I love the direction your style is taking, Rae. You wear the touch of refinement and polish well. You also seem very comfortable in your evolving look. But I agree, don't make any major investments until you have a better sense of where you are going.

I think you are on the right track by sorting through what you have that works, and then thinking on it. I took a quick peek at your older post about pants, and I think you've got a pretty good base so far. It may be worth playing dress-up for a day and jot down combos that work, as well as what you find missing. Have to also agree with Claire that if you can manage it, it's worth not using the banking items that you have bad associations with. After all, this is the time to start anew!

I think your biggest hurdle at the moment is going to be shoes though; to pull off the more distressed clothing items you are going to need sleek, refined footwear. Think of a basic work outfit: slim pants + silk blouse + distressed moto OR bright sweater + slouchy pants OR cropped jacket + midi dress. And now think of how different those all will look with rugged chunky boots versus refined patent pumps.

My "work style" is probably still a step down from what you're after, but I have a hunch that they're going to end up looking rather similar. With me having a little more 70s/punk edge and yours more rugged/utilitarian.

I have no tips for you, just lots of empathy. It's hard to change all of a sudden, but I'm pretty sure you will come out of it even more stylish than ever!!!

Nothing constructive to offer, just sending you be cyber hugs. Big life transitions are hard enough but when they also impact your style and external presentation to the world, it can be even harder. You're clearly a smart, introspective and funny lady. I have faith you'll come out the other side shining.

I'm thinking some pants like Angie's grey Theory ones, relaxed like she wears them. They are lightweight wool so could probably be worn all year round at work. I also think a couple of KILLER blazers will make you feel dressier, hipper, maybe a military style one. Maybe a coloured or white leather moto as well. I know these are kind of expensive suggestions though. I don't know if this answered your question exactly.

I would give yourself time to acquire new clothes and footwear that work for your job. In the meantime, do not be afraid to look classic. By that I mean, black trousers or pencil skirt and a white shirt. You can accessorize these looks to change them up, and this formula will come in handy when you can't think of what to wear. This is my work formula and it never fails to look polished and professional (I think in many lines of work). You have a very chic hair cut and that will add a lot of style to this basic formula.

"Corporate drag"! Claire, that term is so great! What a concept. Your idea of being genuine at work and away from work, and having the two wardrobes blend and coordinate, is wonderful.
Rae, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the style transition. I've learned a lot from reading this thread. I would only add that your WIW photos should be a treasure trove of ideas as you make this change. You can go through them and envision yourself, wearing those outfits, in your new position and environment. Take the outfits, or the pieces, that fit, and work from there.

Thanks, all! I wish I could comment more individually, but I need to hit the sack.

I have some homework to do soon, though!

- Purge all that leave a bad taste from the past (Thanks, Claire! No looking back!)
- Then re-evaluate whether or not I have enough to last through S/S (Several of you asked if I can make do).
- Tailor/Alter if possible
- Identify wardrobe holes (I think proper trousers and a black blazer are probably big holes, but I won't jump up and buy right away).

Thanks especially to those who gave me mental permission to let go of the past. I need to jump in with both feet here, and old baggage would just weigh me down. Seriously, I hated spending $ on my corporate wardrobe knowing my heart wasn't in it... now that my heart IS in it, I should take it seriously and not just "eat leftovers."

That's a great attitude, Rae. Your work wardrobe is really important now in a way it wasn't before.

I've nothing to add to the great advice you've been given, but know you will be able make this transition in style and the exercise is going to be so valuable as you help others.

Such great advice

Definitely let go of the past! Purge those items! I do hope you keep your Sloans though. I feel that you do anything with them.

Rae, I really think you have the pieces - and the new 'do changes the landscape of your outfits by a billion percent. With a bit more experimentation - you can achieve daily non-denim trendy and fashion forward looks by shopping your closet. Put pieces together in different ways. You *might* need to address footwear.

And by and by, you'll add more of the right pieces that suit this lifestyle to your wardrobe.

Thank you for chiming in, Angie. It has been very stressful. I was trying outfits with my slouchy silk pants last night and got an earful of opinion from DH again... sigh. And those are my trendiest pants right now. I wish they were thicker and warmer so I could wear them way more often. I think I have most of the pieces, too. I need to lay them all out together so I can visualize the potential combos.

You can pop hose under those pants! I do that all the time - you know I run cold.

I respect that DH's style opinion is important to you. I would never want it not to be! You might have to dress in ways that don't tickle his fancy some of the time - because you're in the Rag Trade now. You just can't please everyone 24/7. And that's okay xo

I'm confused - how warm do you need the pants to be? Soon enough we'll have temps in the high '70s and '80s. Is it the AC in the store you're concerned about? Do you think you'll be moving around enough to warm you up? Or do you just run cold?

Ah, hose! I will do that. Duh, Rae. And that is exactly what I told DH... I cannot dress for him at work. Just a fact o' life...

Tara... all of the above? There is a lot of standing still at this store, and I run cold, and there will be lots of A/C in the summer. These pants would be wonderful for 70-80 degrees... I even wore the micro plaids in 90-degree weather to DFS. Super for the heat!