YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Office appropriate?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Office appropriate? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:30:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php shiny on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1356112 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 23:45:55 +0000 shiny 1356112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm in high tech and all of these outfits would be more than appropriate.  I think the grey jeans may be "translating" poorly via photo. They kind of look like sweat pants, but we know they aren't. My DH who is 50 and works in administration for a major university says: you look quite appropriate for the job.  Kristin L on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1356070 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 22:55:35 +0000 Kristin L 1356070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats MG!!!!  I would ask your supervisor (or anther coworker when you start) about the dress code. While most your jean outfits looks great, they'd be a huge no-no in my office at our university. In a lot of departments, professors and their assistants/technicians can get away with it, but not those of us in administration. I think if you had a few other pairs of twill/chino/another fabric other than denim, you could just sub that in for your jeans and it would still look fab.  Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1355818 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:23:56 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1355818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MG, do you know the blog Academichic? They stopped posting a few years ago but the archives should still be available. They were all PhD students but I think a couple taught classes and most of their looks were the kind of thing that would have been perfect when I worked at a university. <a href="http://www.academichic.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/</a> MuseumGal on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1355809 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:08:14 +0000 MuseumGal 1355809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ With much appreciation and thanks for those who have already commented, I'm shamelessly bumping my own thread in the hopes of getting some more feedback from office types, especially those of you working in a university setting. Anonymous on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354787 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 21:56:15 +0000 Anonymous 1354787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are to be congratulated! I'm just reading all this with interest because I'd be in the same boat if I were to go back to the workplace. I'm learning a lot! thimblelina on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354774 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 21:47:34 +0000 thimblelina 1354774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations!!! What an exciting new step for you! I agree with some of the others-- these outfits feel about 80% there but could use just a slight snap of structure or interest to go to your new job. Like maybe one really smart blazer and a few more streamlined scarves. @ Jules: I made my husband retire some gray lucky jeans over this. They looked like the hobo alley version of black jeans. @ Beth Ann: Old Testament Studies! Oh yeah he be ballin' like a wall streeter in cash money when that's done, right? (said the wife of the PhD art historian...Heh heh) But it all has a way of working out when they're doing what they love. MuseumGal on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354643 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:01:42 +0000 MuseumGal 1354643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much everyone for your feedback.  The collective wisdom seems to feel that grey jeans are too casual, so I will hold off on replacing those for awhile.  My hair, for those who've asked, is quite long now, about armpit length, and all one length, which definitely adds to the young vibe (at least as long as you're not close enough to see all the grey, hah), but I plan on continuing to grow it for the time being.  Most days I will wear in in a bun or a half up style, I'd imagine.  As some of you mentioned, I'm also not sure if the scarf as hairband will read to casual/boho - I'll probably try it out on a Friday and see how it feels. BTW, I do have other, dressier/office-ier looks and pieces that I will wear for at least the first week, these are just some former outfits I was wondering if I could get away with.  At this rate, my 1st paycheck may not be until November, so I'm trying to hold off on buying much that is new, at least until I get a better idea of office norms, plus how much effort I'm gonna feel like putting into outfits once I'm back in the grind, ya know?  For my first day I'm leaning towards wearing exactly what I wore for the interview, and then continuing with my more formal/conference wear capsule.  I have, I think 4 or 5 pair of non jean trousers, and several blazers, so I will be fine for a few weeks, at least.  I hope! unfrumped on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354631 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:47:51 +0000 unfrumped 1354631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations and hoping for final good progress. You look great overall, firstly. Mostly tweaking because I sense you want to look more polished than a student or entry level assistant and achieve a more professional look while not being so formal as to be out of place. Agree move away from jeans look unless very polished. Black ponte pant, good fitting trouser pant worn out over boots, not tucked in.  Structure on top. All great suggestions. I like viva's comments in that I think you can probably "save" on pants by wearing a few simple, classic looks, mostly dark colors, that you keep in very good condition and replace as needed, and with careful shopping you may find these at a range of price points, and so can work toward adding a few structured toppers (don't have to be expensive, but you'll want to select the right fit, proportion, comfort for you). Also would not wear sleeveless much in office, though those tops look nice--it depends on what you encounter as level of "formality" you want for yourself, so I think that's negotiable, but for warm weather when you may not want a topper, depending on office temps, gradually add or focus on good short-sleeved looks (like the blue knit top?) that have some structure or polish, or add scarf. Love the scarf in #1, for example. I think the good thing is that  with your outfits above, there are not any disasters at all! So sure, you may wear something one day and get a sense it's not quite what you're aiming for, and you'll weed out your less favorites. Or you'll learn if there is "casual Friday" or just what's what. And you might start off more formally and then find a more relaxed style is very acceptable. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354620 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:25:18 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1354620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The jeggings to me, in the photos at least, read like leggings especially when tucked into boots. I might avoid those outfits until you see how casual your office is, because I think it's a very casual look. Anonymous on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354619 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:24:58 +0000 Anonymous 1354619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats again! I agree with Jules that gray jeans, even a newer pair, might be a little casual because of the faded look. I personally don't think skinnies tucked into boots, especially when the pants and boots are low-contrast to each other and the whole look is fairly polished, are unprofessional-looking. At the same time, I might hold off a little on wearing them until you have a sense of whether they'd read as too casual for your specific office. I think the printed pair also work, especially since your outfits with them look like they keep everything else fairly simple and streamlined and let the print be the one statement thing. Another suggestion: I love your scarves and how they add interest to your outfits, but I wonder if there might be other ways you could tie them that could potentially add a little more polish. I like the infinity-style tie in the first pic in #9, and I could also see something like wrapping them around your neck once or twice before tying them so the part that dangles down isn't as long. Someone more clueful than I am could probably think of more suggestions too. For outfits that stand out as looking professional and polished while being true to your style, I think the second pic in #2 is my favorite. I also really like the last pic in #1, the first one in #2, the last one in #4, the one with the collared shirt in #5, and the third one in #9. (I think I got the numbering right in all of those!) Janet on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354618 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:24:51 +0000 Janet 1354618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great advice so far. I echo the advice for structure, and I would add that if you are willing to consider it, I think your hair looks terrific shorter and it adds a more polished, professional touch to your look. viva on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354593 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:04:02 +0000 viva 1354593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think everyone's given great advice. When I was lookin at the pictures I felt you looked the most professional where the accessories added some definition, or structure. So I think that may be even more important than the pants. Use your gorgeous scarves and necklaces and add a jacket or two to amp up the looks. Vix on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354589 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:59:17 +0000 Vix 1354589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ COLLAGE 5 and 6 (floral pants) <ul> <li>C5 Photo 2 and C6 Photo 2 and 4 are the best IMO. Adding a jacket in colder weather to C5P2 would be nice, too. I'd definitely wait before breaking these pants out, and maybe ease in by wearing them on a Friday to start.</li> </ul> COLLAGE 7  <ul> <li>Pants fit looks off; instincts re purging are good. I could see top in Photo 1 looking great with crisp slim pants, though.</li> </ul> COLLAGE 8  <ul> <li>Yes to both as long as boldly colored pants don't freak people out, ha</li> </ul> COLLAGE 9 <ul> <li>Yes to outfits in photos 2 and 3; they look most intentional and pulled together </li> </ul> Seems like you have plenty to get you started, and maybe you can use your NEW PAYCHECK (!!111!!!) to mix in some new things as needed. missvee on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354580 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:49:26 +0000 missvee 1354580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How wonderful that the job has come through for you. I think you've had some good advice above. Just one other thing - wearing the scarves as headbands seems quite a casual look to me. I'm not sure how it will read in the workplace but I think you'll soon get the lay of the land once you've started. My absolute favourite of all the looks is the 3rd one in 9 with the tonal blue/greys on top plus the interesting necklace. It's a simple outfit but has a quiet elegance I think. Vix on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354578 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:46:50 +0000 Vix 1354578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi MG -- I'm superstitious about job stuff til Is are dotted and Ts crossed, so I'll just say congrats on getting very, very, very far along in the process! Great feedback from YLFers above. IME every casual office has its norms, so you'll have to observe and take what works for you. So with that disclaimer out of the way, I'll give my .02 based on: >I don't want to be taken for a graduate student or an intern (I'm often taken for much younger than I am).  Oh -- I'm just going to go with the ones that read most polished and "safe for new office" to me as-is or with a change or two. ps I can see why you get taken for younger than 47! Is your haircut the new you or past you? I really like it and think it adds a lot of sassy style.  COLLAGE 1 <ul> <li>Photo 1: yes with switch to untucked pants/jeans </li> <li>Photo 4: yes with addition of bold jewelry -- long pendant? necklace that fills in neckline a bit? [as-is prob ok for Friday]</li> <li>Photo 5: yes with pants switched to untucked; as-is prob ok for Friday</li> </ul> COLLAGE 2 <ul> <li>Photo 1: yes with switch to printed top *and/or* darker, "fancier" looking shoes/booties/boots</li> <li>Photo 2: yes as-is</li> <li>Photo 3: maaaaybe (sr. women do sleeveless in my office, usually in dresses or button ups; generally I toss on sheer linen/cotton cardigan instead)</li> </ul> COLLAGE 3 <ul> <li>Photo 1: yes (?) pants look a little faded, could be lighting -- think this would be stronger with darker pants (or a skirt!)</li> <li>Photo 3: YES ;)</li> <li>[Other looks: cardigan in #2 looks rather big/bathrobe-y; jacket/cardigan in #4 might be better unbuttoned, seems a little "tired" as-is]</li> </ul> COLLAGE 4 <ul> <li>Photos 2-4 seem strongest</li> </ul> (con't) Beth Ann on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354541 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 16:29:06 +0000 Beth Ann 1354541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on completing your PhD and being really, honestly employed!  (As the wife of a PhD in the hot field of New Testament Studies, I truly value this.) Firstly, you have a great sense of style, and you know a lot about what works for you -- color, shape -- and what makes you happy -- your inner hippie magpie.  I see all that in these pics and more. Some thoughts for office wear: 1.  Your favored mix is high flow/drape, with a bit of structure.  For the office, I'd up that structure element --- say, 10-15%.  Others have already mentioned the power of jackets, and I find that ponte jackets feel like cardis, but add the need element.  I have 4 in my closet:  a black moto (yep, in ponte, and I'm dying inside because it's getting old), a raspberry, a cobalt, and a new red one from Target. 2.  Buttons (and button fronts), crisp shoulder seams and tapered sleeves, boots, cuffs, belts, bold jewelery --- all these read in the eye as structural elements.  I'd include hair that shapes the face (love your haircut), and Angie includes skin, as structural elements.  BTW -- if you ever grow your hair out, I think some fringing about the face will keep this element.  You appear more casual to me with your hair completely off your face. 3.  I like a scarf or necklace on you for the workplace, if it doesn't get in your way.  It draws attention to your face, and adds a level of dressiness.  Oh -- and you have cool scarves and necklaces! 4.  I agree that grey jeans (unless they're new and deeply colored) read more casual, as does all but the darkest, dressiest denim.  You don't know yet how dressy your supervisors and colleagues will be, of course.  Still, keeping that bit of "smart" and "polish" in your casual is always a winning scenario! They're lucky to have you! Liz on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354539 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 16:23:40 +0000 Liz 1354539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting, I picked out the same pictures Elly did as being the most professional looking. What I realize is that in them, your hair is styled, and you are wearing more structured cuts.  I can't see enough detail on fit or fabric to give much specific feedback. In general, even in my casual setting, I feel most professional in clothes with some structure, that fit well, and where the fabrics are still feeling fresh and new.  celia on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354523 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:53:20 +0000 celia 1354523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi . Congrats again on the new job. In general I agree with your assessment . If you want to stand out I would (and I do) make my outfits more smart casual. For example if you wear jeans try to wear it with a topper with more structure like a blazer instead of a cardigan, and if you wear a cardigan try to wear it with trousers instead of jeans. The only thing I really think looks too casual are the meg giants tucked into high boots. For an office it seems to casual to have pants tucked into high boots, IMO. I actually like the outfits in #2 and find the muted floral pants good for the office. Since you have to replace the grey jeans why not buy some pants that are not jeans for variety sake? I think also that as you put this outfits to action you will have a better idea of what feels better so I wouldn't make a big investment just now. Elly on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354521 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:52:17 +0000 Elly 1354521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pic 1 from set 1 --- pic 2 and 3 from set 2 -- pic 4 from set 4 seem the most professional to me. Despite all being slim pants or jeans and knitwear, these all have a level of structure and accessorizing that takes them beyond the drapey tee and sweater casual look. The gray jeans are the only pair that would be hard to pull off in an office, I think-- the tapestry and burgundy pair need to be paired with something a bit professional/sedate/structured. I like the drapey scarves more with the tailored structured tops, not paired with other drapey elements. IDK where you are at, but a leather jacket in an office-y style in deep color would add structure without being formal or stiff. I love the blue button down, but feel like it needs slacks and a belt with a semi-tuck. I think 2-3 from set one, and 4 from set 2 are ready for the office if worn with a pencil skirt (even a tube pencil) instead of the jeans. I would look at some of Shannon's WIWs-- she has a similar body type and a great office style.  Maybe start with wearing those that are positively identified and after you start and see what the office dress is like, start incorporating a few new "business" purchases. Really good shoes, bags, watches, belts, and toppers will also ID you as staff rather than a student.  Jules on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354514 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:45:27 +0000 Jules 1354514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just to address one item, to me gray jeans do read casual. Maybe because they look like they are faded, old versions of something else. Which is often purposeful with denim washes, but to me those are more casual looks. Black and darker, even washes of denim worn with nice toppers and shoes read dressier. If you are in a casual setting with no dress code I think these are distinctions that matter, if only to ourselves MuseumGal on "Office appropriate?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/office-appropriate#post-1354476 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:51:14 +0000 MuseumGal 1354476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's been almost a month, but we finally have some action on my job offer - the background check was submitted yesterday, so the formal offer should happen next week (she said hopefully). It's been 10 years since I last worked in an office, and that was in a different place, and I was (obviously) 10-15 years younger.  I'm now 47, the office seems relatively casual (it's a university department, but a publishing house, not an academic department), and I will be working as a curriculum developer for said publishing house.  What I would like feed back on:  are these outfits too casual for me now?  I wore all these as a PhD candidate and felt absolutely fine in them; indeed I was often over-dressed - but now I need some outside feedback on if they are appropriate for my new situation.  I don't want to be taken for a graduate student or an intern (I'm often taken for much younger than I am).  If you could say why x outfit is not appropriate, that would help too (i.e. "would be OK with different shoes," or "grey jeans just not office appropriate," etc.). 1 - black jeggings tucked knee high boots - is this appropriate for an actual adult professional, or should I leave it for weekends? 2 - black jeans for warm weather - I know the proportions of the skinny jeans and my top-heavy-ness is not the best, but otherwise, do these seem office appropriate? 3-4 black jeans for cooler weather - again, too young/casual, or OK? 5-6 these outfits are based around a pair blue floral print pants (I know the second set looks like black, but it's just poor lighting).  Floral pants are an OK office item?  These are pretty muted. 7 Grey jeans - I think I actually purged this pair, because they gave me elephant knees, but I've been looking to replace them - are grey jeans going to be OK for office wear? 8 - 9 Red and olive twill trousers - my impression is that these outfits would be fine.  Do you concur? Thanks for your help and feedback, I really appreciate it!