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Ask Angie and others - What to wear to new job orientation!

Tara

(website)

Veteran

What to wear to first day on a new job!

I scored a new job which I'm *very* excited about and next week I'll be going in to choose a desk, chat with my boss and meet my new team!

What to wear though? It's a government job and on the ritzy side of town in a very pretty building - let's just say that as soon as I walked in there I could envision myself working there! On my interview everyone seemed to be wearing smart business casual.

I get the sense when I start there officially I'll need to up the dressy factor from what I'm used to, and possibly no jeans (big deal for me!).

This is just a half day orientation so its not an "official" first day. I'll just be dropping in for a couple of hours so I don't feel full business dress is appropriate. Do you think smart casual would be ok? I'm thinking dark wash jeans, neat heels, a tunic shirt and simple silver jewelry. Or would that not be dressy enough?

I guess I want to feel fab and confident but not over the top. A perfect amalgamation of dressy and casual...is there such a thing?

I'd love some suggestions.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

MsMary

Veteran

I don't think I'd wear jeans if you don't think it's a jeans environment. Even though you're just dropping by, I'd suggest wearing something similar to what you would wear on the actual job.

And big congratulations on the fab new job!!

Marley

Veteran

I agree with MaryK - I'd stay away from jeans and wear something instead that is closer to what you will be wearing once you start working there!

Megan

Better to be over dressed than underdressed! I'd wear a pencil skirt, knit top (to make it a little less dressy) and low heels.

But then, I like being dressy and don't mind if I'm in a pencil skirt when everyone else is in jeans

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Wow - ~*~*~~*~~*Congratulations~*~*~*~*~*~* on the new job Tara!!

Speaking from experience, I would strongly advise that for your orientation day that you don't wear jeans. Appearance does matter and whether you like it or not, people will form opinions of you by what you wear from the first moment they meet you. In this type of office environment it can work either for you or against you. Canberra is a big country town sometimes!

If you are in the ritzier side of town then I'm thinking you may be starting work in a Dept that starts with F, T, A.G or P. In this instance, I would definately be wearing dressier work clothes and I'd say it is more than likely that you won't see jeans as part of the dress code.

If you are starting work in a Dept that starts with De then depending on the area, it may be more casual, but you really need to see what others are wearing in your area first and then dress appropriately.

I worked for a Dept that had an I in it, and even there, anyone from about a APS4 up didn't wear jeans. (Well being blunt.... APS4's who didn't aspire to be any higher sometimes wore jeans. Yes, that is harsh, but it is also the reality.)

I would say that if you are going to a "higher status" Dept then it would be to your definate advantage to be on the dressier side than the more casual side.

If it were me, I would wear a pair of grey trousers (you could go for a lovely slim/bootcut) with a simple cotton blouse and some of your gorgeous accessories to give it personality and panache. That way, you will not look over or under dressed no matter what anybody else wears.

Finally, dress where you want to be, not where you are now. Case in point: My hubby (also PS) still wears a tie to work every day or lovely shirt/trousers, even though he works in a casual office and others wear jeans. There is nothing wrong with being well dressed!

Good luck and I hope it goes really well!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

oooh CONGRATS Tara!! What will you be doing in your new position? This is very exciting!

I'd trust Kirstie on this one - she knows the industry and city the best!

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Congrats on the job! Good advice here. No jeans and better to be overdressed (on the dressiness factor rather than the glitzy factor) than underdressed.

Velma

Veteran

Skirt or nice trousers and a sweater, I'd say--with a scarf or perhaps one of the more casual jacket styles shown in the blog yesterday. You should try to look as nice as you will when you're at work, even if you'll just be stopping by for a couple of hours. CONGRATULATIONS!!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Congrats Tara! Sounds like a great move. I agree on the no-jeans thing. I'm sure you have lots of potential options hiding in your wardrobe!

Queen Mum

Veteran

Congratulations Tara! How exciting. I agree with the others... dress up rather than down.

KP.. was that a secret code you were speaking? LOL

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congratulations, Tara! I hope your new job works out splendidly.

Whatever you wear, make sure it feels like your style. You want people to realize how creatively you express yourself staright off the bat.

wilson

Congratulations Tara! I don't have anything to add, this is all really good advice.

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Sorry for the whole "secret" code thing, I hope that it's obvious to Tara!

I just wasn't sure how much info she was wanting to share with the broader world about where she'll be working (some Departments are more sensitive than others), so I was just putting a subtle clue that I think she'll work out of various Departments in the area I'm guessing she'll be working in, to try and make it a tad more secretive (looks like it worked! ;p).

I'm from Canberra originally and spent a number of years working in the PS. Pretty much my entire family and a lot of friends also do or have worked in the PS (sad really! ;-)). Between us, we've worked in just about every Department there is, so I was kinda just trying to put what I've seen over the years to good use! Some are definately more casual than others. In some, image really matters, others..... whatever really goes.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I was just kidding you KP.... I just couldn't decide it the letters were like department listings or if you were being discreet.

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

<chuckle!> Doh - sorry Queenie! I was worried that maybe I was *too* discreet and it made no sense at all. It's Sat morning here - Looks like it will be a great day!

Lisa

Veteran

I think a slightly more formal look is required until you establish authority in the new workplace. Even if everyone else wears jeans I would hold off at least until after the first couple of days if not full week. It shows you are serious for the position. Once you are established, you can show your creative dressing style. So I vote no jeans for this first couple hour meeting. And congrats on your new job!

stringy

Veteran

Congratulations! Katiepea's advice is spot on. I work at a very casual government office, and I can tell you it doesn't hurt to be overdressed for any orientations or the first few weeks. It shows that you care about the job and want to make a good impression, which makes people feel kindly towards you.

So I don't think it's possible to be overdressed for this occasion. A basic skirt with a nice knit or woven top and whichever of your smashing accessories takes your fancy will be a good bet. Heels or dressy flats, and a nice handbag should round out the outfit.

While you're there, it's a good opportunity to suss out what everyone else is wearing so you can match the formality level when the actual job starts.

Tara

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much for the great input gals!
I am sooo excited!

I'll probably go one of the following:

- Black fitted sheath dress + brown braided belt + strappy low heels + dangly gold earrings + bangle + teal bag

- Black fitted sheath dress + black patent waist cinching belt + metallic sandals + black choker & studs + off white bag

- New Black cropped pleated pants + tucked white button-down + colourful scarf + strappy black heeled sandals + tan bag

See the attached Polyvore set I created - which do you think?
See also here (if the pic isn't clear enough): http://www.polyvore.com/wtw_to.....d=26061134

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

I like option #3 in the set. I'm also wondering if closed toe or peeptoe shoes might be a safer option? Something about the strappy sandals says party to me
Congrats on the new job!!