How can I jazz up my work clothes?

Kristin L

Hi. I've been trying to figure out how to jazz up my work outfits, but an not having much luck. I'm a grad student working in agriculture, so my normal attire is jeans and t-shirt. When I have field work, I don't try dressing up because knowing my luck, I'll ruin whatever I'm wearing. When I'm in the lab, I always keep my legs covered and wear closed toe shoes for protection, but besides jeans and t-shirt, I'm not sure what else to do. I like wearing fun jewelry, and normally I do. Does anyone have any ideas on what else I can do? Thanks!

13 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from Meghan R

Tanya

Veteran

Hi Kristin,

I am a postdoc working in the lab in the chemistry area and I have exactly the same restrictions when it comes to dressing - long pants and closed toed shoes. That doesn't stop me from having lots of fun with fashion though ! ( you can look through my WIWs if you want).

I do not know what is your style, but the first step would be to substitute the t-shirts for the nicer tops: knitted tops, button downs, silky blouses etc. Those can be layered with vest, cardigans, blazers, little jackets and so on. Then, shoes also play a big role - I typically go for nice ballet flats or lowish closed toed wedges in the summer. You can have lots of fun with jeans: in addition to blue, there is white, grey, black, than all sorts of colors and prints that are popular this season. You can also do some micro-check pants, or silky cargo ones. You can check Angie's posts on smart casual, lots of good stuff there.

13 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Hi Kristin,

I'm an ecology professor, so I know where you're coming from. I think Tanya has give you some really great suggestions - colored denim; fun shoes/boots/booties; interesting layers in the colder months (jackets, cardis, vests); nicer knit tops that are a step up from tees, blouses, and button-downs in the summer months; scarves and other accessories to liven things up - all of these ideas would up your style quotient. You might check out Angie's mum on the go formulas, which are pretty casual. Have fun!

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Kristin: I teach at a college, too, but in the music department -- which, as you know, is another world entirely! I'd encourage you to check out some of the archived "formulas" that Angie puts on the site to get more ideas. Also, post some pics of your favorite casual combos and ask the forum to help you take them up a notch. It's scary at first,, but they are all very encouraging. The more you do it, the more helpful the group is, because they start to know your wardrobe and tastes better.

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Thank so much Tanya and Sarah! I have a few of those items already, so I'll start working those in to my normal work day wear.

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks Beth Ann. I'll check out the formulas!

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh this calls for the outdoor/ag hipster look. Jeans and tees are a must, but they have to be "cute." No boxy beefy tees, no boyfriend jeans. Well, one *could* do retro 501's, but that's a very hard hard look to pull off. You have to have not only a pixie figure but a pixie personality.

Yes, we're talking bootcut jeans and interesting necklines and sleeves. Everything fitted.

13 years ago

Meghan R

Active Member

I second Tanya with much enthusiasm. Jeans and t-shirts can look boring, but jeans and a cute top + accessories can be really chic. And it's just as easy to put on in the morning. I find it's really helpful to put together an inspiration folder of outfits I admire -- that makes it easier to think of new outfits and avoid falling into the same patterns.

Good luck:)

13 years ago

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