https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 08:48:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1020273 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:28:02 +0000 Glory 1020273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic news on the new job! Congrats. I have worked for big big big IT companies for over 2 decades and honestly believe you can wear your own style and will be just fine. Hope you have a wonderful first week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1020220 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 17:08:32 +0000 Kristin SF 1020220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work in Giant Soulless Tech in SV and I always expect folks from marketing and sales to be better dressed and much more stylish than us over in product development. </p> <p>And in general, Giant Soulless Tech employees don't even really notice what other people are wearing, unless it's stilettos, etc as texstyle mentions. Or, if you're at the opposite end of the spectrum and wear the same cat shirt over and over again, as I did pre-YLF days. ;-)</p> <p>I think you will be just fine - more than fine - dressing as yourself. Congrats again and best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1020179 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 16:06:20 +0000 texstyle 1020179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't sweat it (no pun intended) - I worked in Austin in marketing for high tech and as a boss, and from what I've seen you will be able to dress just fine. I didn't give a second thought to those who worked under me dressing better or different - unless it was utterly distracting like the stiletto heels with short shorts one engineer in particular enjoyed wearing. And&nbsp; in that outfit I must say EVERYONE noticed her. People expect marketing to be more creative and into fashion. It goes with the territory. Esp. if you'll be working with ad execs from other ad companies, and photographers, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1020120 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:19:39 +0000 T-Rex 1020120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, congratulations on the job!!! </p> <p>I agree with the suggest to lurk a bit, just to get an idea of how the other women in your area dress. I say this in order to encourage you to get comfortable, rather than to tailor your clothes too closely to the company culture. You want to be *you*. That said, having an idea of how your style choices will fit into the company culture before you show up on day one will be good for your confidence level. So lurk. But dress to please yourself, so long as the level of professionalism you project is appropriate to the job. And I'm sure you will be appropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1020110 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:10:46 +0000 ironkurtin 1020110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy, I've been aggressively looking for work for 6 months. This is a bad market, girl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1019966 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 06:28:02 +0000 rae 1019966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have that much experience with this sort of thing, but from what I remember of&nbsp;your WIWs from the last job, I don't think anyone would dub you the Crazy Artsy Lady at the new job. Unless it's just so out there, it sounds like most people aren't even going to look twice. Like Angie said, your look is authentic and looks like <i>you.&nbsp;</i>Clothes will probably stand out more if they are forced and uncomfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout/page/2#post-1019923 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 03:57:02 +0000 MNsara 1019923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, Dana, on the new job!&nbsp; </p> <p>I just started one of my own a few weeks ago - it feels like the first 'real' job I've&nbsp;had in many years -- one I actually had to apply for, interview for, negotiate for, etc.&nbsp; So, these concerns are extremely fresh in my mind!&nbsp; </p> <p>I went to my interviews probably dressed more professionally than their executives.&nbsp; I went to my first day definitely dressed better than my next two levels of bosses.&nbsp; I think we YLF-types are way more sensitive to how to dress than anyone else around us ;-)</p> <p>You have great style and taste, and just need to get there and work a while and decide what you have that works and what you need to add.&nbsp;</p> <p>A pair of business casual black work pants&nbsp;(in any fabric you deem worthy) will get you through many days (and no one will notice if you repeat them!)&nbsp;</p> <p>Your hot commute adds an interesting twist, but my last two weeks have been Austin-like (and you have my sympathy).&nbsp;&nbsp;I found my place actually runs warm, so&nbsp;I unlayer whatever I can, and wait for the AC to kick in&nbsp;before I'll get in the car.<br />The wait to start is torture though -- I kept shopping and shopping and buying stray things because they just might be right.&nbsp; So, I have more than a few things to return now&nbsp;;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019906 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 03:36:05 +0000 tarzy 1019906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely understand your concerns - I've worked in both super creative and super conservative companies, and I would suggest you try to relax and give the people and the situation a chance. I'll bet you'll find that they're a diverse and interesting bunch of individuals trying to do their jobs and pay the mortgage, just like you. Some of them may be stylish, others not. Some may have come from different work situations, just like you, and are also struggling to find out where they fit in in a new corporate culture. As Angie says, be yourself and you'll figure out the vibe as you go along.</p> <p>I would also add that it's great that you got a job so quickly. They must think you're very valuable! I can't even get my resume in the door anywhere and I've sent out tons and tons. (And, as far as I can recall, I haven't seen "polyester pants and blouses with neck bows on them" listed as a requirement anywhere!)</p> <p>Good luck and have fun!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019881 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 02:09:13 +0000 Jenava 1019881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bah, I say dress however you want. &nbsp;They should respect originality. &nbsp;Hey, maybe you'll start a new fad (dressing like you care). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019879 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 02:04:39 +0000 Jaime 1019879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow a drug test? Regardless, although Austin corporate hi tech is not something I know a thing about, I do know that, despite the local corporate hi tech workers dressing in an, umm, let's say unoriginal way (and to clarify it does include chinos), no one would bat an eye if a marketing person had her own style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019801 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 21:14:38 +0000 Nadya 1019801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've worked in and with a variety of tech companies and I agree with Angie. Wear what you would wear. Since you're in marketing being more stylish than the average geek won't surprise people. After a month you'll have the lay of the land and know if you want to make any tweaks to make yourself more approachable or fun or authoritative or what have you. Plus while guys in tech may tend to dress the same (like the chinos and polo shirt), there's more variety among women. I love the blog of this technical woman with a fabulous style :<br /> <a href="http://stylebysantina.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://stylebysantina.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>Do you remember the blog post Angie did with her client who's a manager at Microsoft? She definitely doesn't follow the norm there and no one seems to mind!<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/20/bold-career-style-personified/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/.....rsonified/</a></p> <p>When do you start? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019751 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 19:27:41 +0000 always trying 1019751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IMO 90% of the people pay no attention to what you wear, UNLESS you wear things like lots or noticeable red, bra straps showing, your tattoos showing, anything too tight or inappropriate like no cami under sheer blouses, etc.&nbsp; Just take a survey of asking co workers what someone wore yesterday, and no one will remember.&nbsp; Just because you care about fashion doesn't mean everyone else does.&nbsp; maybe one or two other women will pay attention to what you are wearing, but that is about all.<br />NOW I stated that this is just my opinion, so you don't have to agree. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019745 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 19:18:39 +0000 ironkurtin 1019745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok Angie.&nbsp; Thank you and all the sweet ladies!</p> <p>I have to pee in a cup and pass a drug test to work here.&nbsp; It's just all SOOOOO DIFFERENT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019740 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 19:14:12 +0000 Angie 1019740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dana, just wear what you normally would wear - and make sure you're insulated in arctic a/c. Don't give it a second thought. That's auntentic style, and you at your best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019733 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 19:02:33 +0000 Anonymous 1019733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a plan! Different can be very, very good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019728 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:49:03 +0000 ironkurtin 1019728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am just going to look very different than the other people at Big Tech.&nbsp; Edgier and more creative for sure.</p> <p>I do still own linen pants, of course, but they are very casual.&nbsp; I don't think any of them are longer than 3/4 length.&nbsp; And I had to surplus all my Eileen Fisher when I lost the weight; they just don't fit right now.&nbsp; (Sad...) I still do own many other linen sweaters, so I expect to be trotting those out like a pony.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019718 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:34:02 +0000 Anonymous 1019718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have certain dressing parameters that make the items you have inappropriate? I.e. shirts must have a collar, no sandals, belts must be worn with pants and shirts tucked in, etc? I wouldn't think your linen pieces and Eileen Fisher sweaters are necessarily more casual than pleated khakis and a polo shirt.&nbsp;Forgive me if I missed this in an earlier thread, I've been a little scarce on the forum.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019716 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:27:09 +0000 catgirl 1019716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five Sheila! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019715 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:26:50 +0000 catgirl 1019715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok then flowy linen pants or dresses. Honestly what would not work of your current wardrobe and why? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019714 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:25:11 +0000 Sheila 1019714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh-oh...no ponte. Linen bottoms??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019713 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:23:49 +0000 Sheila 1019713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I vote for Una's suggestions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019712 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:23:04 +0000 ironkurtin 1019712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, unfortunately ponte is an absolute no-go on 95-102 degrees.&nbsp; And when I wear skirts, I sweat in the car and it rolls between my thighs.&nbsp; Trust me when I say this is horrible.&nbsp; You very seldom see ladies in skirts in Austin and I bet this is why, because even with the no-chafe stuff making sure your thighs don't rash out, the sweating is gross.</p> <p>I'm really trying to avoid buying a whole new wardrobe since I don't know if I would wear any of these things again.&nbsp; So I'll be trying to make what I already own dressier, I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019707 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:11:37 +0000 catgirl 1019707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unless it's an actual uniform requirement or the job requires certain clothes (like gym gear), I wouldn't worry about dressing "better" than the norm.&nbsp; Ponte skinnies and a drapy top or knit skirt and booties/sandals with a James Perse or Vince t...&nbsp;what do you think of those options? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019703 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:56:47 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1019703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm always the most "dressed up" person at work, but I think if you're more dressed up, being quirky acts as a counterbalance. So you might be fine. You won't be dressed up the same way that your boss would dress up, if that makes sense. They'll just view that as your personal style.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019686 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:18:37 +0000 Janet 1019686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with MaryK. I've dressed "better" than my boss in the past, and I think that was part of why I usually seemed to be taken seriously and was often presumed to be "one in charge." </p> <p>Keep your black! Your style is streamlined and simple -- I think it will make a quiet statement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019685 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:17:21 +0000 lyn* 1019685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say tone it down for day one so that you can do some snooping around and see how other people do it, then gradually add in more of your own style :)</p> <p>I also don't think it's bad to dress nicer than your boss :3 Esp if she likes poly pants. I like bow blouses though But mine have bears on em. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019682 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:07:51 +0000 Krista 1019682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to go out on a limb and say dress the way you want to dress, provided you're actually dressed, not naked, and provided you're wearing work appropriate clothing and not a formal dress. &nbsp;It won't raise the bar for some, but it might raise the bar for others who've been dying for someone to set an example. &nbsp;</p> <p>Your future co-workers sound like they dress in a similar way to people in my field. &nbsp;When I started out,&nbsp;I dressed my own way, felt out of place, tried to dress like everyone else, felt frumptastic, and went back to dressing my own way. &nbsp;I've been happier than a clam ever since. &nbsp;I've learned that my level of work dress is dressier than most, but I just can't compromise my sense of self for what "most" people wear. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019681 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:07:20 +0000 MsMary 1019681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think dressing better than your boss is necessarily verboten. Different people care about different things, and if you care about your appearance and your boss doesn't care about his/hers, I don't see that as the end of the world. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019678 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:02:33 +0000 DonnaF 1019678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking that any Eileen Fisher sold in your local department stores would be safe and be within your and their comfort zones.&nbsp; I would skip her very cool harem pants until later, however. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workplace-dress-freakout#post-1019677 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:01:35 +0000 ironkurtin 1019677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I worry about dressing better than my boss. </p>