https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 04:36:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771870 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:47:14 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1771870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. Not sure what that means... Can you use more words, perhaps? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771869 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:46:44 +0000 Aziraphale 1771869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh come now, a bunch of women take the time to enter thoughtful replies and all you can do is raise an eyebrow?</p> <p>Bottom line: if you want to go on wearing what you're wearing, you have to put up with the side eye from coworkers. Like Gaylene says, in a perfect world, we could wear whatever we wanted without being subjected to criticism. But it's not a perfect world. :-)</p> <p>(Agreeing with Thirkellgirl about Kellyann Conway. To my eye as well, she often looks not quite professional enough for the position she occupies. Her coat at the inauguration was particularly silly).&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771860 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:09:14 +0000 Anonymous 1771860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Raises eyebrow </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771853 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 14:53:54 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1771853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This morning on the Today Show, Kellyann Conway was speaking, and the first thing that both my 26 year old daughter and I noticed was that she does NOT have her look right for the position she's in. She desperately needs a stylist to tweak her look. Apparently she likes bright colors and feminine details, but she just gets it wrong all the time (necklines a little too low, jewelry a little too ditsy, hard makeup, bad blonde haircolor) and it's SO distracting from whatever her message of the day is. We both said that if we had the $ she must be making, the first thing we'd do is put ourselves in the hands of a great hair stylist and personal shopper with executive taste. I think that even one lapse in fashion judgment can impact your credibility and authority at work. Then again, I studied the Dress for Success book like it was a bible in the 80s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771818 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 09:37:03 +0000 Anonymous 1771818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reaches for the office camouflage </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771817 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 09:23:57 +0000 Jenni NZ 1771817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Women can be quite catty, can't they/we. Hard to tell as yet, but maybe some of it is jealousy if you look sexy in your higher heels and shorter skirts/ tighter pants. I have 2 jobs, one is in an office ( health- related) and there are a few gorgeous young women there, but more of us- mostly women, a few men- are middle-aged. The younger women maybe dress fairly classic? I don't notice them stand out, I more notice how pretty they are! I agree with Gaylene above. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771695 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 19:31:24 +0000 Gaylene 1771695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In a perfect world, we would all wear what we wanted without being subjected to negative judgements and critical comments. </p> <p>Work environments, though, are tricky. If your wardrobe choices are subject to workplace gossip and leering glances, your superiors will view your appearance as a negative distraction. If your performance is outstanding, the negative distraction may be tolerated. If your performance is average, the negative distraction may become a deciding factor that hinders your chance for a promotion. If your performance is questionable, your inability to "fit in" might be a reason for dismissal. </p> <p>If you are willing to accept the possibility your wardrobe choices could have a negative effect on your employment, then continue to wear what you like. Alternatively, if your job is important to you and you'd like to be considered for promotions, you may want to consider adapting to the norms of your workplace. Getting along with colleagues, clients, and bosses is generally easier if your appearance is working for you instead of against you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771654 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:00:49 +0000 Aziraphale 1771654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meggy, many people have a distinction between their workwear and their "off-duty" wear. My personal style is not, and has never been, risqué, but it certainly wouldn't be appropriate for a lot of workplaces. (You can't wear vertical-stripe Beetlejuice pants and combat boots if you work at, say, a law firm!). Just think of it as having to tweak -- not abandon -- your style to look professional. Because if you're getting the stinkeye from coworkers, then you can bet they're making snide comments behind your back, too, which is never something you want in your professional life. </p> <p>The issue of too-tight, too-short skirts is easily solved without sacrificing your personal style. And I imagine you could wear high heels in most work scenarios -- fashion buyer included! -- provided you're not also wearing a super short skirt or super tight pants.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771640 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 14:26:05 +0000 Lisa 1771640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome! &nbsp;I think you can go looser or longer with fabrics so as not to continue to raise eyebrows and get looks, but still maintain a fun and individual style with the details on the clothes, accessories, and shoes. &nbsp;If you like to be bold I would look for bold colors and patterns, colorblocking, lots of strong colors, in styles that are office appropriate. &nbsp;For example, a pencil skirt that is knee length is a traditional office look, but make the skirt cobalt blue and pair it with say a yellow shoe and a white shirt and now you have a fun, office appropriate outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771614 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:10:23 +0000 Anonymous 1771614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Bijou, whimsical brogues, now there is a thought! :)</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771611 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:46:04 +0000 Bijou 1771611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meggy I work in an office environment and like to dress fashionably. I never wear clothing that is tight or revealing. No cleavage, no skirts or dresses that are tight over my bottom and no short hemlines. For example, I do wear a black lace shirt, but will wear a black sleeveless t-shirt underneath which totally changes to look of it, as only sheer arms are on show. I wear loose navy pants with my Chanel-style jacket with pearls. I wear a navy suit with whimsical brogues. If I need a pick me up, I wear my favourite gilet that seems to work over everything.</p> <p>You can embrace the style that you love, but do so in an office appropriate way. Please post photos, we are all here to help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771586 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:15:04 +0000 Anonymous 1771586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will upload some pics of my work style when it's possible.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771583 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:41:51 +0000 Sisi 1771583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello Maggy, welcome! I would instinctively answer "keep true&nbsp;to your style and the hell with them" but this is probably because I have always worked in places with no dress code (thanks God!) and I have seen every kind of style and this was never a problem. But I think&nbsp;kkards gave you an&nbsp;an excellent suggestion.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771581 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:19:10 +0000 Anonymous 1771581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many thanks for all of your views.</p> <p>I will take them on board.</p> <p>I work as a buyer, amongst mainly female co-workers,not been in the position long. I'm still finding my feet guess.</p> <p>Perhaps my style is a little too risqué for the day to day office environment. I do not like to be straight jacketed with regard to my clothes. I guess that a line between work me and free me must be drawn though!</p> <p>:)</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771521 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 03:00:22 +0000 Echo 1771521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree with Ana. Your questions seem to pertain to appropriateness as opposed to style. It is absolutely possible to remain true to one's style while still being appropriate. But pants that are too tight or hemlines that are too short for your office culture are not appropriate; that's not a question of style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771507 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:26:04 +0000 Penny 1771507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing the Corporette recommendation, along with The Work Edit by Capitol Hill Style, and the suggestion to look to women with seniority at your work. That said, sometimes a highly regarded partner, executive, etc. has more flexibility because she's developed a stellar reputation over many years - I might go slightly more conservative (especially for hemlines, necklines, and footwear, while still choosing items that are colors and styles that you love) if you are new to the organization so that they focus on you, not your clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771502 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:05:14 +0000 Ana 1771502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! I would say you definitely do not have to go boring/vanilla. There are many ways to inject your personal style. That said, something that struck me about your question was that your examples (tightness of pants, hemlines,) are more examples of appropriateness versus style. So for example, if you have to wear a blazer at work there are many ways to choose a stylish blazer, different colors, different fabrics etc. But if your pants are too tight or your hemline too short for your workplace culture, there's really not much you can do there other than adapt and choose stylish yet work appropriate options. What kind of workplace environment do you work in? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771501 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:49:31 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1771501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Corporette would definitely be a help. However, I would also say look at what the women who are at a higher level than you at your company wear, and use them as your models. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771469 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:48:03 +0000 texstyle 1771469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's the perception of "trying to get attention" that comes with certain clothing choices in an office setting. What I mean is that if you are one of the only people wearing high heels it may be perceived that you are trying to garner more attention (even if you are not). I can remember both the men AND the women talking behind the backs of many co-workers based on their clothing choices when I worked in a regular office. </p> <p>Since you are asking I'm guessing it's not something you enjoy (feeling like you get disdaining looks I mean.) so, if I were to offer advice it would be to dress slightly more conservatively for a couple of weeks and see if it changes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771404 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:52:27 +0000 Suz 1771404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome! The others have started you off with some good thoughts and advice. I work from home now so face entirely different challenges but like the others said, I do not see it as an either/ or situation.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771403 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:45:52 +0000 kkards 1771403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>welcome....1st I'd ask, do you have a written dress code and if you do, are you in compliance? 2nd, are you new to the team? </p> <p>over all I'd say its possible and acceptable to dress true to your style at work, but just&nbsp;as you&nbsp;have an inside and an outside voice, you will probably need/want to dress one way from the office and another for the weekends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771394 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:22:17 +0000 Ledonna N. 1771394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome and it truly depends. </p> <p>You can still be you and stylish but there is always a line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771392 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:11:15 +0000 Sheila 1771392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also take a look at Corporette.com. It is written primarily for female lawyers but if you scan it for discussions regarding 'what's appropriate work-wear' you will become knowledgeable in this area. Especially helpful are the Friday 'Weekend Open Topic' forums where you will see questions about just about anything. I highly recommend it.</p> <p>ETA Also the site has a nationwide following and you will see excellent comments regarding regional differences in work wear, compensation, workplace attitudes, negotiations and how to deal with conflicts of various sorts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771388 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:59:57 +0000 Liz 1771388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not an "all this" or "all that" situation. You don't have to be boring and vanilla on one hand or "too _______" on the other. It's very possible to be stylish <i>and</i> appropriate for your workplace. You just have to find that intersection of your personal style and what's appropriate for your workplace. (And all workplaces and work cultures are different. Do what positions you best for your profession.) </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771384 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:45:49 +0000 rachylou 1771384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say rein it in. The men won't give you the same chance as the women - they're behind your back in HR. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771382 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:42:58 +0000 Anonymous 1771382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, thanks for your input Harmonica. </p> <p>I will post pics when I can.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771381 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:36:32 +0000 harmonica 1771381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to this site! I think this is a question of mixing personal, social and professional preferences and expectations. I do belive it is managable, but sometimes it needs some effort and testing. </p> <p>You've come to the right place. Post pics when you can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-attire#post-1771377 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:31:02 +0000 Anonymous 1771377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi guys.</p> <p>Fresh to this site.</p> <p>Just wondering what your views on office attire are. I'm often getting looks of disdain for the length of hemline, height of heel or tightness of trouser from my (female) co-workers.</p> <p>Is it best to go all boring&nbsp;and vanilla&nbsp;at work or keep true to your own style?</p> <p>:)</p>