BJ, that is a good idea. I can make a good impression first and ease them into my girlier outfits.

Angie and Rita, thank you for the tips on oall the stores to hit! I will make a list to take with me this weekend, and also study up beforehand on their looks in case there is a Marshall's or TJ Maxx run.

Rae, you can totally remain true to yourself whilst conforming to a stricter dress code. I think once you make an investment of a great suit that SUITS YOU then you can have fun with it. Think of all your fun blouses, etc. Don't let this drag you down. You got a great new job, gal!

Rae, would it be helpful to do a separate style elements list for your business wear? If you can't get a handle on what you LIKE then maybe list what you DON'T like so we can help you figure it out this weekend. I think if we compared the two lists we could definitely find places to incorporate the more "you" elements into your business wear.

Great suggestions here already. In finance it does tend to be a bit more conservative than some other areas of business. But that doesn't mean you can't go for super chic instead of super conservative. The wine colored suit you linked to is gorgeous. I would err on items with classic shapes but interesting details, perhaps the lapel of a blazer, or ruffles on a blouse instead of a crisp white shirt, or a 2 piece skirt suit but in a fun pinstripe (ie brown suit with pink instead of standard cream pinstripe, black with blue instead of white pinstripe). And heels are always an area that you can have fun with. Two tone in classic colors or a rich color in a fun shape heel (perhaps purple with a cone shape heel instead of classic stiletto or a cream cap toe black ballet flat). Work is too many days of the week to get dressed and feel less than fab.

"Work is too many days of the weeks to get dressed and feel less than fab."

Amen.

I'm nodding my head along with lyn* and Lisa, and Aida, and Heather (and everyone else who has chimed in on the previous page!). I think you can totally make your business style reflect *you* and still be conservative, but it might take some work. I think there are so many ways to jazz up pretty straightforward looks. Even when you wear muted, classic shapes, you still look spiffy and interesting, e.g., when you add a bright skinny belt, or wear interesting shoes, or carry a bright blue bag, or wear a conversational print blouse. I think one area you could start with that wouldn't be too challenging or pricey could be looking for several fab, fun tops that you can wear under suits, and that can also be worn on the weekends (say, with BF jeans).

Since everyone has given me wonderful ideas, I guess my homework for tonight is to follow Aida's advice for a list. I'm thinking that being able to fit in with the boys may be a decent source of my anxiety, so I'm trying to keep that in mind while doing this exercise.

What WON'T work for me, and what I dislike:
- Preppy
- Sweet (colors and details)
- Ladies Who Lunch
- The Female Politician Suit (you know the kind I mean...)
- The academic/professor look (very cute, but doesn't fit in in the bank)
- Ruffles
- Pastels
- Polka dots
- Puffy Sleeves
- Wide leg pants
- Double-breasted Jackets
- Anything older than my actual age
- Cropped pants/Capris
- Strong shoulders

What I DO (sort of) like:
- Slick lines
- Masculine colors
- Subtle yet unexpected tailoring/details/colors that are not standard fare
- Slim fit
- maybe a little aggressive or "lawyer-ish"

Pics of a few things that caught my eye below, even though 1/2 and 4 are way out of my price range. I also like the looks of things at Zara, though I'm not sure there are many options left available for matching pants/blazers to pair up as suits - maybe it will be better in-store?

This is a great start!! I'm getting excited for your search!

I think you're heading in the right direction! I don't envy you having to dress so formally in suits for work, but if anyone can make it stylish and fun, you can!