Ramping up my professional look. What should I focus on first? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Ramping up my professional look. What should I focus on first?

Anonymous

The past , say, 5-7 years has seen my professional look drift slowly and steadily from really dressed up , to completely dressed down. I don't like it.

The casualization of the workplace in general is part of it, size changes are another, and being less interested in spending a lot of money on clothes is yet another . Obviously, if I had an unlimited budget , I'd be going nuts, but reality means being careful, and responsible. I really dislike waste and excess.

Regardless of the reasons why I dropped the ball, I want to ramp up my style and bring more polish to my look . I've let myself fall into a bad habit of wearing jeans to call on clients (especially in the winter) along with boots and a coat and some random sweater, and I think my laziness is not helping my state of mind and how I feel about myself. I used to be the queen of the suit, the blouse, the pumps, the bags, the pencil skirt etc, but was often mocked for being so dressed up when no one else was . So eventually, I relaxed, and so did my standards.

So, in terms of blowing the dust off of my work style, which involves calling on retail stores and meeting with buyers (rural , urban and everything inbetween) , where do I start? I don't have the budget to buy everything all at once, or even a piece in every category, so I'm trying to figure out what to focus on first.

I really lack in dress pants, have NO skirts (wouldn't even know where to start there ) , and very, very few professional -looking tops . I do have a small collection of blazers , and probably enough pair of shoes to make a more professional statement, but even that might need addressing. One of my stumbling blocks is a dislike of typical work wear : polyester printed tops, straight legged dress pants, cardigans , flat shoes etc. I have a closet full of jeans, blazers, bombers, knit jackets, jogger style pants, t-shirts, tanks in various fabrics, and the trendy shoe of the season . If I had to go to a job interview tomorrow, I'd be hooped.

What do you recommend starting with? Any thoughts on sales rep wear and how to brush up when you are feeling lousy...are all welcome.

Thanks!

Dressing

66 replies

Latest reply was from

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A few pencil skirts for the bombers and blazers. Over the knee. ELEGANT. Skirts are easier to fit than pants.
Some GREAT layering tops that work with the exsting jackets.
Two statements blouses.
ONE statement topper in a new-to-you silhouette that is NOT black.
Add some colour.
Work a few dressy scarves into your outfits.
(Would need to see the shoes).

Top it all off with your KILLER jewellery collection.

(((HUGS))). Sorry you're feeling lousy, Lisap. Your weather does NOT help. Hoping Spring comes your way very soon, bringing with it its tremendous healing power.

Irina

Veteran

Cropped pants are my staple ( I wear mine with creases, not sure how it’s called). I buy them from BR or Massimo Dutti and shorten if needed. I can’t say if it is how a sales rep should look. A jacket, t-shirt and sharp pants plus a great pair of shoes - my idea of the look required. I like that myself

cindysmith

Veteran

Bottoms. Then accessories. If you don't have a business formal dress code, then you can take those plain straight leg business pants and snazz them up with a fun top, one of your knit jackets, your trendy shoe. That's the kind of thing I did for shows at the historic theater I worked at. Of course, theater is a creative industry, and we didn't have to wear formal or business formal. (I was actually with the company that provided audio equipment and services, so we could wear whatever, but we wanted to dress in a way that made a distinction: we weren't stagehands/labor, we told the stagehands/labor what to do)

I would also take straight leg jeans and throw a blazer over them and rock a fun shoe for the daytime kids shows, or the rock concerts (I always cringed when a rock show was announced, the crowds were so disrespectful to our beautiful building). I wore nice casual pants that didn't read as "business" and paired them with simple tops, fun shoes, and maybe a cardigan to ward off the chill from the serious air handlers that provided air conditioning. I literally ran up and down four flights of stairs in 5" platform heels, and the owner of our company said I made us look good. The executive director loved it, and made it very clear to all touring crews that they didn't get to throw me off the stage because I didn't meet their dress codes. I miss that job so much.

Sorry, I have digressed. Office wear doesn't have to be boring, we can take a basic career piece and make it our own. You don't have to sacrifice your fun personal style, you just have to sacrifice one or two components of your outfit.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

One thing I see a lot of professional young women wear is ankle pants with ballet flats. That way, you can be comfortable and run around.

Anonymous

Angie - I'm most interested to hear that you find skirts easier to fit than pants. I'm scared to death of skirts , especially a pencil, because there is so little ease. Do you really think a pencil skirt would work on my body type? (quite short waisted, large breasted and a VERY unflat stomach) Are you thinking of the traditional suiting fabric, side zip or back zip styles? I don't even know where to find these, other than perhaps at BR. I may even be sized out there. Recommend brands - even if they are US brands - would be appreciated.

I hate always having to mention my weight and body type but it's part of me, and I don't moan about it to be obnoxious -I simply have no idea how to dress it anymore.

Carol - thanks. I'm not exactly what one would call a young professional - lol. I do love ankle pants, but ballet flats look a little juvenile to my eye. I think it's because they make me feel short(er) stumpier and are usually SO unsupportive. Yes, I'm old;)

Cindy - I lost track of your story and got confused when you mentioned I wear jeans and a blazer for daytime kids shows But yes, I was thinking bottoms would have to be the first item to attack too.

Irina - I LOVE a cropped or ankle pant and find them elegant and modern. I find pants extremely difficult to fit though, and BR almost never works. I may have to start visiting a tailor to get my best fit. And yes, I like my pants with pressed creases too. Or rather I did, when I used to dress properly

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lisap, OF COURSE pencil skirts will work on you. Plus you like your legs - as you should. Milk it! Pencil skirts are very forgiving when you wear a top over them. Girdling. No need to semi-tuck or fully tuck, and you can wear a more fluid fit top. There you go. No need to worry about the midsection. Add the topper for structure. Remember that you don't need to do yoga in a pencil skirt - so make sure it's comfy on the waist, and tapered at the side seams. Plenty of length, and preferably with some stretch. I will try to find examples. (You can also have side seams tapered - easy alteration).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A start: Simple.

https://www.aritzia.com/en/pro.....76001.html\\

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/w.....968444--24

Banana Republic

Machine-Washable Italian Wool Blend Pencil Skirt with Side Slit

View Info

Top Pick

3

Banana Republic

Heritage Bi-Stretch Pencil Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

Emerson Rose Asymmetrical Pencil Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

4

Madewell Ribbed Pencil Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

David Lerner Tube High Rise Pencil Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

Vince Camuto Ponte Midi Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

3

Vince Stretch Ponte Pencil Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

3

Vince Camuto Pull-On Pencil Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

2

ChrisM

Veteran

If you've not done so recently, a good haircut or updated hair style will make you feel better (says the woman with the bun.) Clean, groomed nails, maybe an updated, minimal makeup refresh might pull you out of your slump.

Focusing attention up to your face with necklace, earrings or scarf - all of these can be as casual or elevated as you need to be in front of a customer.

Wear your quirky jackets or bombers - just elevate them with a clean crisp tee, jewelry or scarves. I think if you're in sales especially that it's good to keep necklines modest, but that's me. Basic pants or a skirt that fits (how about ponte? ) classic shoes that are well-maintained and comfy and voila!

I shop for skirt and trouser basics on eBay - saves money, reduces waste in the world. No need to lay out a ton o' dough, but a refresh on basics - classics that you can mix with your personal style - might help.

Irina

Veteran

Lisa, I have to alter almost all my pants. I used to take it to a tailor but now learned to do some work myself. As I aged, I have to size up now in pants to avoid a dreadful muffin top. And the rest is a bit too buggy and needs to be taken in. Oh, well, it’s my issue. You need to find a brand with a suitable cut. I buy some from Zara. Just bought last week cotton white ones. I put them in a dryer and now they are cropped Available in a number of colors. I’m thinking about a black pair

Christina F.

Veteran

Fellow short waist with non-flat belly chiming in -pencil skirts are the best. The trick is to size up if you need to. They need to be somewhat fitted but not body con. It took me a long time to realize this, because I can size down in most other skirts since my waist is smaller (Portuguese hips don’t lie, though). Then tailor if you need to slim the sides, as Angie says.

jussie

Veteran

Hmm sorry you’re not feeling fab. The other day I saw a woman wearing a cold-shoulder top in a funky print, with a blue denim vest (same collar, buttons etc as a normal denim jacket just no sleeves) over it. It looked funky and fashiony. She had it with black utility/jogger pants and beautiful black shoes. The print of the top had black in it too so it all tied together. She had a full face of hair and makeup. Looked amazing all together.
Hmm another idea could be one of Angie’s suggested pencil skirts, with a funky tee and a denim jacket or blazer on top.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You have the blazers covered, at least to start with, and I think they are the most important item to look professional. Love the idea of stretchy skirts for you - I am sure you will find the right fit but you will have to take some time. In this case a department store is probably best, or a store with a lot of versions. You have the hair and makeup covered too. Flattering skirts, great jackets and shoes, polished makeup and hair, great jewelry - you are dynamite.

Kathie

Veteran

Not much more to add- your jacket/blazer, scarf, and accessories are already amazing. I went through some of your old posts, and re-read your MPG review. Do they have some additional trouser silhouettes that would work with your existing blazers? The striped ones you got look like a good fit.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What Jaime said! I think you’re closer to your goal than you think, based on what we see you wear when you post here. Upgrade the jeans to a great pencil skirt or fab trousers and I think that adds a suitable amount of polish. Just take your time and find a really great skirt and trousers that make you feel amazing.

Joy

Veteran

What Janet and Jaime said. Some pencil or tube skirts with some length in neutrals that you can wear with your blazers is a great start.

Anonymous

I'm between spitting out my wine (yes, sorry, midweek treat w husband) laughing and nodding my head in acknowledgement of good ideas. I won't get into that any further, but those who know me will get it

I guess I have to suck it up - literally and figuratively - and head to a store and try on skirts. I LOVE the idea, but just see this shortish middle-aged overweight woman trying on skirts and leaving the fitting room in despair . But - I will force myself to do it.

Janet - I only wish I could find the perfect trousers. I have ONE pair of Vince pants from 6 or so years ago that oddly still fit (odd fabric and a cut that can be worn very loose or not ) and I'd love to get more, but at $400 a pair ?? It's not my reality.

Kathie - your'e right about MPG pants being great - but they are very, very casual and exactly what I'd like to get away from. They have been my alternative to jeans, and I need to keep them for non-work occasions.

Thanks Jamie <3

Christina F - Ok! I get the sizing down bit, because I could go down about 3 sizes in Gap skirts (for example ) when I was slim and trim. I'm so hesitant, because I can't put myself through yet another demoralizing experience in a fitting room mirror, but I know I have to. Do you tailor and wear your pencil skirts up at your natural waist, or do you buy them to sit down lower on your hips?

ChrisM- who do you like on eBay for trouser and skirt basics? And not to worry - I'm pretty conservative too. No cleavage for me. Makes me laugh just typing that.

Angie - thank you SO much for taking the time to respond with pictures. I don't even go near skirts in a store . I'm in a body I don't know, and thus keep hidden . I'm not confident enough to get into a stretch skirt and be comfortable with myself. I'm not sure I can do both skirts and new tops all in one season, but I'll see what I can do skirt-wise shortly.

Geez, the more I think about this , the worse I feel. I wish I had a shopping partner for this !

Anonymous

Joy - yes, good idea. I got rid of all of those VC knit tube skirts from 3-4 years ago that we all had - and that Suz wrote about earlier today. They might have fit the bill here, although I doubt they would still fit. I think I bought them in XS ! I might be a L or XL now ... I wonder if VC still has them in their collection ?

annabelle

Veteran

I haven't frequented the forum lately, so I don't know your style all that well. I looked at a couple of your WIW posts to get an idea. You have a cute style. Despite you saying here that you are trying to bump it up a bit, even your casual items pulled together a la lisap look great.

I have a different take than the rest of the gang. My approach would be to first go through your closet and get rid of anything you're not wearing. (Don't give it away until after the next step, but set it aside so it's not distracting). Then I'd take the bombers. A fresh take on a jacket that not everyone can pull off, yet it's more casual than the blazers. I keep thinking that if you have a hybrid of your current style, you will be more comfortable than going full on banana republic like a mom going back to work after a decade. Mash up the bombers with all your tops, scarves, pants... see what you like together. You might find a skirt in your closet you've forgotten about.

Invest in some pants with some stretch that aren't blue denim. Wear your favorite shoes or buy a pair with a medium chunky heel. A little heel will make you feel more dressed up. (Or, one of the suggestions here for some ballet flats sound adorable.)

Put all these ideas in a Collection or two on Finds so that you can see your usable wardrobe all in one place. (It's really quick to create custom finds with your photos)

Buy yourself some t's or a scarf or a leather handbag in your favorite new color this season.

Pull back in items in the "giveaway" pile that suddenly are more interesting, now that you've begun pairing things. And donate the rest.

you got this!

Hudson Shine Midrise Skinny in Static Grey

View Info

Top Pick

0

7 For All Mankind Skinny Double Knit Pants

View Info

Top Pick

0

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I find pencil skirts more difficultt to fit, but like the idea of adding that or a pair of tapered cropped (just above ankle) black pants to your wardrobe. Maybe something similar to Theory’s Thaniel pant?—it’s 20-25% off on Shopbop as part of their spring sale, if I’m not mistaken.

Jane

Veteran

I did just wonder about culottes? I love culottes and they’ve some super styles in Club Monaco.

I like the idea of the pencil skirts Angie has suggested. I’ve also had successes with skirts at Wolford. Some of their clothing can be washed and don’t need ironing and don’t crease.

rachylou

Veteran

Is this weird? But I think I’d start with shoes. I just imagine being a sales rep and being on my feet a lot... well, I find my looks falling apart at the shoes often enough because of the nature of how my day will go. Or to put it another way, hipstery wedge booties became an important feature of my working-on-a-large-office-campus wardrobe....

tulle

Veteran

I must agree with Annabelle that, however you are feeling these days, in your WIWs you look very pulled together to the rest of us. All her other ideas make a lot of sense, too, and I plan to steal some of them! Angie's pencil skirt recommendations are intriguing; she makes a great point about the smoother fit of tops over skirts (without the added bulk of fly-fronts). Pants without waistbands that zip up the side or back have that advantage, too, without the question of what to wear on one's legs. I just don't like to go bare-legged except in Summer, and hose---ugh.

bella

(website)

Veteran

"I LOVE a cropped or ankle pant and find them elegant and modern. I find pants extremely difficult to fit though"

I might just have the thing for you. I got these pants at MANGO over the weekend. I hate pants shopping, and find them incredibly difficult to fit as well being endowed with large hips and thighs. In fact, please please don't ask me to go pants shopping, it's possibly my least favorite activity. In any case, I was browsing at MANGO, wasn't even looking for pants and these just popped at me. The waist is high, it looks well-made, and most importantly the material sucks me in all the right places without being constricting. It has side pockets that can be sewn shut, and the ankle slits add a little something extra. In fact I've worn them two days in a row. I've been meaning to rave about them on the forum.

The problem is I can't find them online. When I search with the reference number online on MANGO website, I get the pair below. But this is not the pair that I have. For starters, mine has two faux back pockets as opposed to one, and the closure is different, a bit more extended and luxurious looking on mine. But more importantly the material is not the same. Mine came with a tag that says "360 degrees, plus freedom of movement, weightless feeling, 3D shaping capability." (see below) It is a thicker, shinier, sturdy fabric. Besides the sales attendant did say that this model with this particular fabric came in only navy and black. They were out of black in my size, otherwise I would have bought them as well.

So, I guess what I am saying is, even though you can't order online, you might want to check your B&M Mango and see if they have this style. Definitely worth a look.

This post has 1 photo. 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.

Dar Kesim Kısa Paçalı Pantolon

View Info

Top Pick

1

Style Fan

Veteran

I like the pencil skirt idea. You have great blazers and footwear. Your jewellery collection is TDF. The pencil skirt would be a nice addition.

Chris987

Veteran

Lots of great advice here, I would go with Angie's suggestions first. Find one pencil skirt and build an outfit with existing or a few new pieces. Take the pieces home, keep the tags on for a bit, do a trial run around the house, post some photos here. It may take some time to get used to the new look but it seems you are ready.

It sounds like you need to be kind to yourself about the sizing and focus on finding something that fits. I know that's not easy to do (be kind about sizing) but if you can find a way.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I'm following this and I really appreciate your honesty and how you feel in the becoming lazy of it all. I have fallen into that with being a mommy not just lazy but I also think that we need to give ourselves grace and mercy as we try to find a fashionable way back to who we were in our current situation

ChrisM

Veteran

Try J.Jill’s ponte skirts. They come in a range of sizes, and I like the quality.

So many terrific ideas - and a lot of wisdom. I’m going to snag a few ideas for myself

You will look fantastic - a big confident smile and you’re there.

Kathie

Veteran

Bella- are these the pants?

https://shop.mango.com/us/wome.....lia;26,326

(Sorry no find- I’m on my phone.)

bella

(website)

Veteran

Hi Kathie - no, mine don't have a button closure, but a clasp and are ankle length. the material looks similar but it's hard to tell from the pictures.

12 3