HELP!!! STARTING NEW JOB IN 2 WEEKS!

pemn

I've been working from home as an independent for just under 20 years (!), and I landed an opportunity to get back in the work force full time. Working for small company in creative biz. Probably biz casual. I HAVE NO WARDROBE. PERIOD. But i am 50-plus and want to look hip -- but not like I'm trying to dress way younger than my years. WHERE TO START?? I need wear-now stuff for the summer for the office. And I need to IMMEDIATELY buy something to wear to New York for some meetings. I am 5'5", 127 lbs, and a pear. Terrible feet, so heels are NOT an option. I don't now what to buy that will look chic enough for NY. And I have to build a working wardrobe. Any thoughts???

13 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Vicki

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hi there! Congrats on the job!

Are your immediate meeting needs also biz casual? If the meetings are more formal, I would suggest a good suit that you could split up later for everyday wear. Something neutral and classic that will mix well with fun stuff.

As for looking hip, there are SO many ways to go about this. What kinds of things do you like? Is there a brand that you are drawn to? A style? If we know more about you, we can give much more specific suggestions.

Angie's recent work wear posts would be a good place to start:
http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....t-capsule/

http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/.....-for-less/

Specific items that have gotten good reviews across the board (no idea about availability right now):
Halogen seamed pencil skirts (Nordstrom)
Sloan fit trousers (Banana Republic)
Brooks Brothers button front shirts
Equipment and Nexx silk blouses (Nordstrom)

For shoes, definitely check out http://barkingdogshoes.com/ for tons of suggestions for fussy feet.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the new job! Rae has given you a great list already so I will add just a couple things. Banana Republic and Ann Taylor have lots of good work-appropriate suits and separates. I'd also suggest trying Nordstrom and White House Black Market. Both of those places you can get the sales associate to help you pick out items--they automatically bring you extra suggestions when you're trying things on in the dressing room. And at Nordstrom you can make an appointment for a free personal shopper appointment--you tell them what you are looking for, your size and budget and they pre-select things for you to try on when you get there. I tried that once when I was looking for an evening dress and it was nice--she had the dressing room all set up and stocked for me. As for shoes, my most comfortable low heels are by Easy Spirit and Indigo by Clark. Low heels can sometimes be as comfortable or more comfortable than flats, and they do make outfits look a lot more professional so it's worth a try if you can get a comfortable pair.

13 years ago

pemn

Active Member

You ladies are AWESOME! My narrow/dysfunctional feet thank you for the footwear shopping tips. I now have about 6 pairs ordered from both Zappos and Amazon, thanks to your recommendation for the barkingdogshoes. com site. I also set up an appt for tomorrow with Pers. Shopper at Nordstrom. I love the idea of pencil skirt, though I don't know whether my hips will cooperate. I love the look of soft, unstructured clothing BUT I don't wear it well. With my puny shoulders (pear shape), I look kinda frumpy in that silhouette. So I guess I'm largely a tailored dresser. I love great earrings (any suggestions on some fun, interesting ones?). I have difficulty getting low-rise jeans to fit right; they always seem to be falling down, except for capris by Not your Daughter's Jeans. I love natural fibers, esp cotton. Was never fond of rayon/viscose/poly. I want to look creative corporate, not Wall Street corporate. I LOVE color, but I find much of my wardrobe has been black. In my years working from home, I almost never wore jackets. If I had to meet with clients, I wore cardis. But I would be open to a jacket or two now, as long as they aren't banker-ish.

13 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the new job! It sounds like you're already on a good path for outfitting yourself. I'd like to add one piece of advice. Like you, I worked out of the office for many years and had to do a quick wardrobe building session for a new job/environment recently.

Don't expect to "finish" your wardrobe before you start. Get some clothes and shoes that will give you a little breathing space and then do the rest in a less rushed fashion. You will be able to figure out your needs a little better once you've actually "acclimated" to your new position. You'll also be less likely to make costly mistakes if you can do your shopping over a longer period of time when you can reflect on choices, etc.

Best wishes!

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Do you wear specs? I would start there. Creative specs are a must if you wear them! Then, what about hair? is that sorted?

Then, I'd pick a couple of outfit formulas that will work for your office. For instance, a pencil skirt, blouse and topper (vest, leather jacket, or blazer). You can also swap out the skirt for walking shorts or capri pants.

You can also do a sleeveless dress with a button down layered under it for a funky spin on corporate dressing.

For shoes, you should have ballet flats and some oxfords in light colors for summer. Also, it might be nice to have the option of a kitten-heeled pump.

Here are a few examples of what I've been wearing to work (I work in the fashion retail industry - Nordstrom actually, so thanks for your support! - but in tech).

1 and 3 - skirt with tucked in tee and jacket (I highly recommend getting a leather jacket or denim jacket that can be dressed up!)
2 - shorts with a cropped blazer and sleeveless blouse
4 - sleeveless dress with silk blouse layered under.

I find that since I'm inside nearly all day I don't want to dress too light for work or I get cold.

Good luck and congrats!!

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ah, creative corporate! I love it!

Definitely choose some color - even the most corporate, classic pieces look more creative in colored fabrications. Maybe take a look at MaryK's outfit posts? Cool jewelry is a plus, too.

Amy is right, too. Get yourself started and then feel out the office culture before you go full tilt.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

yes, you definitely don't need to do all black! MaryK is the queen of colorful corporate dressing...(-:

13 years ago

transition

Active Member

Congrats!

I'm getting ready to/hoping to start over in my career wardrobe too!

I'm new here, so I really don't have any fashion advice. Since you're not sure of the dress code day to day or for the trip, I'd ask before spending much money.

The last time I changed jobs, it was a lateral move. . . nearly identical job for a different company. But the dress code was different, and I was woefully underdressed for months.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Good luck to you! My only advice is to try to buy what you love and start out slowly. You can add as you go along and figure out what works for you. If a *formula* emerges, run with it!

13 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Congrats and good luck!

Great advice upthread, and I think you're smart to do a personal shopper given your timeframe and needs. Assume the PS will make sure you leave with a capsule of mix and match items for maximum versatility -- do stress that!

Creative + small company says business (creative) casual to me -- with "creative corporate" as an option.

I wear both, and absolutely agree that getting to have fun with color and texture is a great perk of the environment. Think about experimenting (maybe gradually if you're easing into things!) with interesting combos of color-color or all-neutrals. Bolder jewelry, shoes, and prints are a great shortcut to communicating your creativity.

13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Some great thoughts already...I am going to bump....

CONGRATULATIONS !

13 years ago

kimlee

Veteran

Congratualtions on the new job. You have a lot of great suggestions to get you started. If you have consignment shops in your area, I would suggest looking there as well, you can often find great pieces in good condition for a fraction of the cost.

13 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

That's great news about the job and congratulations to you! Rae has given you some excellent advice and a terrific list to build a career wardrobe quickly. I love the non-iron Brooks Brothers shirts and the Halogen skirts from Nordstrom. Banana Republic, Express and Zara may be other outlets to help you find pants or trousers you'll like. Ballet flats, kitten heels, loafers or wedge sandals may do the trick for comfortable feet.

13 years ago

Category