New Direction for Workwear - YouLookFab Forum

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New Direction for Workwear

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I will be starting a new position with a different organization soon. This change will allow me to narrow down where I want to go with my work wardrobe. Zaeobi's recent thread with the style monikers helped me define what I am striving toward: Arty, Minimal, Business Casual.
I will embrace the Arty aspect with interesting details and unexpected closures, etc. Minimal will be represented with solid colored pieces (texture, but no prints) in a earthy color palette and natural fabrics. The business casual is more difficult for me, as I skew casual. I will keep it modest, but may push it a bit with open toe shoes and bold earrings. I think this will be ok still in my role. I will be in office daily, at least for the first 6 months. I will be meeting virtually and in person with businesses (mostly manufacturing and logistics), government officials and possibly doing some public speaking.
Pictured below are some pieces I am considering. I am committed to more sustainable and ethically made items, so shopping options are more limited.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Advice?

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Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Jonesy

Veteran

This sounds like an exciting new job! I love the direction you are going. Re. the business casual bit: I always lean on jackets for this part, since they just lend an air of authority and polish, even if they are linen (or some other similar fabric), relatively unstructured, and don't look "business-y" IYKWIM. So that's what I'd think about, especially for the public speaking.

rachylou

Veteran

Well now, I’m very interested as to what this job is, involving manufacturing and logistics. I’m all up in that now

I like your ideas. Have I seen you in wrap tops? And do you know the brand of that first matching culottes set? I really like that.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Congratulations on the new job! I think these pieces you are considering look perfect. The wrap nature of several of them looks easy and appropriate. And beautiful earrings.
The only advice I could give would be to stay true to yourself. Years ago I used to wonder if I should look more “professional” in my work clothes, but over time I decided so long as I look modest and tidy then a bit of quirk was OK and people seem to appreciate it in fact, since I seem competent in my work.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Jonesy- thank you. Yes, I was thinking similar re:linen jackets
rachylou- it's a Business Engagement position for a non-profit. The program I am working in will be dealing with a program where the state provides funding for employers to provide training for their employees. My boss said most of the companies we work with are doing logistics or manufacturing.
I don't normally wear wrap tops in the traditional style, but they do tend to be flattering on me.
That first set is from Odd Bird
https://www.oddbirdco.com/coll.....gewear-set
Jenni NZ- That is exactly my concern and it's good to hear your experience- very validating. Thank you

madeline

Veteran

Congratulations on your new position!
Love the new direction of your style.
Professional with a touch of boho.
Looks authentic and appropriate.

Lana

(website)

Veteran

All the pieces are interesting with the wrapping and texture, which imo makes them so much better than plain basics.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

This looks good to me. I think west coast "business casual" is way more casual than the more business-y east coast "business casual." If you'll actually be visiting manufacturing facilities, you'll want to make sure you have some closed-toe shoes or boots that will work even with your summer pieces.

Also, I love that Odd Bird set and am now considering it for myself, since I'll soon have to replace my fast fallback jumpsuit.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Exciting! And the direction you are evolving into looks very Khris! The tops are gorgeous!

I like Jonesy's suggestion for relaxed business casual toppers.

I'm not sure the footwear - although very YOU - is sufficiently business casual. Maybe they're fine for more casual SoCal, and especially now, since dress codes have relaxed since the pandemic. You are naturally polished, which adds a dressier integrity. Anyway, something to think about

Anonymous

You have great taste! I used to wear open-toed shoes to work, but “business casual” was more casual in my office. Some occupations would want you to wear closed-toe shoes, so maybe check into that if you haven’t already. I would wear every one of those outfits!

cat2

Veteran

I would add another vote for closed toe shoes.

Sal

Veteran

I love this direction. Congratulations on the job. My job is a wee bit like this and I find it quite flexible in terms of dress code.

I sometimes need to have covered shoes for work( sneakers or boots - ballet flats wouldn’t be suitable even if closed toe) but I wear sandals too. To me the first and third shoes are dressy enough but maybe the second skew weekend.

Anonymous

Wow- love this direction! And tempted by that olive top Congrats on the new job!

RobinF

Veteran

Sounds like some exciting changes! I also love the tops and can definitely see the shoes with them - if appropriate as others have said.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Khris, it occurred to me that this is Smart Casual and maybe that's more the new dress code?

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I love the items you’ve picked, and the details elevate each item.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

congratulations! And I like where you're headed with your style. On the days you need to do public speaking, I think a blazer would be good, and maybe also slightly less casual footwear. The latter part is kind of difficult, though--finding shoes that aren't too corporate looking but that will suit the more casual, arty professional look you're going for.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thanks for the congrats!
It's nice hearing that so many of you think this is a good direction for me.
Yes, I will definitely keep boots for field days.
Yes Angie I think in our area smart casual is more office appropriate. The receptionist had on jeans and sneakers when I came for my second interview, so much more relaxed than some offices.
I will definitely start looking for toppers (I have a list already on etsy lol)
I really appreciate the suggestions and personal experiences you have shared.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If that’s the case, this is perfect Smart Casual for you and SoCal

Joy

Veteran

Another vote for Smart Casual. You may want to collect a few casual dresses and skirts in a modest length

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of the linen 'pantsuit' in the first photo - echoing others' sentiments that sometimes just matching colours (a 'co-ord') or a jacket topper are all that's needed to skew a look from 'casual' to 'smart casual'.

I also recently bought a tortoiseshell watch, which I find helps to project that 'air of authority' needed on Zoom calls (since I also train corporate employees, many much older than me). Hope that helps.

Becoming Alyssa

Wow! I love all those pieces, what great taste you have! Those earrings are fabulous, I could see myself wearing everything you selected, so pretty, congratulations on your new position!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thank you Alyssa- here are some more of the pieces I've found:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/6.....ymmetrical

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....wrap-dress

https://www.etsy.com/listing/6.....cket-linen

https://www.etsy.com/listing/6.....-linen-top

https://www.etsy.com/listing/9.....simple-top

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Becoming Alyssa

chewy spaghetti, l love all of those as well, you REALLY do have great taste!!!! Exciting day for me today in my transition, going for a professional bra fitting and a dress fitting as well!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

That's amazing Alyssa- congrats! I hope you enjoy, and find great things that work for you

Sloper

Veteran

Belated congratulations on the new position!

Agreeing with some of the comments above re: SoCal casual being a bit of a different animal. I think you've picked out some good options.

That pink jacket in #3 is very nice!

unfrumped

Veteran

Congratulations!
Sounds like you will have some fun assembling your “ new” wardrobe ( new plus te- working existing items.

I have sort of generic comments— which is, with a more casual dress code— or maybe not just more casual, but less rigid - you can give more thought to how your work wardrobe does not have to be as separate from other activities, as it might with say, business formal. That means you may be able to have a smaller wardrobe, not small for small’s sake , but allowing you to buy the best quality- again not necessarily the most expensive, but more leeway to buy what you really love and to refresh or update as your style or job needs change. Also, to some extent, great quality can exude more authority & allow more leeway in creative dressing, whether it’s more color or juxtaposing a more casual style item with more formal. So it’s a great opportunity to be picky about fabrics that wear well , and good fit, and save some budget room for tailoring. Often we think of that just for tailored business wear , but it applies to all styles. Kind of related to this is that it’s often true that cheaper construction shows less if item is a dark neutral, like black. So the flip side is I often find that pastels, light neutrals and a lot of prints show quality flaws or “ cheap” appearance more easily , and if I wanted to wear them in a more professional setting, I needed to look for more luxe fabrics and great construction. Then there is the related maxim from Dress for Success, which advised scouting out/ trying on high- end items ( meaning $$$ plus great quality) and then shopping at a lower price point while noting which color and fabric at lower end gave more of the vibe of high- end. I’ve done that sometimes been surprised by how differently something may translate in different color ways. That was a lot easier when there were more brick and mortar stores.