https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:07:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902372 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 23:56:26 +0000 Carla 1902372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Popping your collar, and pushing up the sleeves of a jacket brings the formality down a notch. Cropped trousers can read a little less formal, especially with loafers or oxfords or a refined slip on sneaker. From your posts in the past, I think you have what you need in your closet. This might be an opportunity to tweak your hair as well...some choppy layers, or a messy French twist.</p> <p>You remind me of Rene Russo.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902357 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 23:06:33 +0000 Anonymous 1902357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on the new job. You need a bag big enough for carrying dog treats. Are loafers or oxfords ok for footwear? You could jump on the cowboy boot trend, with boot cut jeans. Could you wear graphic tees or sweatshirts with your skirts or jackets? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902353 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:55:44 +0000 Mainelady 1902353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your new job! How fun to be able to take dogs to work! I don’t have much to offer as you have been given great suggestions. Your job sounds like New England Weekend could be your work style. Check out some LL Bean, J Crew, Sperry Topsider, Ralph Lauren and Lands End websites to see if anything inspires you. Please do stay true to who you are and make sure you include some happiness factors with your new Work wear. I hope you will post some of your favorite new outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902348 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:38:01 +0000 JAileen 1902348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have any particular style suggestions, but taking your dog to work sounds like fun. Mr Skunky, our Scottie, is very social and would enjoy meeting everyone, and playing with their dogs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902340 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 21:56:30 +0000 Chiara 1902340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure why that find keeps popping up in my post- it's not relevant, and won't accept it being removed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902337 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 21:55:08 +0000 Chiara 1902337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this conundrum also- I look my best in very tailored and structured clothing, but they are completely out of synch with my workplace and the young adult clients I work with.<br />Another approach I use (along with many of those excellent suggestions already made, like t-shirts with jackets) is to look for tailored items in more casual fabrics eg tailored trousers, in denim or with jeans hardware. This way I get the fit and structure which is actually most flattering, but the fabric still fits with my context. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902211 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:35:46 +0000 jussie 1902211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats! I really like those two j crew items you’ve ordered. Here are my ideas on casual work wear:<br /> 1) I think chambray shirts are a good alternative, kind of in between a tailored shirt and a t- shirt.<br /> 2) I recently wore black jeans, black long sleeved top and black boots with a funky kimono over the top, that could be a good formula I think.<br /> 3) black jeans for a slightly dressier jean, or coloured denim. I have a pair of bergundy jeans which are proving quite useful.<br /> 4) at the moment I’m loving bomber jackets- casual but still pretty funky- and way above a tracksuit top.<br /> 4) shift dress with cardigan and scarf over the top, tights and boots if needed for warmth. This is mostly what I wear to work currently.<br /> 5) you could try ponte pants with a long tunic or oversized button up shirt, perhaps a long cardi.<br /> 6) I’m a lover of floral pants with a solid colour top.<br /> Best of luck with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902204 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:16:19 +0000 viva 1902204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with what Suz said. This is not going to be difficult!</p> <p>As I recall, you have some great jeans. What about graphic tees under your great blazers? Especially with sneakers too. Maybe think about ratio - one dressy item per outfit or something? Silk blouse, jeans and booties. Tee shirt, BF khakis, jean jacket, and heeled sandals. I actually think this kind of mixing is a very JCrew vibe you do well. Congrats and good luck!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902201 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:13:05 +0000 Jjsloane 1902201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, I'm breathing a bit easier now.&nbsp;<br />Diana - I'm psyched to break out my crazy pants and some fun jackets!<br />Vix - great suggestions<br />Suz - you are my inspiration&nbsp;<br />Jane - I've resisted culottes because I have horifying memories of them in grade school, but never say never right?<br />La Pedestrienne - excellent advice, that was a post I reviewed recently<br />Rachylou - good FFBO plan and I'm not sure yet if my gigantic dog will come with me, but it's nice to know he could<br />kkards - I'm thinking sneakers (nice fashiony ones at least) will work<br />Angie - thank you! I need to assess shoes and jeans collection for sure.&nbsp;<br />Below is what I wore for interview (with some cognac booties) and felt perfectly appropriate, but dressy enough for me. They warned not to wear a suit.&nbsp;<br />I just need to figure out a Day 1 outfit to scope out the real situation (I only interviewed with me so far in person) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902127 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:56:16 +0000 Suz 1902127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jeanne, congrats on the new job!&nbsp;</p> <p>You're going to have to dress the way I have to dress. And it turns out it's not so bad after all. Like you, I veer polished, but I've learned that irregular outfit juxtaposition allows you to wear your favourite pieces and still feel casual enough. All the suggestions above are great. Loved Inge's links!&nbsp;</p> <p>I also worked for a company where I was one of the oldest. Psssst...it's not so hard. Add denim and stir. &nbsp;:) Wear your dresses with a denim jacket. Wear your great blazers with jeans. Wear a denim skirt with a silk blouse. Etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having met you in person, I think this is going to be a lot easier for you than you fear. First off, you are energetic and lively so that makes you come across as current. Second, your preppy gene is downright fun. Fun and whimsical and conversational items -- even if dressy -- will make you approachable. In fact, I'm betting that some of the younger women will start taking note of your fashion sense and you may become known for it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902122 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:29:20 +0000 Vix 1902122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jjsloane --</p> <p>Congrats on the new job! I know the vibe. Two words: cashmere hoodie. ;)</p> <p>Lots of great ideas above.</p> <p>Q: Are you a fairly formal person in terms of manner? I'm not, so I think that helps. I just say things like, "don't be alarmed, I'm wearing a dress PLUS A PRINT today but don't worry, I'm not handing out a pop quiz." I've turned up in similar items to the (much younger) staff, just styled differently, so that gives commonality. </p> <p>I'm also not super-polished and have to actually pay attention to that at some sites / for client meetings! So if you can dial back on perfectly done whatever without feeling scandalized that can help balance out the dressier clothes. [Some can't do one without the other, I know.] Or have "done" nails but in flashy, on-trend colors.</p> <p>IDK...I'm not an sporty, natural/rustic, or unisex dresser so I just stick to my style but make sure to incorporate elements that would be wildly inappropriate in a formal business environment. Really the more the better. </p> <p>Trying to think of warm-weather examples that I've worn or have ready to go in case it ever GETS warm.... Really just echoing above but color, print, bold are inherently more casual. </p> <p>-- metallic sandals + dangly earrings + silk whatever in bold print + "office-y" pants/skirt/dress</p> <p>-- knee-length linen cardigan + column of color (denim flares + dark blue top OR jersey dress ]OR print jersey skirt and top)</p> <p>-- longer (mid-thigh to knee) tunics over flares or skinnies or "office-y" skirts/dresses&nbsp;</p> <p>-- print bomber jacket (or hoodie if you can!) over jersey or more "office-y" skirt/dresses&nbsp;</p> <p>-- not as much my thing but pattern-mixing</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902068 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:49:45 +0000 Diana 1902068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the new job! &nbsp;And good to see you again here. &nbsp;=)</p> <p>Re: jackets. I find that I get a lot more wear out of the non-classic-blazer cut ones. So, like my shrunken black jacket, the tweed moto jacket, the plaid riding jacket, that kind of thing. &nbsp;</p> <p>Fun prints/pattern mixing. &nbsp;I feel like you can get away with dressier items in a casual setting by going more wild with the prints and colors. &nbsp;LOL, at some point "creative" overcomes "dressy". &nbsp;My theory anyway. &nbsp;I fully realize that not everyone wants to look like a crazy person like I do. ;)</p> <p>Also, funky flat shoes are always good.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902058 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:25:02 +0000 Jane 1902058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohh! the Boden shirt is lovely with the ballet shoes. Congratulations on your new job. I wonder how you would feel about wearing culottes? They are easy to dress up and down, but also suitably polished I think.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902051 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:49:00 +0000 LaPed 1902051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Remember that formula post Angie did last month on pencil skirt + sweatshirt? I think the fun part of dressy-casual is the juxtaposition. Sneakers with dresses, blazers with jeans, etc. </p> <p>Knitwear really shines in this context, too. There are so many cool sweater blazers and knit motos out there. Not as structured as the real deal, but a couple steps up from a hoodie. ;)</p> <p>And for cool weather, there are infinite permutations of the tunic/dress plus skinny pants plus tall boots formula.</p> <p>Last thought: hair and make-up are key to making casual looks feel polished. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902048 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:39:44 +0000 rachylou 1902048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats! I want a job where Lilypup can come to work too!</p> <p>I have found the tee and jacket formula to work great with those who fear formal, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1902007 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:46:08 +0000 Angie 1902007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(WOOOHOOO. Dogs at work. My type of place).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jeanne</b>, MISSED YOU. Lovely to see you post. Congrats on the new job.&nbsp;</p> <p>You're on the right track with your "tweaks", <i>but NO need to not be you. </i>I'm a dressy casual person too - I get it. Would feel odd any other way. &nbsp;Stay true to your style.</p> <p>Some suggestions:</p> <ul> <li>Swap out the pants for jeans.&nbsp;</li> <li>Add denim jackets to dresses&nbsp;and skirts</li> <li>Wear footwear up to an inch high (dressy flats are fab)</li> <li>Incorporate fun fashion sneakers</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901992 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:06:50 +0000 kkards 1901992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>congratulations!&nbsp;<br />can you wear sneakers? i can see dressing down an outfit/dress easy by just wearing sneakers...<br />and you can dress down a blazer by wearing a tee or knit under it instead of a blouse or shirt, especially if you wear it with jeans </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901956 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:32:37 +0000 Jjsloane 1901956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How nice to know I’m not alone. Keep it coming, especially been there done that stories. Very helpful.<br /> Inge - thank you for the fantastic ideas! I’ve pinned away! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901939 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:32:10 +0000 bj1111 1901939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>jeanne</p> <p>congrats on the new job!&nbsp; you will look fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901926 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 13:44:08 +0000 Bijou 1901926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on the new job. I sympathise with you on this one, because I a prefer to dress in a polished style and I had a job for 5 years that was casual dress code. 18 months ago I changed jobs (not because of the dress code) and I have got back into a corporate office environment and I am much happier! So whilst for some, casual dress is wonderful, it was not my preference.</p> <p>I love what you have picked to add to your wardrobe, these pieces are perfect. It is a great idea to have a few new outfits chosen to wear and you can gradually add to it.</p> <p>What I learnt in the 5 years when I was forced to dress in a casual way:<br />- booties and flats are more casual footwear options than heeled pumps;<br />- dressy jeans and chino / cargo pants are a great option;<br />- cardigans and soft jackets are more casual than structured coats and jackets (I love tailoring, so I did not go with this one too much)<br />- wear blazers with a t-shirt &nbsp;or blouse (rather than a button down shirt) underneath, it makes the blazer look more casual;<br />- I wore skirts and dresses, but tended to go for more casual fabrics and / or styles;<br />- I wore more bright and happy colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>To add to the happiness factor, I bought some lovely scarves, enjoyed wearing more bold earrings or a statement necklace. I also swapped out my black handbag with more fun, bright and casual items.&nbsp;</p> <p>In retrospect, having to dress casually for 5 years has helped me up the fun factor in my corporate wear. I still enjoy wearing bolder styled footwear and accessories and I won't give up on colour. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901913 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:58:24 +0000 Anonymous 1901913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on new job! Would love to offer style advice but every casual office I was in I got “in trouble “- LOL. My idea of casual is also a little more “dressy “ and I was told to stop making the rest of them “look bad”-it wasn’t on purpose- it’s just me. But when I stayed at a place long enough I did find there were 2 camps- 1 started dressing more “nice “ casual and 1 group went totally in other direction- too funny! Reminds me of the movie “ the Intern” .<br /> There are plenty of YLF Friends who will be a great help.... just not me..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901911 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:53:03 +0000 Inge 1901911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA: I really am so excited for you, Jeanne, and just looked through my Pinterest boards for some visual inspiration. Perhaps this will spark some more ideas?<br />And we are always here to help!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090666/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090666/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090646/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090646/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090648/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090648/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090653/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090653/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090645/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517076090645/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517075216799/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517075216799/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517074790928/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517074790928/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517074782942/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517074782942/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517072635884/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517072635884/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070804582/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070804582/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AYPXtU4ehi2TTJJHlsvEPd3feOtXrclaXZNancpodDP7Ekv-KAuudK5I-XHhTRgxPxuUDQ0mVUVnIldC-aZ--Z4/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/.....TRgxPxuUDQ</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901910 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:38:56 +0000 Liz 1901910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with the same thing. My advice would be to go as "sloppy" and "rough" as you can stand with some clothing items -- not-polished t-shirts, rough utility jackets, non-polished denim. Then mix these with your jackets and blouses. I'd suggest against trousers and just go to straight to jeans. </p> <p>My problem is that even when I go for a utility jacket or denim jacket or jeans, I go for the polished version, and end up looking more dressy or polished than I intended. Like you, I'm in a very casual, very young environment, and I can really stand out as stuff when I dress in a way that says "work" to me.&nbsp; Many people would say it doesn't matter, but I can stick out as much in a polished outfit as if I were wearing a suit and heels, and it does affect perceptions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901908 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:37:13 +0000 RobinF 1901908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like fun! I used to work in banking and accounting so had to wear suits to work. Now I am in a manufacturing environment (although in the office) and get to dress more casually which I love. We only get to wear jeans on Friday though!&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the look of a blazer with jeans and agree with Inge that sneakers would be a fun look and casual-ize an outfit. Definitely jean jackets, especially with dresses. I bet you will get used to this pretty easily! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901907 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:30:59 +0000 Inge 1901907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How exciting and congratulations on the new job, Jeanne!<br />It looks like you already have some very good ideas on how to casualize your work outfits. I love the items you have on order and am excited that your denim jackets will get more wear (wear them with your skirts and dresses for a more casual vibe or with the new blouses and your dressy trousers).<br />I also like the idea of flats, loafers and booties, and was also thinking you could add a pair of oxfords or sneaker/oxford hybrids to wear with pants, dresses, skirts and jeans for a more casual vibe?<br />And, if it appeals to you, you could look into getting a few (graphic) tees that you can pair with your beautiful jackets and jeans (or even trousers), as a tee (paired with more casual footwear) is a great way to dress down a look as well.</p> <p>I'm very much looking forward to see your new style evolution, Jeanne, and have complete confidence that you will rock your new look AND new job!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-new-job---help-with-casualization#post-1901902 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:21:07 +0000 Jjsloane 1901902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all, long time I know. I keep an eye on you, but have not been much of a regular poster for awhile, but I know you're always here - very comforting.<br />I start a new job on Monday at a much more casual place than I've been at for 11 years. I was interviewed by folks in hoodies and people bring dogs to work. <br />My old uniform of dresses and blazers will be closeted and only surface for customer meetings.&nbsp; I am the dressiest casual person. I have difficulty wearing hoodies for anything, even dog walking. I've read through several of Angie's posts on Business Casual and have some ideas. I figure I'll need to increase my pant/jean wardrobe and ditch the pumps for booties and loafers. I won't be able to ditch my jackets, but maybe soften them up a bit and add some whimsy?&nbsp;<br />I just ordered the Boden Paris blouse in the red with ballet flats print and am ordering the J Crew elephant shirt and kimono cardigan.&nbsp;<br />I need to rework my wardrobe, but would love any ideas to not look too stuffy in my new (and younger) environment. I'd like to still wear dresses and skirts on occasion, but am thinking the footwear will be key. The good news is I think my rarely worn collection of denim jackets may finally get some play.<br />Thanks! </p>