Dress code for the unemployed

Anonymous

Okay, here's the background story: I've been on a fairly strict shopping ban since January, when I decided not to return to my current position. My current job also provides housing, so my last day draws near (at the end of the month) and no job has been offered, DH and I are moving to nearby Portland, OR in order to look for an apartment and job while my husband finishes his last year of grad school there. *Hopefully* I can find somewhere to work before we move so I know how I should dress and what purchases I make, but I want to have a plan of what to focus on maintaining while we're in this "temporary" unemployed period of our lives.

Obviously I need to keep interview outfits available for any dress code/field, and I need to keep my smart casual options as flexible and usable as possible (I'll never know who I'll meet out and about - maybe I'll get a job!). Once I do find a job I'll be able to understand how I'll need to dress.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas on what I might need to keep up or focus on??

16 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice to see you post again, LE!

Straight off the bat, here are thoughts and quezzies:

o Where are your current wardrobe gaps and bottle necks?

o Are you happy with your interview outfits?

o I would definitely keep your hair, shoes and handbags a priority

o Above all remember your dominant season. Summer is VERY short in our neck of the woods. We’ll be back in boots by mid September.

Over to you.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I am in the same position as you LE. I have bought a few things, but they were inexpensive (a jacket from H&M for $15 and the Club Monaco pants for $9). Lots of sales are going on now in more "expensive" stores, and don't discount thrifting. If you live near a swankier town, you might surprise yourself with what you find. I will be going thrifting soon to see if I find anything.

I do not know what field you are in or how old you are, but I think it is highly likely that your wardrobe is more constricting than mine is (I can get away with a lot in my field), so I guess it's fairly easy for me. I agree with Angie about hair, shoes, and bags. I reserve certain shoes JUST for interviews because I want them to remain clean and polished (and of course I can't really walk in them in any other situation).

I guess the most important thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to get everything all at once. Step back and look in your closet. Imagine what you would wear if you got a call tomorrow and you'll probably find be able to put something, or even a few things together, but maybe something is missing. What is it that is missing?

What I really felt I was missing was a great jacket, so I got one. It would have made so many of the outfits I had in mind more crisp and polished. it is a white short sleeved jacket. I also need one with long sleeves for fall and winter, but since that time hasn't come yet, I'm not rushing it. I'm going to wait and see if NAS brings anything in my price range. If not, no big deal. Fall is far away. Angie mentioned dominant seasons. Where I live, it is cold for just as long as it is hot, so I really need a balance.

Next on my to-do list is a summer skirt. The only reason this didn't get higher priority is because I could wear my black lightweight wool skirt, even though it isn't exactly comfortable in the summer. Again, I'm trying to be patient, shop around, and wait to find exactly what I want. It's not an emergency. When you're on a budget, you shouldn't compromise and make regrettable decisions.

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

Jumping in - I have been unemployed for six months (gack! that seems so long in writing) and have had similar questions for myself.
Angie nailed most of it for me too.

Here's what I am working on:

Keeping an interview outfit or two ready to go. The hair! Angie is so right about this.

Try to dress smart casual when leaving the house (which I try to do daily to keep motivated!). I admit that I haven't worn my skirts a lot but always dress up my denim or slacks and try to include accessories. I learned a valuble lesson when I ran into an old boyfriend - I was so happy I looked good and wasn't wearing yoga pants in public!

Use my time to go through and clean/purge closet and drawers. Get accessories in order, etc.

Realistically, it does not make sense to shop as I have no idea what job I will land. But, I will be organized enough to see what I can use and add to for most situations. That's my goal.

Good luck with the move and job hunt.

16 years ago

Anonymous

Excellent advice, ladies; thank you!

Angie, honestly I feel a little overwhelmed by the gaps in my wardrobe because I've worn almost everything fairly often - a well-utilized wardrobe!

I have one pair of jeans, which are frayed and faded enough from two year's consistent wear that they are no longer appropriate for a smart casual workplace. Dark smart jeans and work-or-play flats are probably what I need most. For this summer, I feel I have enough combinations with a pair of black bermudas, a white A-line skirt, two dresses, and a few tops and cardigans. You're right about our seasons; anything I purchase for this summer will only be worn until August.

I think I have enough interview outfits to mix and match. Like Maya, I have a pair of shoes I use for interviews and dressy occasions. I'm thinking I need to focus on getting some good shoes and boots for fall. I'll also need to maintain my hair; I've been letting it grow out and even when long it looks much better trimmed.

Maya and Chris, it's nice to know someone else is in a similar situation! It helps me put things in perspective. Maya, I'm 23 and I work in university housing. I manage a few residence halls (dormitories) and the student staff that work there. I have my degree in art and design as well, and I've felt like I can dress fairly creatively while maintaining a professional look. Honestly, it's not hard for me to look like the boss when my employees are usually wearing cargo shorts, university-logo sportswear and sneakers.

Chris, you are right about dressing well in case you run into someone unexpectedly! you have good advice about going through everything, luckily I've pared down my wardrobe until it's quite versatile and usable.

16 years ago

Ele

(website)

Active Member

Hi LE, I'm another "funemployed" board member. (Can I just say how much I LOVE that term!) I'm probably in a slightly different boat because I have no intention of getting another job (I've been bitten by the entrepreneur bug), but obviously it's still important to me to look polished and presentable while being comfortable.

I definitely agree with Angie that hair, shoes and handbags are important for right now. Not only will they elevate your casual, non-working outfits, but if you have them right then you'll feel more confident when you get called to an interview.

As for clothes, it really depends on how long you think you'll be out of work for. It sounds to me like you need some new jeans, and a smarter, dark denim pair might be the way to go. You might not wear them to an interview, but it sounds like you'll probably be fine to wear them to work (when you find it), dressed up with a pretty top and some flats.

I also think that any number of "bridge" items might work for you. You mentioned work-to-play flats and I think that's a great idea, I have a black patent pair (thinking about duplicating in nude) that I wear casually but would be entirely appropriate for interviews/work-situations, too.

Also, what about a pair of non-denim pants that can be dressed up or down? I know the CM microchecks are probably not an option anymore (YLF has cleaned CM out!), but when I got mine I was really struck by how versatile they seemed. A slightly stretchy, cotton trouser like that would work for day-to-day because they're so comfy, but are also very interview-appropriate.

16 years ago

Anonymous

Funemployed - ha! That's a great way to look at it, Ele!

Non-denim pants are a good idea. I have two pairs - a grey chino from J. Crew, and a "denim" straight leg that really looks like a plain cotton pant. I agree that a microcheck would be great for day-to-day and interviews; I'll have to look around for some that have a 35"+ inseam.

I'm using Angie's post about capsules today to try and make sense of my wardrobe a little better. Perhaps I should post some pictures and thoughts later for input? For instance, I have two totes and a clutch for handbags - depending on how dressy or casual they are they might not be as versatile as a nicer bag. Does that make sense? Hopefully I can get something posted later tonight!

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I think you could get away with "cheaper" items from H&M and the like in that case. I am regularly impressed by what I find there. Sure it isn't as impressive as a Theory suit, but in certain fields and at a certain age, it does the trick in a pinch.

Even if you can't get your hands on the micro check pants, they have the same fit with different patterns. The inseam is quite long though I don't know if it's THAT long. Is the 35"+ with heels or flats?

16 years ago

planetamy

(website)

Active Member

I'm unemployed as well. Got laid off in Feb, about to move to Atlanta because there are more advertising agencies there.

You are not alone.

I agree with keeping up with your hair. One of the things that made me feel better about my situation was continuing my fun color hair instead of going back to a sensible color like my natural. Now, I'm moving to Atlanta and going to be interviewing and meeting a lot of people, and think it's best to go back to brunette. I know I can always go back to red/blond, but this makes the most sense right now.

good luck with your search!
Amy

16 years ago

Anonymous

I have a haircut scheduled for Wednesday!

I'm afraid my bottlenecks in my wardrobe are becoming narrower... I tried on my J. Crew chinos (one of three pairs of pants I have right now) and they are too small! Stupid stress pounds! Actually, my weight is the same, but obviously my body has changed.

I applied to several apparel stores in Portland yesterday. I have an interview at Talbots on Thursday and a group interview on Friday at J. Crew. It's not my chosen field, but it's better than nothing and I can use any employee discount to buffer the wardrobe!

I'll get a new post started soon on what I should wear.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Perhaps those chinos have shrunk, LE?

We can help you with interview outfits if you like? You’ll be fab! They’re going to see your gorgeous hair and smile and want to hire you instantly. I would :0)

16 years ago

Anonymous

Angie, I wish that were the case! I have had these chinos for 3+ years, and since my husband does the laundry, they have been dried before.

I think a haircut will be a good confidence booster. If you ever want an assistant, you let me know!

I just applied to Nordies, too - how great would THAT be?

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

Best wishes for your interviews!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)