https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:55:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139854 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 16:43:15 +0000 gradfashionista 1139854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about shifting your focus from colours to fabrics and textures? Are your outfits varied in texture as of now? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139833 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 16:29:31 +0000 K. Period. 1139833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you are stuck with some very limiting rules that you will not be able to bend. &nbsp;At times like that (and I've worked in environments with very limiting dress rules),&nbsp;I'm like Dana (Ironkurtin). &nbsp;Recognizing the limits of your work wear, you buy the best quality and most interesting but appropriate cuts that you can and just view your work wardrobe as a uniform that you must wear. &nbsp;Then you use your weekend/time off wear to express your love of fashion.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm very pragmatic about this type of thing. &nbsp;We all play roles and wear uniforms in our lives. &nbsp;Lots of people are required to wear uniforms for work. &nbsp;Yours just happens to be a much more sophisticated and expensive one, which allows you the ability to use choice of cut and fabric and&nbsp;tailoring to make it beautiful, even if it is a uniform. For what it is worth,&nbsp;lots of people choose to wear uniforms, even in the fashion world. &nbsp;</p> <p>You might consider looking for designers who have a more interesting avant-garde feel to their&nbsp;aesthetic. &nbsp;Helmut Lang and Theory suiting both are slightly more interesting than&nbsp;the typical (lovely, but conservative)&nbsp;Brooks Brothers style traditional suiting. &nbsp;What about something like that?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139625 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 12:02:29 +0000 rute 1139625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>add some color with your bag and/or a scarf </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139549 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 06:29:46 +0000 Gigi 1139549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The eyeglass frames sound beautiful! Yes, I would definitely wear them, at least some of the time. I think sometimes enjoying style is about switching things around and not just sticking with one thing. Variety can help keep&nbsp;things feeling fresh if you have a small "core" of clothes that you have to stick to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139495 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 04:11:06 +0000 Beth Ann 1139495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've had some great ideas already, and I so understand feeling boxed in with restrictions on the job!</p> <p>What about viewing "minimalist" style on Pinterest or through blogs.&nbsp; I'm thinking hi-end European styles.&nbsp; Beauty can be expressed through amazing fit and hi quality tailoring and yard goods.&nbsp; Another idea:&nbsp; Pair black with brown, navy with black, grey with brown.&nbsp; These are modern pairings of neutrals and will highlight beautiful, office appropriate items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139484 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 03:54:44 +0000 T 1139484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, ha ha, yes I do have eyeglasses, but since my number is very small I tend to be rather negligent about wearing it unless I'm attending a conference or watching a movie at the cinema. Come to think of it I could wear it more often, as I specifically got a deep aubergine purple frame to offset my green eyes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1139028 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:27:55 +0000 Gigi 1139028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>T, I don't have any advice but just wanted to say that I am sorry that your dress code is so strict! We do not cease to be people when we walk in the door at work...such a strict dress code does not let you be the individual person that you are. I sure hope that some of the advice you've gotten helps you out!</p> <p>Oh, did anyone mention eyeglasses? Do you need to wear eyeglasses? If you need glasses, maybe you could get a trendy pair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138501 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:24:39 +0000 T 1138501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Ramya: I really appreciate you taking the time out and providing such wonderful ideas. :)</p> <p>I haven't seen Sarkar 2 or Corporate but I'm gonna grab both movies this weekend just to get some fashion inspiration - a rather cool way na?</p> <p>Oh yes, handbag! I looked, there is no policy on that! I guess my next purchase is gonna be either a fire engine red laptop bag! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138475 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:03:33 +0000 T 1138475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Gryffin: Yes, those tips are super helpful! I never really thought about small things like broaches, silk scarves &amp; vintage pearl earrings... I am definately going to try to experiement with all your suggestions! Thank you so much! :D</p> <p>@Tracey: Yes, I agree. If Gryffin's ideas and other's suggested&nbsp;don't work out for me, I will have to start thinking of it in terms of a uniform and just get over it! :D</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138452 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:48:41 +0000 ramya 1138452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are a Punjabi I get why you don't like it :). The loose kameez and leggings were my staple for hot Mumbai days and Patiyala salwars and knee length&nbsp; kurtas were life saver during April/May :).</p> <p>I had a friend who loved to wear sari's for presentation. Think crisp cotton, Blouse with elbow length sleeve and collar. But I just found it too much work. <br />Hey think Ash in Sarkar 2 or Bipasha in Corporate movie. Put in Baby pink&nbsp; pearl earrings , a little false diamond stud. Pull up your hair in bun. Somedays put into high pony tail. Let your handbag be the rebel. Carry it in some fun color. (they would not see your handbag and object). I will try and think of more ways to bend the rules. I am an IT gal but used to work at client side in an investment bank.So sigh dress code.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138448 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:46:45 +0000 T 1138448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Ironkurtin: Yes, I think I will have to adopt this policy, seeing that I have the bulk of my career ahead of me :D</p> <p>@Suz: You are making a lot of sense, and I feel better after reading your reply. I may have to approach this as a blend of the two - change what I can &amp; accept what I cannot </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138447 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:45:50 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1138447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>it sounds like your creativity is stifled in your work wear and I think the unifrom approach might be a good way for you to view it and save the creativity for the rest of your life. &nbsp;So many people have no choice but to wear the exact same uniform every single day with absolutely no variety. &nbsp;You at least have some variety to work with. &nbsp;Hoping you can find peace around this as it is tough to feel not like yourself in clothes.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138445 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:45:23 +0000 gryffin 1138445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>T - can you play with silhouette?&nbsp; Midi skirt with fitted, maybe peplum jacket (I am thinking Dior's new look).&nbsp; Broaches or small clusters of pins - are they allowed?&nbsp; Can you wear silk scarves?&nbsp; Perhaps with an interesting scarf clip or pin?&nbsp; Sharp tailoring?&nbsp; If there were ever a need for perfect fit, it sounds like it's here.&nbsp; What about earrings?&nbsp; Interesting or vintage buttons something unique but conservative&nbsp;that you could be known for?&nbsp; Pearls?&nbsp; I had a friend who was very conservative.&nbsp; She wore a neutral shell and suit everday, but her clothing fit her so beautifully she was always stunning.&nbsp; Also handbag?&nbsp; tote? again back to accessories?&nbsp; Any areas for adaption? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138442 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:39:46 +0000 T 1138442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@April: Thank you for understanding! I guess experimenting at another level is one way to channel my creativity!</p> <p>@Ramya:&nbsp;I love your pinstripe &amp; blouse ideas. Thanks for those! Also the ebay one for dresses! I'm gonna be looking up for those.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am a Punjabi, and a major stickler for well-fitted salwar kameezes. I always get them fitted &amp; tailored (under the bust &amp; at the waist)&nbsp;and the salwar has to have proper pleats - preferably a patiyala and I do wear them to work sometimes. They are my days of fun when I inject color &amp; life into my day - but this is mostly days when I'm not making any presentations - far &amp; too few.&nbsp;</p> <p>The loose tunic - legging - stole epidemic is at its height in corporate India. It does look chic &amp; comfortable, and I like the look on others&nbsp;but it is not something I can carry off without looking frumpy. I don't seem to enjoy wearing it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138438 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:30:42 +0000 Suz 1138438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd suggest a blend of the two approaches so far:&nbsp;</p> <p>1. See to what tiny degree you might be able to bend the "rules" without offending -- a patterned knit top instead of a button down, more contemporary footwear, a great bag, skirts just a shade brighter but not too bright.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. Decide it is a uniform, buy superbly fitting versions of the parts, and forget it -- dress to please yourself on your days off.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have several women on the board who manage to dress beautifully in "business" attire but their rules are more flexible than yours appear to be.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138435 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:25:45 +0000 ironkurtin 1138435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try to think of your clothing as a uniform and dismiss it from your mind. I would suggest buying the best corporate basics you can and tailoring them so they fit very well. Then stop thinking about it, because you're done.</p> <p>Beautiful undergarments is a good idea as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138434 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:24:48 +0000 T 1138434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Chadya: Nope, I work in India. To be honest, the dress codes here are also quite relaxed - especially in IT, media &amp; tech based firms. I work in a sector that is lot more organised &amp; formal. Plus my role/profile is sort of like an internal consultant - so the sharp, structured dress codes of consultants apply to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138420 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:57:38 +0000 Anonymous 1138420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad I don't have to observe corporate dress code rules, particularly those as strict as the ones you describe. I hope you can find a way to get around the stuffiness just a bit. I have no suggestions other than to say good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138417 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:51:50 +0000 ramya 1138417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>T are salwar kameez not allowed ? I remember back when I worked in office Salwars were formal wear . So anything with legging and stole made into the cut :D<br />So fit and flare, tights + a scarf would gain you entry :)</p> <p>You can always ebay or search on Amazon for formal dress. They may be tad more expensive than in India. But worth a search.</p> <p>Pinstripes should work right? So get&nbsp; your favourite Pinstripe or tweed fabric from the market and get a darji/tailor to stitch it exactly similar to your favorite blazer.</p> <p>Is it mandatory that you wear button downs? May be you could wear blouses inside your blazers.Say something like this?<br /><a href="http://www.shoppersstop.com/women/apparel/shirts-tops-tees/vero-moda-ladies-polyester-top-276202.html?color=SUBURB%20K-03%20S/B%20WINE" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoppersstop.com/wo.....276202.htm</a></p> <p>Or a black and white tiny polka dot top? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138416 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:48:58 +0000 April 1138416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Certain fields like banking encourage a deeply boring aesthetic as a way of making clients feel that everything is stable. &nbsp;(Personally, I don't worry much that my banker will run off to the Caymans because she&nbsp;came to work without pantyhose, but maybe I'm wackily liberal in that regard.)</p> <p>I feel for you, T. &nbsp;I worked in public education, where the dress code forbid any sort of denim yet allowed lots of stretch pants and holiday sweaters. &nbsp;Open-toed shoes weren't allowed, yet chunky running shoes were okay. &nbsp;</p> <p>How about wicked underwear? &nbsp;Would it help to know that something more interesting was happening at some layer of your outfit? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138409 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:29:37 +0000 chadya 1138409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess you don't work here in the US, where there should be an effort to encourage a bit more "formality" in dressing for work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/rant-corporate-dress-codes-are-boring#post-1138398 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:07:45 +0000 T 1138398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I seem to find corporate dress codes exceedingly boring.</p> <p>I work in an formal environment where there is a dress code policy even for accessories &amp; makeup (nothing big, blingy, too colorful or loud). Every few months I get bored with my office attire. For facilitation sessions I wear slim fit trousers (generally black, blue or brown. Pants that are any other color are seen as too fancy!)&nbsp;with collared button up shirts (in muted shades) and a blazer. During summers I am able to wear my black pencil skirts - but they too need to be knee length minimum. Formal dresses - those that are sold in India - are rather badly designed &amp; not worth the price.&nbsp;</p> <p>To me it is a gloomy situation as I cannot wear my colored ballet flats or colored&nbsp;pencil skirts - they may be too colored for office.&nbsp;</p> <p>My personal style over the weekend includes skinny jeans, booties, blazers, plaid shirts, oversized cardigans, maxi skirts, denim &amp; moto jackets, in patterns I love stars, stripes &amp; polka dots other than plaid,&nbsp;colored pencil skirts and fit &amp; flare dresses (cannot wear to office, as they are a little above the knee. I have thought of pairing them with opaque tights - but again no one wears tights in India, and I would stand out a lot in office if I did so). Maybe my personal style runs very casual and hence I find corporate style stuffy?</p> <p>Currently I am a little irritated at the stuffy nature of corporate dressing, I feel like compared to casual clothing, it hasn't evolved to provide enough styles, colors&nbsp;&amp; options where one can express individuality or have any sort of fun with it.&nbsp;</p> <p>My apologies to those of you who like the corporate way of dressing. I certainly am not implying that you are stuffy or boring. I get that dress codes are important for conducting business smoothly for a variety of reasons. It is just me who is unable to find much joy in it beyond a point.&nbsp;</p> <p>Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you for reading! </p>