Style Refresh: Internal and External Factors

As someone in a style rut, I read through the blog posts about the internal/external style factors as part of the journey. Today I realized i have angst about my work wardrobe because:
-I am considered an expert at work and want to be seen as one
-I work with many significantly younger people (early to mid 20s, I'm in my early 40s) as peers
- It is a young fast moving culture that respects youth and innovation (tech)
-Im insecure about my skills and feel like I'm too slow, in danger of falling behind, lack confidence to be a leader
-Dress code is anything goes, jeans are fine

I am conflicted by trying to appear young in style (blend in a bit) yet set myself apart as someone with years of experience. So my traditional professional go-to work pieces suddenly feel a little too conservative. My more casual options are not quite right because it hasn't been a style focus. I need a balance. There are some times when I do need more business casual or business looks so I have to factor those in as well. I also work from home at times.

I live in Seattle and run cold. Cool weather 9 months out of the year. Even in summer I always need some kind of topper in the office. I sometimes buy for a warmer climate than I live in but it's not practical. This can lead to awkward layering. My imaginary style is breezy California casual, when it is often 40 and raining here.

Have you gone through a career experience like this? How did you adapt?

8 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

Embrace your experience, which the young ones don't have, and keep up with the new stuff while knowing that they are faster in that respect. Nowadays young people are very well trained and one person can run an entire office. That, however, does not negate your experience and your expertise, so embrace those while staying current.

sylvie55

(website)

Active Member

I'm in the same boat, fathenry. I'm a 50-something working for an internet company and, even though I work to stay abreast of new developments and am quite adaptable, I have many of the same fears. In the last couple of years I have made an effort to up my fashion game. I wear comfortable, classic bottoms (well-fitting dark-wash jeans and ponte or dressy jogger-style pants) but spark them up with floaty boho tops or knit tops with interesting cuts (for you those might be warm sweaters), plus accessories with eye-catching color, print, or design. A well-cut denim jacket, structured cardigan, or open-front blazer is my topper when it's cool enough. I don't wear high heels but there are lots of comfy and cool-looking shoe and boot options available now. A standout purse and some edgy, artsy jewelry and I'm set. It's hard not to feel old and in the way, but some of my younger co-workers have told me they appreciate my old-school editorial skills and long-term knowledge of company culture. And I get lots of compliments on my shoes! Keep in mind that you have some skills (and experience) that your younger coworkers lack, and you can both learn from each other.

Liz

Over the past couple of years, I've also realized that I tend to skew too conservative in my work clothes. In my workplace, I need to be seen as credible and somewhat expert, but there is no dress code at all. My first stab at addressing this is to stop buying what I call "office only" clothes. For me, that's a cardigan, blouse, pair of trousers, etc. that I can only ever see wearing to work. Now I give everything I buy the "denim test." As in, Can I picture myself wearing this cardigan / blazer / whatever with a pair of distressed-washed jeans and a pair of boots? If not, I've gone too officey again. If so, I've got a piece that's going to straddle the line I'm looking for between polished and relaxed. For a skirt or dress, I give it the utility jacket test -- can I wear this pencil skirt with a t-shirt and utility jacket and great shoes and create a good outfit? if so, good to go. If not, I've skewed too conservative.

rachylou

Eh, I'm tempted to say if you really work with young people, your phone is your most important fashion accessory, followed by a disregard for experience, a regard for your own opinion, and a knowledge of auto tune. Not joking. Have a lot of work children.

Tammyb

Rachelyou, sadly this is my experience with people of ALL generations! (I am mid 40's myself).

Fathenry, my circumstances are different, but relatable. I finally fell like I am the expert and don't need to dress in the conservative uniform that I had to 20 years ago. I spent the past 6 years in the polished professional look. Now I want to go from something edgier but still corporate appropriate. My eyes are not my friends here, though, because I have trouble discerning if I look "sloppy" with my unstuck flowy blouse under my blazer or suit jacket or if it looks intentional. I hired a stylist to help me because in the end I couldn't find the answers on the internet. YLF helps but sometimes I need something not anonymous and specific to my situation.

Anonymous

My inclination would be to be current with my wardrobe, and fewer but better quality pieces. With your pant cut, shoes and accessories. I think jackets can be nice too, and sometimes can look less conservative than cardigans. Do you feel like you have a signature piece or look? Also, if it could help you feel the best about yourself, that can only be beneficial. Agree with Liz to not run too conservative, but it's tricky as you don't want to seem like you're trying too hard either.

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