Help: My work outfits are too frumpy and boring... - YouLookFab Forum

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Help: My work outfits are too frumpy and boring...

jussie

Veteran

Oh wise ones,
I come with a problem. In my quest to look more professional over the last year, I have purchased two blazers and a number of neutral items. However now I am being sent predominantly to public schools again.... where the dress code is more open. When I pass a mirror at work I feel..... BLAH and too stuffy looking.
I wear my hair back usually, and the overall effect is so masculine and severe, I don't even look like me. I look a bit like a robot.
A typical outfit is:
tailored flat front pants
conservative blouse
blazer
nude or black leather shoes
small gold studs
I know it's been discussed a million times before but I wonder if anyone else has advice for this particular problem? I want to appear professional but not sacrifice creativity. Bear in mind, I'm a school teacher so the dress code isn't particularly rigid or restrictive... it just needs to be professional looking, and blue jeans are a no go. Coloured and black denim is fine most days. Blue denim jackets are ok too.

Because I work at different schools every day, I don't have a relationship built up with the students and staff, and my first impression is super important. Whereas if I knew people I think I could relax more, if that makes sense.

Any ideas are appreciated! Best regards to all.

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Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

kellygirl

Veteran

Could you incorporate one piece that is a non-neutral to add some spark or something that reflects your personality. I'm thinking a colorful scarf or an unexpected colored blouse, patterned skirt, hose or something that will go with your other neutrals. I wear mostly neutrals too but I try to add edge with footwear. I wear simple jewelry if I wear it all but sometimes that helps add interest. Good luck!

Lynette

Jussie, I always look forward to your WIW’s and enjoy them so much. I don’t think you could look blah or boring or masculine or like a robot if you tried! You are always so lovely! But to address your question, could you add accessories like scarves or interesting shoes or jewelry? Or wear a more unique blouse or top under the blazers? Or skip the blazer and wear a sweater or pullover that is professional but a little more fun? Would a dress or skirt be a possibility to change things up a bit? I think even a small change to your work uniform will help you feel happier when you pass by the mirror!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I was thinking scarves, too. They are a way to bring some creativity to the pieces you have, without a lot of expense.

Also, maybe experiment with your hair. You can wear it up in ways that is a bit loose, so it doesn't feel severe. When I was wearing my hair long and putting it up at times, I had fun using some cool barrettes and hair accessories. My favorite hair clip is the one in Finds. It was easy to put my hair up in a loose way that felt chic with this clip.

FICCARE 'Ficcarissimo' Hair Clip

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Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Your outfit formula sounds just right to me- as you want to command respect and convey some authority at first glance. I agree with above, maybe your hair style could add pizzazz? You have quite long hair so you have lots of options! Maybe in a big pile on top of the head would look fun and creative? Like a topknot. I always wish I could do that

rachylou

Veteran

I must say that I like your outfits. But if you make me... how about a blazer or jacket with a peplum of some sort?

unfrumped

Veteran

Thise are good suggestions, and I was also thinking what ways would be affordable or easier to find.
It seems there are a few different pathways—COLOR, and really including pattern teven though it’s not the same, seems doable for the more relaxed dress code. Tops are usually easier to find but business casual pants come in lots of colors now, and quite a few patterns. Blazers and jackets usually cost more but if you find something in your fave colors that also is less boring, and there are a lot of colors in knit blazers, plus of course cardigans. CUT or style of the item can be more edgy or look for interesting details.
Think of your own signature style and where you either “ squashed “ it to look more professional but can add some elements back, or whether you are combining too many classic , simple pieces in one outfit and can juxtapose more. Classic neutral pant with a colored denim jacket and interesting necklace, or red pants or windowpane check pants with a solid top, shoes with some fun details.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I agree with others that “frumpy” has never come to mind when I’ve looked at your WIWs. I don’t think the photo you attached here looks frumpy either, although the blouse seems very stiff. I take it the pink is one of the toppers you’ve recently bought? I don’t find it mechanical, between the color and the collar. What about pairing it up with more interesting/fun tops underneath? I like paisley because it can read either 1920s/60s boho and fun-loving or staid, upright conservative banker. I think some polka dots can do the same. I don’t think you wear skirts much, but you can walk the line between buttoned-down/sober and fun if you find one with just the right amount of flair that can sway playfully or hang demurely, depending on how you move and stand.

Liesbeth

Veteran

I think unfrumped is spot-on. Your current pieces are probably fine but can be combined in better ways if you feel like a uniformed robot lol.
Also, I think that even when first impressions are important and happening everyday, you should’t try to please everyone by choosing the most neutral outfit possible. It will likely do the opposite as you are now finding: make you look devoid of personality. I’m guilty too of overthinking my work wardrobe and wanting to give the exact right impression. But there’s just no such thing, how you come off is mostly based on other person’s ideas and preferences and whether they match yours. So I would say: stick to the ‘rules’ and within that framework wear what makes you happy. Perhaps add just a tad more ‘yang’ than usual to up the authority (if you are familiar with that description of clothes styles). But not too much as you clearly dislike looking too severe.

aly

I've found having great stationery (notebook/Filofax binder/good quality pens) is a way to achieve a professional and organised impression in meetings while allowing me to wear practical clothes for the laboratory part of my role.

Would a useful and confident accessory (maybe a bold or thoughtful tote) help balance your image? I also find a thoughtful scarf is a nice way to show a little personality.

jussie

Veteran

Aly: thank you for the advice- stationary or an iPad cover could certainly be a way of including some personality. Clever suggestion. A lot of teachers have stickers on their iPads and laptops. Mine is plain at the moment.

Liesbeth: thank you for your astute advice. I think you are absolutely right- I’m my quest to provide a completely neutral professional look that pleases everyone I encounter, all I’ve done is completely removed my personality from my clothing. Also I think your right in suggesting that the pieces themselves are fine, but it’s just the way I’m styling them that could be changed up a little. The pieces ARE nice, fit well and are mostly reasonably good quality.

Fashintern: thank you for your feedback. I very much like your idea of using skirts of different shapes to add that little bit of flair to a professional outfit.
The photo is of a character called Pam Beasley from season one of The Office (US version). An excellent comedy from a few years ago. Kind of a joke because she always dressed in a very conservative and repetitive way..... if you watch the series you’ll see what I mean :).

Unfrumped: wonderful advice, thank you. Actually I agree, I think where I have gone wrong is having too many tailored, conservative pieces in each outfit. And I think because the blazers I own a very dark (two black and one dark navy) they look quite “heavy” and dull, so I probably need to try using scarves or earrings to lighten things up near my face. Or at least soften my hair somehow.

Rachy: great idea about a peplum jacket. I don’t have one, but I DO have a peplum top that I could wear. It’s pretty funky and with some tailored pants or black jeans it might be just the thing.

Jessikams: yes! My hair could REALLY use some kind of update. Even a topknot challenges my hair styling skills :/.

Firecracker: thank you for the excellent advice. I think a coloured denim jacket with tailored pants is a brilliant idea :). And making use of pendants is something I should try again. For some reason lately I’ve lost confidence with wearing accessories.

Kellygirl: thanks for your feedback. Yes I think even some small pieces of jewelry would help abut just to add some sparkle here and there..... I have double piercings in each ear, so maybe I could put little sparkly studs in both sets to increase the sparkle/funkiness factor?? Rather than just a single set of studs that I often wear.

Lynette: thank you for such kind compliments! Most of my recent work wiws have been ONLY THE GOOD ONES!! Lol lol. The bad ones I haven’t photographed. I think I need to include at least one “pretty” piece into the outfit, like a ditsy print or a really feminine delicate shoe. That would increase my happiness factor.

ChrisM

Veteran

Jussie, you seem to be such a sweet soul - you do an excellent job of presenting a professional, secure persona that would be confident, reliable and comforting to your “audience.” Do not underestimate the value of that.

I have to go into new clients regularly, and I want my first impression to encourage my audience to trust me, to be the calm in their world which may be in upheaval; confident, hard-working, and trustworthy. I show “me” (and satisfy my need to be “me”) in distinctive accessories on the calm trustworthy canvas of work clothes.

I suggest an accessory - something that you love, that connects to your inner soul. A scarf (I use vintage neckerchiefs that stay out of my way) a bracelet (Mainelady style) a pretty hair clip (Firecracker) big earrings (that seems like “you”) without changing up everything.

Good luck and best wishes in your new role!

Bijou

Veteran

Jussi I work in a conservative field, accounting, yet I don't really dress in a conservative way most of the time. I think it is OK to be a bit more out there in dress, as long as the people you meet know you. When I meet new clients, I will dress in a more dressy and conservative way, but usually I add one point of difference (a colourful bag or wearing booties, a scarf, a brightly coloured dress or jacket) - just to keep it feeling like me.

You have an artists eye for colour, are incredibly pretty and a great figure - with all of that going for you I just cannot imagine you putting a foot wrong in the style stakes.

Anonymous

Well you naturally have a lot of Ingenue in your style-so if you mix those softer more yin pieces with the Classic type ones you'll feel more You! Here's examples on Truth is Beauty that could spark some ideas:
https://www.truth-is-beauty.co.....ident.html

lyn67

Veteran

Why only pants???? You can wear denim jackets & professional (or at least dressier) blazers with skirts(even tubes) and dresses (for ex.jersey)o f all sorts, too- in a neutral palette(and prints) and with comfy but dressier (for ex. patent) shoes (booties, loafers, wedge or flatforms etc.)

d.al101

Member

Hi Jussi

I think I had a little bit of the sabe problem when I started working... My outfits were to serious mainly because I was young, I was starting, and I wanted to be taken seriously...

I'm a later adopter, I'm the opposite of a fashionist, but I love to give my outfits my own personality.. I think I got lucky, because I ended up working at a jelly shoes company that produces models a little bit different from the classic, but stil classic.

My favourites are the oxford shoes or the booties.

So now my outfits are always simple and clean, but the shoes do the non-boring trick

KikiG

Veteran

I am a non-educator who works with educators, mainly administrators and central office staff. When I'm training or out in the field, I try to have one "something" be interesting or eye catching, like leopard shoes or a statement necklace. This gives my plain or tailored "professional" outfits personality without them being distracting I have leopard ballet flats and leopard heels, and they are now a fashion essential for me.

nemosmom

Veteran

I am nodding along with others that your WIW never look stuffy or robot-like AT ALL, but I totally understand feeling like something is 'blah'.

I was going through some of my own favorite looks and couldn't figure out why I looked and felt so unapproachable. I looked 'unfun'.... What about a new or different hairstyle, happy lip color, fun jewelry, or a funky shoe?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Oops—famous show. You’d think I’d recognize the character. I’m really bad at pop culture and at recognizing faces.
But I still think more fun patterns on the tops you wear with those very serious blazers could help.

LaPed

Veteran

Nodding along with all the advice you've received so far. My first thought was hair. I do not feel myself *at all* with my hair in a pony tail. Having all my hair pulled back looks more severe on me than the shortest pixie. IIRC, your hair is long enough to be very versatile. A messy bun, a top-knot, a loose plait worn over the shoulder, a half-pony that pulls your hair away from your face but leaves the rest loose... Definitely experiment with wearing your hair down and using barrettes or headbands to keep your hair out of your eyes.

For wardrobe, I think the key is juxtaposition. For the schools I teach at, I would feel too corporate if I wore a blouse underneath a blazer, but a sweater or knit pullover under a blazer feels just fine. I use graphic/printed tops under blazers quite a bit; they make great conversation starters and students respond well to them. I'm not a big jewelry person, but a lot of my co-workers use quirky jewelry in a similar way, adding variety and personality to simple outfits. I do have a few signature jewelry pieces that students recognize immediately when I wear them and have come to associate with me. I find scarves a little fussy when working with kids because they flop around and I have to rearrange them too often, but I know others who wear them really well. If you want to mix up your look without adding too much new stuff, why not try pairing the conservative blouses with a denim jacket, and wearing more casual tops underneath your blazers?

And, echoing others, you always look *fab* in your WIWs and about as far from frumpy as a person can get. But I do know what you mean about not feeling like yourself in corporate attire. Those "French chic" type blogs often talk about finding one element in your outfit that you can leave "undone" -- loose hair, pushed-up shirt sleeves, etc. You retain the overall polished look, but relax it just a bit. I've found that mindset to be really helpful.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Without reading the other answers: My solution to this problem is
tweed moto jackets insted of blazers
soft blouses instead of button down shirts
nice, dark colored jeans instead of pants - ETA I just saw that denim is a no go. Then try colored or black jeans. If you absolutely have to wear pants, then go for cigarette pants, not trousers.
And put away anything that makes you feel remotely frumpy. Wear the same one fabulous outfit over and over if necessary, especially if you won't be going to the same schools again and again.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Jussie --

I read all other responses and have nothing to add to the great ideas!

As you said, I think it's more a styling issue than anything else since you know you're dressed appropriately for your profession. Time to play in your closet....

One thing I didn't see mentioned was the age of the students...is it completely wide-open (5-18 y.o)? If so, maybe the blazers can be more for the older students to create impact and authority and with the younger ones you can have a bit more color and playfulness.

BrieN

Veteran

Agreeing with Bella about the Moto jacket and also shoes can make all the difference.. Metallic, platform, ankle strap, colorful etc can elevate your look and add personality to an outfit.

Roberta

Veteran

I work with stylish children's librarians who face your dilemma - how to look professional and worthy of respect by all of our patrons, but also look approachable and fun (and able to get down on the floor with the youngest customers). What I observe is self-expression through one or two items of an outfit. It might be patterned tights, a bright floral top or sweater, braids or headbands, a fun watch or earrings. No jeans here either, so they wear chinos or leggings with tunics/dresses. Some of them have a signature touch, whether it is something Disney somewhere, or love of stripes.

It is hard to even imagine you looking frumpy, but I completely understand your desire to look professional. Maybe its just a question of feeling more at ease after a few weeks. I remember when I got my first librarian job I practically wore a suit every day. You want to feel out the wardrobe culture, so to speak. Good luck, you got this!

jussie

Veteran

Roberta, Brie, Vix, Bella, La Ped, nemosmom, fash, Kiki, d.al, lyn67, bijou:
Thank you all for the helpful responses, and the kind compliments. Yes to finding ways to include a statement “personality” item in each outfit. As for jackets, I would LOVE to have some more motos- but my budget doesn’t allow at the moment, so I must try to utilize the one moto I have a lot more, or even my denim jacket. Scarves: yes!! Must start wearing these again. I have some warm scarves with stars on them which would be a nice touch.
The age of the students is 3-12 years. I avoid wearing a blazer for children under 5. Too formal!
Thank you all so much for your ideas

Style Fan

Veteran

Jussie, I have always enjoyed your WIWs and thought you had a fun style. Your denim jacket and moto seem like good ideas for toppers. I worked with children for a while and I tended to dress less formally.

DonnaF

Veteran

A brooch or maybe cluster of brooches on those blazers? Maybe you can scour charity shops for them.

Cee

Veteran

Ditch the conservative blouse for something with a bright pattern or colour or wear a fine rib knit top or skivvy.

Gigi

Veteran

I haven't read the responses above, but maybe getting some interesting shoes would help? I know that an interesting pair of shoes can make an outfit look totally different. Of course, shoes are one of the more expensive things to buy, so there is that...

Astrid

Veteran

I just looked at some of your WIWs amd you have great style and don’t look frumpy at all! But I get the feeling. I suggest looking at your favourite outfits and then taking one item out of those outfits and incorporating it into one of your work looks. Maybe that would make you feel better about them! And I agree with the others who said you should try some variations with your hair, that usually makes a lot of difference. Or how about some fun nail polish?

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