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Back to work clothes...HELP!

Absinthebride

Hello!

Total newbie here. I would love to ask for some fashion advice and hope I'm in the right place. If you have any idea about some or just one question, please let me know. I'd be so grateful!

I've been self-employed for more than seven years and have not worked in an office environment for about the same time.
I will start an office- and Crown Court-based job in July and have been planning what on earth to wear, especially when it's hot outside. There are some restrictions when it comes to picking out garments.

- I need comfortable shoes as I have to walk to the station for 10 minutes and then again 12 minutes to the office. I have to travel during the day as well. What shoe types are suitable for the office? Not sure if I'll have a locker to change shoes, e.g. commute in trainers and then change into pumps. Are smart loafers acceptable?

- Trouser suits are a no-no (I'm 5ft9 and a size 6-8 and look like I swim in suits). I was thinking A-line dresses (no pencil dresses or skirts as I don't want to look "sexy") or skirts and elegant jumpers. As for trousers, is there a more stylish option than the formal black one?

- Because of security, I can't wear scarfs, necklaces, large earrings, bracelets, solitaire stone rings and brooches with pins. Is there any way left to accessorise at all?

Looking forward to hear your opinions!
Big thank-you in advance!

Ax

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

rachylou

Veteran

Crown Court... I’d think the most conservative as possible. I would change shoes... I used to wear ‘comfort flats’ and change shoes, flats because they were easier to fit into my tote bag than trainers. For the office, I’d wear low heeled court shoes/pumps. I’d try to get away with the lowest possible block heel. A line dresses sound good, with a jacket and coat.

LadyFashioniser

(website)

I would suggest to find a mid-heel pair of pumps. Go for neutral color shoes. A-line dress is a good choice. Speaking about pants, I would recommend giving a try to the flared tailored pants pairing them with a classy blouse. Regarding accessories, I would go for a printed top.

Absinthebride

Your suggestions are lovely, thank you so much!
You're right, I too think it's better to change shoes as I'll quite possibly walk in the rain as well and don't fancy soggy shoes.
Conservative yes, but I love looking somewhat stylish as well. The dress code is somewhat strict and there isn't much room to personalise, safe from the small details that some garments have.

Flared trousers are a wonderful idea - I have a pair of black long 40's style in the wardrobe but am considering to get the same cut in different colours.

And print instead of jewellery is a good idea too! I'll take a look.
I have some blouses that have fine crocheted lace at the collar (not like a doily, but nicer).

Can't wait to try out a few combos.
Thank you again!

slim cat

Veteran

Hair accessories maybe - barrette small in size, metallic in color.
Earrings - studs, pearls ( small, classic in style ). Love idea of a flared trousers with a blouse. Belts?
I was wondering if small/tiny chain still a no go - sounds extreme .

Absinthebride

Slim cat - thank you so much!
A barrette sounds lovely. I'll have a look if I can find one that doesn't damage my hair. I'm sure there are plenty.

I'll work with prisoners who committed serious crimes, so no belts or necklaces are allowed as both can be used as weapons. I love the idea of pearl earrings; they always look elegant and classy.

Many thanks for all the wonderful advice!

Liesbeth

Veteran

I'd look into patterned trousers as well: houndstooth, tweeds and checks are having a moment, if you fancy that.
If you like somevisual inspiration, I think Bridgette Raes has excellent advice for stylish corporate attire.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome!

Do you wear eyewear? If you do, make sure they are the best and most stylish pair you can afford. As a daily specs wearer, I've found it a great accessory to milk.

Is there an office dress code with respect to footwear? Switching out footwear when you get to the office is a great idea.

Perhaps you can rethink the suits though. If you're swimming in them, you need a better fit. Super cute with a tee, scrunched sleeves, and casual flats or polished sneakers.

Pattern mix! Add a third interesting layer. Loving the idea of patterned pants and dresses.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Welcome.

Is a tailor an option for the suits? I can imagine in your job that the investment would really pay off. You might even get a few things custom-made.

You've gotten some great suggestions. There aren't a ton of blogs focusing on business formal for women anymore since it's more rare these days, but the items on Corporette (.com) might work.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Wow sounds like serious restrictions on the accessories! What about nail polish (in a conservative colour, of course)?

PS - If you're planning to wear dresses, consider whether you'll need hoisery or tights as well (I'm guessing bare legs won't be allowed). If that's the case, make sure you try out any shoes you plan to buy with your tights beforehand (they have a tendency to slip about sometimes).

Minaminu

Veteran

Wow, security is incredibly strict with the accessories! I am trying to think what others accessories are left and could only think of the following

* structured bags in different colours

* signet ring

* hair barrettes (there are some nice options nowadays with pearls, different colours, textures)

* glasses in different colours (if you wear them)

* hats (weather permitting)

As it is a conservative environment, structured clothes would indeed be the best options.

If you have a large tote bag, you can easily change shoes prior entering the workplace. Heads up that you might end up with a heavy bag!

April

Veteran

Unless you feel actively more comfortable walking in a heel, I strongly suggest a flat shoe. There are lots of choices that look dressier than a trainer or loafer:

https://www.fitflop.com/us/en/.....t-flats-us

https://www.aerosoles.com/collections/shoes-flats

https://www.allbirds.com/produ.....e-breezers

https://oeshshoes.com/product-category/shoe/dream/

Absinthebride

Hello again and thank you very, very much! I duly noted your fabulous ideas!

Yes, I do wear glasses and have four pairs that I use, depending on what I wear and how I want my look to be. I found some great hair accessories!
Can't wear a hat indoors and nail polish is restricted to clear and French manicure. Looking into bags now as well as patterned trousers: that's another brilliant idea!

I was an actress for a few years (after I worked in law) and my film set stylists agreed with me that suits look terrible on me, on and off screen. So the blazer trousers combo is a no-no.

Ever so grateful for your magnificent ideas! ✨

nuancedream

Veteran

I'm a bit late but welcome to the forum!! You've already received some really great suggestions. I'm not in the corporate world anymore, but I used to get a lot of inspiration from a blog called 9to5chic. Anh has incredible style and you may want to check her out.

https://9to5chic.com/

Anonymous

Welcome! Would refined pointy flats work for you for the commute and at work? Then you wouldn't have to change?

Absinthebride

@ nuancedream Thank you very much for the link! What a find! My figure is very similar, albeit taller. I can see so many textures, pattern and colours work well for me.... especially for warm days. I'll spend this weekend browsing for more looks!

And suntiger: I love the idea and think pointy flats look great with the above-mentioned flared trousers. Another fabulous inspiration coming from you there! I found some mixed textured leather shoes that I may get. Thank you!

abby

How about a conservative style of lace dress? Perhaps with a nice topper and pretty shoes? Because the fabric is the focus, lace dresses do not need accessories such as those you list.

Definitely change shoes for the commute. Your feet and my feet are already thanking you. I like Angie’s ideas about specs, a great place to express yourself within the culture.

Remember that everyone there is business formal. When wearing a uniform of sorts, your skills will be what distinguishes you.

Bijou

Veteran

Mary from Memorandum posts beautiful and fashion forward office appropriate outfits.

https://www.memorandum.com/fashion/office-style/