Looking too business like, i guess... - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Looking too business like, i guess...

ANewMindset

Hi fabbers,
Twice over the past couple of weeks I have met up with friends for casual outings. In both cases, i wore wide leg jeans, heeled sandals, a fitted button down shirt, and statement jewelry. And in both cases, I was told i looked like i was going to work.
I dont want to look business like but i do love a button down. I guess fitted button down = work, and i would have to wear the shirt open with a tank underneath to have it be otherwise?

This is almost a moot point because it is quickly becoming too hot for this look! I can soon start lamenting about how much i dislike summer dressing! I love a third piece but thats not really feasible in the summer!

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Nomad

ChristelJ

Veteran

It sounds like you are the more polished in your group, maybe? I would never have thought a jeans outfit would be business-like. I say wear your button downs while you can! And I agree that summer dressing can make our 3rd pieces sadly irrelevant.

DonnaF

Veteran

Wear what you like! Sandals aren’t permitted in some workplaces due to safety concerns, but maybe because they were heeled and not sneakers threw them off? Also, these days maybe a lot of women can’t be bothered wearing much jewelry? Finally, I don’t consider jeans workwear (I’m old-fashioned that way), but worn with a button down and maybe a blazer I might find it acceptable. For those who say I am too dressed up, I say they are worth it and I do so to honor them.

unfrumped

Veteran

So funny! Jeans did not used to be workwear nor sandals.

I am all for your wearing whatever you like. But, maybe you would prefer to hit a slightly more casual vibe.

I actually do like to hit that sweet spot of wearing outfits or even particular clothing items I love , but blending in, or maybe, confusing ‘em!

I wear a number of button- up shirts. Most are not too fitted because I just can’t get the right fit in the right places and I don’t like tops very snug. But , not too big either, or I look overwhelmed.

Things you could try obviously , are taking any one element down a notch.
A shoe other than heeled sandals, a less trendy jean, a button-up that’s more relaxed, but still buttoned. It would all depend on what you’re really looking forward to wearing.

Something I found to be important, and it seems so obvious but I had to sort of
“ discover “ it, is that for me to successfully “ dress up” a notch in casual/ smart casual , I really need to stick to items I love, and usually that has some element of comfort, not sloppy but “ surprisingly comfortable “ for the type of item, plus really good fit. And sometimes , an “ elevated” fabric, as in Sports Luxe or similar. Things have to look like they belong on me, move well. So, I might wear an ankle strap flat instead of a sneaker but it’s flat and “ walks” without effort. Or a blazer is knitwear and as comfortable as a hoodie. Or a cashmere sweater but it’s relaxed.

Runcarla

Veteran

Maybe you were just more ‘dressed’ and the individuals fixated on the button down?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

OK. This is my excuse to vent. Please forgive what I am about to say.

ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

I am so tired of people saying that any jacket (apart from -- maybe -- a denim trucker jacket) and any button front shirt look "corporate" or "business-like."

I've heard this occasionally here on the forum. I've heard it in the wild. I've seen the comment elsewhere on the web. And I just don't understand!

To me, it's all in the styling. Yes, a jacket or a button front shirt with a collar can look more "business-like." But worn with jeans? With sandals? I don't think so.

I do accept and support those who would personally feel too "buttoned up" in a button front shirt. Or those whose body types are not flattered by the style. But for those who suit the style it is one of the easiest, slam dunk options out there, super comfortable, and easy to wear in all settings. So there.

Pfffft!

Dee

Veteran

I feel the way Suz does about this, things have become so casual that just about anything these days outside of sweats or jeans and tee is considered dressy.

The other day I was wearing my top tucked in and a belt with my jeans, and my husband asked me where I was going all dressed up.

Your outfit sounds perfectly lovely, and totally appropriate for the occasion, if they see button downs as business-like I think that’s really their issue.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Maybe it depends on the type of button up shirt? For example a loose or crinkly shirt with dropped shoulder seams would look more relaxed than one with princess seaming or darts and a fitted shoulder….

cat2

Veteran

Ha! Suz beat me to the venting! Wear what you like; there is no need to let yourself be bullied into showing up in yoga pants. I have some artsy BoHo friends and relatives who think everything is corporate. Last time I visited one I picked something completely inappropriate for work, an edgy asymmetrical dress that only goes to galleries, and my friend still asked if I came from work.

rachylou

Veteran

This is slightly fascinating, that jeans, sandals and statement jewellery are a work look. What kind of work, do you think?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes Team Suz here! Comments like that are often a projection of the commentors feelings of insecurity (i.e. "I look like a shlump in comparison.").

Sisi

Veteran

Your outfit does not sound to me business-like but very nice and elegant! Here in Italy you would have been complimented. I say wear what you want. Suz and Rachylou make interesting observations.

Sal

Veteran

This sounds like a nice outfit. I wonder if your friends meant it as a compliment - but it came out wrong?

I am trying to lift my game at the moment and dress more smartly. Mostly by wearing what I already own!’

The Cat

Veteran

Agree with others here. Your outfit was chic, not business-like. Continue to wear what you prefer. Eventually, your friends might feel inspired to dress a bit more chic.

ANewMindset

Thanks everyone for the great comments!!
Suz - I am with you!
And Dee - i think your husband's comment to you perfectly sums up the state of dressing today!
Wait til I break out my black summer dresses!!! LOL

Anonymous

Sounds like something I'd wear to work on a casual Friday- OR for days off! Obviously They were just underdressed
What is with this mentality against being dressed up? As far as I'm concerned, there's no reason to ever be less than smart casual unless you're working out, camping, or doing physical work.

Olive Green

Veteran

I love seeing people work their style. Otherwise the people watching is very dull.
And I love a button down. Mine have gotten mostly oversized or deliberately voluminous, and are often worn over a sleeveless tank or cami as well as alone. They are never ironed.
Apparently, anything that is not a t shirt or a sweat related top is formal now, because I get the same type of comment.
So your friends are plugged into the zeitgeist.
The freedom to not look polished is certainly cherished, how great that women don’t have to ‘present’ as proper all the time, but also great that some of us still think style is fun! The LBDs and a lot of jewelry should knock it out of the coffee shop!
Suz, I spat up a little coffee. So yes.

Katerina

Veteran

I totally agree with Suz and others.
Besides, what is wrong with “business -like”?
Personally, I appreciate polished looks, statement jewelry and like you, I really do not like summer dressing. Plus love black dresses in the summer…. So there is that.

kkards

Veteran

Agree, you can/should wear whatever makes you feel good

but I want to add that more me it’s usually the combination of items instead of one item alone that makes an outfit feel “business like”. Ie button down with sneakers usually a different vibe than button down with heels.

unfrumped

Veteran

I got the “ dressed up” comment recently when wearing a casual plaid blazer over Old Navy joggers, a T shirt ( tucked in) , and running shoes ( meaning not fashion sneakers at all).

I had been to a routine Dr. appointment & then on to a casual helping- out activity.

I felt great about it because I had “ collected “ these items over time for how they’d work together, was totally comfy in the outfit, both physically and feeling it’s not stuffy or precious — I mean, drawstring waist! Padded running shoes! But there were coordinated color elements and a silhouette that works for me.

Joy

Veteran

I get the "dressed up" comment every time I wear a dress or skirt which is twice a week. I agree with Suz. Things have gotten too casual when a tee shirt dress looks dressy. I always wear flats, never heels, and was shocked to realize that many think of jeans as dressing up. A friend's daughter got married in a park so people could wear jeans! My friend bought new thong sandals for the occasion. I was rather horrified and dressed as for any wedding. Wear what you like. I tell people that I enjoy being dressy and they stop with most of the comments. I wear frocks to church and more women have started wearing them, especially in summer.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Team Suz here too!

And nodding along with Jaime and Katerina!

Personally, I wear button down shirts all the time in Spring and Summer. They are "my t-shirt", and signature to my style. Mine are very fluid, and the linen ones oversized. And my pearls feature daily. I love it!

ANewMindset, your outfit sounds fabulous! Rock on, and dress authentically.

I had to chuckle at the reaction to your outfit! There is nothing left to do but laugh at such inane comments

Star

Veteran

You are not alone. On Saturday I popped on a grey blazer and my DH said 'you look like you are going to work'. I currently do not work. I said Really? - in snake print trousers and silver bejewelled slides? Where would I be working? A blazer or button-down does seem to spark this thought for some folks regardless of what they are paired with. In my case I never wore blazers much, it is a new to me item instead of denim jackets.

Minaminu

Veteran

Another team Suz here!!! I think it very frustrating, there is a line between smart-casual and casual and I am very uncomfortable when it's too casual! This year, I finally donated a denim jacket as I was never interested in wearing.

I can imagine that this type of outfit may be too hot for summer! Have you thought on what type of outfit would be a good alternative?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

LOL, Star!!! (I love the sound of your outfit.)

Another Team Black Dress in summer here, by the way. I mean, I don't wear black any more myself so I won't be joining, but switch it up to grey or navy or white, and I'm in. If I can find one, that is...

To my mind, there are few outfits more fresh and elegant than a black or white dress in summer. And yes, the look can be casual or dressy or somewhere in between. It's all in the details...

Nomad

I'm with Suz, and everyone else who said your outfit sounds very chic and not at all "work"-like. I hope you continue rocking your style and not letting those kinds of comments throw you.