YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Work appropriate

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Work appropriate https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:59:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Helen11 on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679891 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:51:25 +0000 Helen11 1679891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ PS Congratulations on your new job! Helen11 on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679890 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:50:49 +0000 Helen11 1679890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My only thought to add to the wise advice above, is that if your clothes are more casual, you could increase the professionalism of the look with hairstyle, make up or jewellery/ accessories. Not sure what you think about that. It can be hard to find that balance of professional and casual! Anonymous on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679723 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 03:12:23 +0000 Anonymous 1679723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As a former teacher, I found that one should never wear anything that a student would wear, like sneakers or tee shirts, unless there are medical reasons. I see teachers here wearing dresses or skirts with denim jackets or denim skirts with nice tops. They look casual yet professional. Footwear might be athletic maryjanes or loafers. You want to show your students and their parents that there is value in getting an education and having a profession. Vix on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679365 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:08:28 +0000 Vix 1679365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sally (edited to get your name right...sorry 'bout early morning brain!) -- Congrats on the new job! Not much to add to the thoughtful comments above but this type of role + your location + specific school culture +++ your own style can make dressing more challenging than it should be til you get a few months behind you. I think you said you've lost quite a bit of weight, right, and are in need of new stuff? [sorry if mixed up] If so, I'd try to buy outfits vs individual pieces which can be tougher to do online. I'm not above repeating a catalog look if I think it will get the job done! To get even more simple than the advice others gave -- If the outfit looks too sporty you can layer a blazer over it. If it looks too formal you can try it with sportier/funkier shoes or top. You know? So maybe you're Teacher Sally, who always wears sleek jeans or twill but with "grown-up" shoes and top. Or a more conservative outfit but amazing sneakers. You get the idea. Good luck and keep us posted! Anonymous on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679361 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:05:24 +0000 Anonymous 1679361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz is an invaluable source of information on this topic. My daughter is a teacher and it's a challenge to span the different personas involved. You might also want to keep the parents in mind too, I know I felt better leaving my girls with people who looked like they could handle adult sized issues, wether it was advocating for students or crowd management in an emergency. I hate dressing up too but I don't like feeling inappropriate either. This might be one of those it's not always about me times. Angie on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679348 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 14:36:09 +0000 Angie 1679348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you get those pants in a versatile fabric Sally, they can absolutely double duty.  Suz on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679324 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:54:58 +0000 Suz 1679324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's really hard to talk in general terms about what makes something "work appropriate" which is why some places have restrictive dress codes -- or even uniforms. Otherwise it becomes a mess of interpretations.  But -- first order of business -- it has to be practical and safe for the job at hand. Different jobs = different types of clothing.  Next, you're thinking about the image you want to project. Typically, in roles of some responsibility, you want to convey a certain amount of gravitas. Teachers are in a peculiar position because they actually want to convey both authority and approachability. So it's a bit of a balance and as we've all noted above, different geographical areas will err on one side or another of the continuum.  Still, in general, beyond being neat, clean, etc. (which should be obvious!) work clothes tend to involve more structure and tailoring. This is across the board (ugh, so to speak). It could mean a full suit (for business/ lawyer types) or it could simply mean a pressed crisp shirt with denim. The tailoring and structure give an outfit its sense of being a bit more formal.  All-knit outfits that look like gym wear suggest that someone is "off duty." They are going exercising or curling up on their couch with a book. Not working. They look like home wear, not work wear.  If someone does not enjoy wearing tailored items due to comfort/ fit issues, then there are other ways of suggesting structure without actual tailoring (e.g. knit jackets, a knit skirt vs. jeans because a skirt reads as more formal, etc.)  I think as a teacher you can dress "smart casual." That means you can mix up casual pieces (like denim or like ponte pants) with a few more formal elements. You can have a lot of fun and be somewhat creative in your style.  Anonymous on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679300 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 11:56:34 +0000 Anonymous 1679300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it depends on where you live. In my little corner of the world, those outfits would be too casual. I've lived in various places, and the formality with which people dress does vary. Sally on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679285 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 11:07:39 +0000 Sally 1679285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Liz I think they are older as a lot of teachers are so dress conservatively but not necessarily polished or formal if you know what I mean.  Ledonna ...you are right about retaining style...I'll definitely will not be in heels and stockings.  And good idea RobinF and Ledonna to assess what others are wearing...maybe I should hold off buying new clothes until I see what they wear.  Thanks Angie...maybe I should get for casual.  I wonder if the black pants could be used for both casual and work.  delurked..the first outfit is from ezibuy a new Zealand/Australian online shopping catalogue <a href="http://www.ezibuy.co.nz" rel="nofollow">http://www.ezibuy.co.nz</a>   The other photo is one I got from pinterest. Thanks Suz.  I am already teaching in a similar school and have 2 or 3 different styles...usually straight teaching but will dress up for prize giving or parent teacher interviews.  Thanks Jill I definitely will err on the side of formality to start with but I wonder if we do dress down here more than other places.  Unfrumped...I like your idea of a suit with sneakers.  I have some lace up ankleboots...they would look good with a suit.  You've given me a good idea...I might buy a black suit! Rose...I wonder if we dress down a bit more in NZ.  I am a secondary school teacher and while I don't dance or crawl around, I need to be comfortable and don't know how some teachers can wear high heels and teach.   At my current school, we have all levels of the spectrum from light wash jeans and sneakers to bling and high heels.  I'm trying to find the middle ground.  I'm also interested in what makes an outfit casual/ work appropriate.  rose on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679040 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 18:58:27 +0000 rose 1679040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sally I too am a Kiwi teacher! It is an interesting line we walk in clothing choices, as we crawl around on the floor, dance, do P.E and generally make sillies of ourselves-and get paid for it!So our clothing has to be professional as well as practical.I think I agree with Unfrumped, it may be the amount of casual items in one outfit- not that I'm an expert. On sporty days or arty days I tend to be a little more casual, and I definitely aim for comfy shoes- would oxfords or loafers add a little more formality? Enjoy your new role- it's never boring! unfrumped on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1679021 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 17:55:12 +0000 unfrumped 1679021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrat! I think both of thesd are too casual because there are too many sporty - gear element in each and then none of the " traditional" grown/ up job elements. So you could weeaf the cropped sweater with z skirt and fkats or wear the pants with not- sneakers. You need s more polished top and/ or s jacket though your jacket could be s knit blazer or cardi or " neat" utility jacket. For example you could weat a " dressy T shirt meaning not a typical casual T , if wearing a knit blazer. Of the Ponte pants with loafers. Love the look of Converse but would like to see more teacher- identification. So it could be quirky- teacher to wear sneaks with a casual suit outfit, but less so to wear with skinnies and pullover. jill58 on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678983 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 16:48:49 +0000 jill58 1678983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I understand not wanting to wear designer labels but you will still need to project an image of authority -- you'll also be a role model for appropriate work clothing (depending on the age of your students). I too think #1 is too informal. I'm not even sure about #2. You would definitely need different footwear. I wouldn't invest too much until (as Ledonna pointed out) you can take a look at how formally others are dressing. Never hurts to be a bit overdressed to begin with. You don't want to look like a student and I think you can probably find some comfortable items that will give a polished look. I think the emphasis should be polished even if not super dressy. In the meantime congrats on the new job! It's always hard to know how exactly to dress when starting something new but I would start at least with something a bit less informal. Suz on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678948 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 15:31:44 +0000 Suz 1678948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on the new job! I am with Angie and Ledonna here. Check out what other teachers are wearing and go from there. It depends a great deal on the age of the students and the area in which you will be working, as well as (perhaps) on the day.  I used to teach secondary school in a rural area north of our city with a very mixed population. I had 3 "levels" of dress depending on my role on any particular day. Some days I wore denim or other casual pants, but I'd wear with a nice shirt or blouse, maybe a vest or sweater, and with fashionable yet comfortable footwear. Not athleisure -- except if I was supervising sport.  Other days (esp. if I had meetings etc)  I wore dress pants or skirts with the above.  And I had a skirt suit for meetings with district officials or parents and for special events.  I was not at all overdressed for my area.  Anonymous on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678941 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 15:05:32 +0000 Anonymous 1678941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think parts of the outfits will work. And I do like the style of both. What catalog are you referencing? Angie on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678901 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 13:38:33 +0000 Angie 1678901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also err on the side of these looks being too informal for your job. (Congrats, btw). Too athleisure and little perception of authority. Super cute for casual though. RobinF on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678900 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 13:36:13 +0000 RobinF 1678900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also think #1 is too casual but #2 would be good with slightly dressier shoes. I feel like cardigans are a little dressier than pullover sweaters too. I agree with Liz and Ledonna to see how the other teachers dress and use that as a guide. Ledonna N. on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678897 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 13:31:47 +0000 Ledonna N. 1678897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Take a look at the other teachers and assess from there . Retain your style. I think these fits can work based upon the shoe choices. My sister is a teacher and let's be real you need serviceable all day comfort shoes. Wow it's so many things you have to do. I think jeweler would also step up the fits. Congrats on the new journey. Liz on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678893 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 13:26:56 +0000 Liz 1678893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it would depend on what age group you're teaching, how old you are, how polished your look is in general, and how the other teachers dress. Do you have any idea if the school itself is ultra casual or if the teachers dress more professionally? Sally on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678819 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 08:22:58 +0000 Sally 1678819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks.  Its interesting what makes an outfit casual.  I love casual clothes but I have to work and look professional.  Now I look at it Rachylou it is the grey sweater that is making the outfit casual.  I really like those black ponte pants and the shoes.  If I put the sweater in two with the bottom half in one...it would probably look good.  Jane yeah you're right ....need to avoid sweater fabric.  If it was a grey wool, I think it would look smarter.   My friend found the first outfit too casual then I sent her a photo of my work outfits..one of them in jeans but I always wear blazers so she said that the blazers always uplifted the outfits.  Jane on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678803 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 07:19:38 +0000 Jane 1678803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Congratulations on the new job! I think 2, may be low heels / pumps rather than sneakers. The black and white works well but I would avoid a too t shirty fabric. May be with a long necklace? I like the idea of coloured trousers though and I'm thinking of the red ones on the forum a couple of days ago. rachylou on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678801 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 07:04:59 +0000 rachylou 1678801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Funny enough, I find the first with the proper shoes too casual and the second just right. Probably it's the heathered grey sweater. Maybe with a bright pair of pants. Sally on "Work appropriate" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-appropriate#post-1678794 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 06:41:52 +0000 Sally 1678794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm starting a new job in 2 weeks and looking at getting some new pants and tops for work. I think the following two outfits are work appropriate ....almost so neutral ..it's not too informal or formal my friend disagrees..she said it's too informal. It's teaching. I'm working in a low socio economic area so don't want to dress up in designer gear. I also want to be comfortable and hate dressing up to be honest.