https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 23:03:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441596 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:16:51 +0000 goldenpig 441596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're heading in the right direction! I don't envy you having to dress so formally in suits for work, but if anyone can make it stylish and fun, you can! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441576 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:21:02 +0000 AJ 441576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great start!! I'm getting excited for your search! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441508 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:13:18 +0000 rae 441508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since everyone has given me wonderful ideas, I guess my homework for tonight is to follow Aida's advice for a list. I'm thinking that being able to fit in with the boys may be a decent source of my anxiety, so I'm trying to keep that in mind while doing this exercise. </p> <p>What WON'T work for me, and what I dislike:<br /> - Preppy<br /> - Sweet (colors and details)<br /> - Ladies Who Lunch<br /> - The Female Politician Suit (you know the kind I mean...)<br /> - The academic/professor look (very cute, but doesn't fit in in the bank)<br /> - Ruffles<br /> - Pastels<br /> - Polka dots<br /> - Puffy Sleeves<br /> - Wide leg pants<br /> - Double-breasted Jackets<br /> - Anything older than my actual age<br /> - Cropped pants/Capris<br /> - Strong shoulders</p> <p>What I DO (sort of) like:<br /> - Slick lines<br /> - Masculine colors<br /> - Subtle yet unexpected tailoring/details/colors that are not standard fare<br /> - Slim fit<br /> - maybe a little aggressive or "lawyer-ish"</p> <p>Pics of a few things that caught my eye below, even though 1/2 and 4 are way out of my price range. I also like the looks of things at Zara, though I'm not sure there are many options left available for matching pants/blazers to pair up as suits - maybe it will be better in-store? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441350 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:46:37 +0000 Jonesy 441350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm nodding my head along with lyn* and Lisa, and Aida, and Heather (and everyone else who has chimed in on the previous page!). I think you can totally make your business style reflect *you* and still be conservative, but it might take some work. I think there are so many ways to jazz up pretty straightforward looks. Even when you wear muted, classic shapes, you still look spiffy and interesting, e.g., when you add a bright skinny belt, or wear interesting shoes, or carry a bright blue bag, or wear a conversational print blouse. I think one area you could start with that wouldn't be too challenging or pricey could be looking for several fab, fun tops that you can wear under suits, and that can also be worn on the weekends (say, with BF jeans). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441347 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:41:33 +0000 lyn* 441347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Work is too many days of the weeks to get dressed and feel less than fab."</p> <p>Amen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441341 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:34:40 +0000 Lisa 441341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great suggestions here already. In finance it does tend to be a bit more conservative than some other areas of business. But that doesn't mean you can't go for super chic instead of super conservative. The wine colored suit you linked to is gorgeous. I would err on items with classic shapes but interesting details, perhaps the lapel of a blazer, or ruffles on a blouse instead of a crisp white shirt, or a 2 piece skirt suit but in a fun pinstripe (ie brown suit with pink instead of standard cream pinstripe, black with blue instead of white pinstripe). And heels are always an area that you can have fun with. Two tone in classic colors or a rich color in a fun shape heel (perhaps purple with a cone shape heel instead of classic stiletto or a cream cap toe black ballet flat). Work is too many days of the week to get dressed and feel less than fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441245 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:13:38 +0000 Aida 441245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, would it be helpful to do a separate style elements list for your business wear? If you can't get a handle on what you LIKE then maybe list what you DON'T like so we can help you figure it out this weekend. I think if we compared the two lists we could definitely find places to incorporate the more "you" elements into your business wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441097 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:25:34 +0000 Heather 441097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, you can totally remain true to yourself whilst conforming to a stricter dress code. I think once you make an investment of a great suit that SUITS YOU then you can have fun with it. Think of all your fun blouses, etc. Don't let this drag you down. You got a great new job, gal! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe/page/2#post-441093 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:07:14 +0000 rae 441093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BJ, that is a good idea. I can make a good impression first and ease them into my girlier outfits. </p> <p>Angie and Rita, thank you for the tips on oall the stores to hit! I will make a list to take with me this weekend, and also study up beforehand on their looks in case there is a Marshall's or TJ Maxx run. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-441075 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:37:29 +0000 modgrl 441075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oy! You are giving me agita just thinking about dressing for a job in finance. But I still think it's possible to funk up a business look. I really like Angie's suggestions. Also H&amp;M has a good business section that I often ignore in favor of their flashier stuff, but I think it's worth checking out. Their quality can be all over the place though, so I would examine every piece carefully before you commit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-441070 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:27:32 +0000 Angie 441070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If anyone can spunk up their corporate work looks and stay true to their style - YOU CAN, Rae. I have every confidence in your new incarnations. </p> <p>I think it's more of a casual vs. dressy thing too. You are very casual over the weekends, while work is much more dressy. </p> <p>I also suggest you hit Zara, BCBG, French Connection, Asos, Club Monaco and Express for instant business casual inspiration. If you were my client - I'd pop you straight into tapered slouchy trousers with cropped jackets. But I know that you are allergic to anything remotely '80s (which *really* surprises me!), so I have never suggested it before right now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-441063 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:18:43 +0000 bj1111 441063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i totally understand your frustration and some of the anger and hostility that you're feeling at having to conform to a dress standard that is "not you" especially when your dream job is to drive a bus full of fabulous vintage and ebay finds to women who would appreciate your help and style advice. worse, having to shell out your hard earned money for this stuff!</p> <p>it's a bit off topic, but in the business world, what position would you aspire to, especially as the magic fashion bus is a long term dream? unfortunately, finance is still old school, like big law. you deserve to get ahead, so you've got to dress like it.</p> <p>lyn* has an interesting post on little changes she made day by day to her lipstick to transition to more "her" colors. </p> <p><a href="http://runningcodesinheels.blogspot.com/2011/09/trying-to-convince-or-staff-i-am-girl.html" rel="nofollow">http://runningcodesinheels.blo.....-girl.html</a></p> <p>i could see this working with clothes. as they get to know your proficiency, you earn the right to wear less stuffy clothes.</p> <p>that all saints suit is a great start. the pants are standard straight leg pants. the jacket pockets are the only "non-corporate" bit of the jacket which is otherwise pretty conservative with regard to the collar and stance. so i can see this suit being "in style" for at least 5 years. if you have the dosh, consider getting a matching skirt sooner rather than later. opens up more combos. </p> <p>plus, i'll bet you'll be the only one who notices that you've worn the same suit pieces 4-5 times in a week with your remixing magical powers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440955 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:52:40 +0000 rae 440955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Dashrashi! I popped over to Corporette, and while most of the recommended suits are super duper expensive, it gave me some good brands to search for on Ebay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440929 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:44:39 +0000 Dashrashi 440929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, nothing specific to add, except that your new dress code sounds right in line with most of what people are working with at Corporette. You may want to add it to your blogroll? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440736 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:58:28 +0000 rae 440736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, BJ, we must have posted at the same time. I'm in finance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440725 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:48:44 +0000 modgrl 440725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How conservative does your conservative work style need to be? Do you need to wear navy blue suits every day or can it be a little more relaxed? </p> <p>Have you seen these from Nordie's? </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-modern-work-pieces#/8" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/wo.....-pieces#/8</a></p> <p>Work is a huge style outlet for me, you can definitely have some fun there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440723 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:44:52 +0000 rae 440723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank yo for the links, GP! Our handbook says that we can wear business casual if we don't interact with clients daily - *however* my spidey senses tell me that I should dress closer to business because that is how the rest of my team dresses. When I went for my interviews, I believe every guy on the team had on a gray suit (jackets hung up in the cubes) and a white shirt. I am also the only female on the team, so I think that wearing suits would allow me more leeway in terms of style. I think that if I were in slacks and a blouse I might have to stick to very conservative things to match the tone of the team, if that makes sense. </p> <p>From the handbook:<br /> Acceptable Business Attire<br />  Business suits, pantsuits, or dresses that present a professional, conservative appearance. Conservative daytime materials and styles are required.<br />  Conservative style shoes should be coordinated to your clothing, and in good condition.<br />  Simple, tasteful accessories may be worn.</p> <p>Acceptable Business Casual Attire<br />  Long pants, slacks, khakis, skirts (appropriate length)<br />  Blouses, knit tops, sweaters, blazers, polo shirts, dress shirts<br />  Foot apparel appropriate for the job including loafers, flats, topsiders, boots </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440714 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:32:51 +0000 bj1111 440714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rae, in what industry do you work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440667 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:20:14 +0000 goldenpig 440667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I think that All Saints suit would be great! Do you have to wear suits at your job? There has to be a way to inject your personal style into your work wear, because you've got it in spades!</p> <p>I don't know if these might appeal to you, but what do you think of these?<br /> Here are some shirt dresses with a utilitarian/military flavor:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/michael-michael-kors-shirtdress/3208904?origin=keywordsearch&#038;resultback=1205" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/mi.....tback=1205</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-for-maggy-boutique-belted-cotton-blend-shirtdress/3101428?origin=keywordsearch&#038;resultback=327" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....ltback=327</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-twill-cargo-shirtdress/3139649?origin=category&#038;cm_ven=Linkshare&#038;cm_cat=partner&#038;cm_pla=10&#038;cm_ite=1&#038;siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-0FGtkQNgYN2SuyGuQVJrKQ" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....uyGuQVJrKQ</a></p> <p>Or a jacket with zippers for a edgier feel (I actually bought this jacket for myself, but it is funkier than my typical clothes and reminds me more of your style):<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/halogen-zip-front-peacoat/3203494?origin=category&#038;resultback=3755" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ha.....tback=3755</a></p> <p>I love that post from Audi and I totally agree that Una should be your style muse for edgy workwear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440663 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:06:12 +0000 rae 440663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also found this suit... love the color, and the blazer, pants, and skirt are all available in my size... of course I would wear a blouse with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440638 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:21:24 +0000 rae 440638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, this is going to be harder than I thought, because so far, it does. not. compute. that there would be any business clothes that I love - I would liken it to Angie having to dress saccharine and twee. On one hand, it kind of makes me angry to think of being forced to focus on those outfits. On the other hand, if it IS possible to really like what I wear at work, that would be nice, too. I don't think it's just a matter of buying "better" work clothes and spending more money, because IMO my work clothes are mostly of better quality than I could afford new. Also, I am simply not interested in wearing any of my work clothes on the weekends. My weekends are down and dirty - no place for blazers at all, plus I want to leave work FAR behind when I am not there. </p> <p>Kate, I did resonate with that thread of Una's! </p> <p>Anya, that link was very helpful - Audi's looks are inspiring. I think this resonates with the idea of getting more interesting suits, especially since I am not a huge fan of printed tops, but I do love eye-catching jackets. </p> <p>This is the suit I am considering at the moment. I don't feel it's trendy, so I'm hoping that means it would still look "unique" rather than "dated" after a couple of years. </p> <p>Claire, I'm so glad you will make it for the weekend! I'm stoked to see everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440632 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:09:52 +0000 Isabel 440632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I agree with those that say that work takes up such a big chunk of your life, that if nothing else, you should enjoy what you put on for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440623 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:58:39 +0000 Jjsloane 440623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in the camp of I wear it 5 days a week for at least 10 hours so I must love it. Get some good basics to add your personality to. Shoes, bags, accessories and prints in tops are great ways to have fun with an otherwise boring suit, but you will not regret having a great suit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440589 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:11:24 +0000 Heather 440589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to say what Angie said: I always try to buy things that can be friendly for the office AND for more sophisticated social. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440587 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:08:26 +0000 Anonymous 440587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/2011/09/birthday-wish.html" rel="nofollow">http://geekthreads.blogspot.co.....-wish.html</a><br /> I remembered about this post of Audi's when I read your conversation. It's because I see Audi sporting some All Saints Business Wear and a Helmut Lang blazer that spells business but is edgy in the same time.<br /> There is a way to bring yourself into business wear. I have a different problem, since I'm a flirty body-conscious fashion persona, I try to add an aggressive/conservative edge to my flirty dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440577 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:49:28 +0000 Isis 440577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, you ask, "Do you force yourself to buy better work clothes, or just go with your heart? "</p> <p>I say neither! </p> <p>I echo the advice to find better work clothes that make your heart sing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440575 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:44:13 +0000 Anonymous 440575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmmm. Maybe you need to come up with a new work "style persona" since your weekend style persona is so different. Something equally fun and exciting to you as casual wear, but totally new and different. </p> <p>Looks like I'm going to make the L.A. trip this weekend; can't wait to talk about all this stuff in person! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440558 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:16:01 +0000 Angie 440558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I encourage changing your priorities, Rae. Spend more time and money on work looks because that's 5 days a week. Try to purchase items that cross-pollinate between work and non-work style.</p> <p>The next leg of your style journey is underway </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440509 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:55:11 +0000 rute 440509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, My work wardrobe is also my dominant one! I spend most of the time at work and that's why I always invest more here, besides a work dress can easily be used at a dinner or a party with just a change of accessories! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/neglecting-the-work-wardrobe#post-440506 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:52:55 +0000 Scarlet 440506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seems to me I spend more time at work than anywhere else, and I suppose it must be similar for you. Therefore I think the all saints reward sounds like a good idea--you should find a way to make office-wear work for you. </p>