such thing, how you come off is mostly based on other person’s ideas and preferences and whether they match yours. So I would say: stick to the ‘rules’ and within that framework wear what makes you happy. Perhaps add just a tad more ‘yang’ than usual to up the authority (if you are familiar with that description of clothes styles). But not too much as you clearly dislike looking too severe. </p>