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What to wear for first day?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Monday is my first day of my new job and I will confess I'm already getting a bit nervous. It's a big change after being in my previous job for 16 years and at that hospital for 24 years. I guess we'll see if they can teach an old dog new tricks - lol!

I'm wondering what to wear for day one - I want to feel confident and professional but need to be comfortable since I know I'll be feeling a bit anxious.

What are your suggestions oh wise ones?

Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from Neel

MsMary

Veteran

Okay, this may sound weird, but what about wearing one of the things you wore to interview in? If not the whole outfit, at least a piece or two? You know they are appropriate since they got you the job, right? And they will have a boost of good luck to help you through the first-day jitters!

Nicole D

Veteran

I would be yourself, but until you know your employer very well, I would avoid very fashion forward items (except maybe in the handbag department), or very unusual styling. Comfort and happiness factor are paramount. What about the blackwatch plaid pants? With a blazer?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like MaryK's idea! I would say something that you have worn and feel perfectly comfortable in and don't need to adjust or think about all day.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I like MK's idea too Big hugs.

Kiwibird

I agree with MaryK and Shevia - something you wore to the interview and feel comfortable and confident in will be one less thing to think about as there's always so much to take in on the first day in a new job.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Did you have a chance to see what other employees wore when you went in for your interview? In some office environments, interview wear is much more formal/conservative than what is worn in the office. If you wore a suit to the interview, you could change out the jacket for a cardigan (and make sure that what you wear underneath works if you take off the sweater in case they keep the office warmer than you like. I like the idea of keeping a professional look but softening it so that your new coworkers will feel that you are warm and want to get to know you. (They may be as nervous about adding an unknown to the he office dynamic as you are about being the new kid on the he block!) Above all, I would wear something that makes you feel Ike your best you.

Aquamarine

Veteran

No specific advice but you have an enviable closet. I am sure you will come up with the perfect first-day (and second-day...) outfit.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Oops. I just read about how much you love blazers... So scratch the sweater idea. You could keep the look softer by going with a lighter colored blazer and/or soft, pretty blouse underneath.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What the others said. Wear a FFB outfit that you know fits you well, makes you feel fantastic, and includes no fiddly bits to bother you during the day. Maybe with a shot of fabulous colour (your cobalt jacket?) or something black and white.

You can try out some options for us if you like?

I know you will look wonderful, whatever you choose.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

MaryK - what a brilliant idea! I did feel great in both of my interview outfits so would be comfortable with either.

Nicole - I totally agree about nothing too "out there" until I have a better idea of the office norm.

Sarah - you make an excellent point about my new coworkers feeling some nerves too. I hadn't thought of that at all.

Thanks for the suggestions and confidence boost (Caro - I'm looking at you!). Need to do some more thinking...

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Cross posted Suz - definitely no fiddly bits! I like the idea of a shot of color or black/white which always feels like "me".

I definitely need to layer appropriately because based on my interview experience, the office runs warm and combined with my menopausal hot flushes, I may need to shed a blazer throughout the day.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That makes sense, Shannon. Plus, when we are nervous we can run even warmer. Or freezing cold.

How about one of your sheath dresses?

For some reason I feel as if a dress or skirt is in order, but that's not absolute. If it is bitter cold then I think pants would make more sense and would be perfectly appropriate.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Nothing to add, just a big good luck wish!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I like the idea of a dress or skirt too and now I'm thinking of either a black sheath dress and topper, or my black and white Maggy London wrap dress with a topper. And if I wait until it's NOT bitterly cold to wear a dress, we'll be waiting until April!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Others have already sorted you out with useful advice but I wanted to wish you good luck for the first day of the new job!
Whatever you wear you will do great!!!!

Carla

Veteran

First thought on reading was: "what about parts of your interview outfit?" Then I scrolled down and started reading! LOL! A skirt or dress would probably be best until you've scoped put the office. Honestly, Shannon, your style is so happily spot on day after day, I don't think you should worry.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Sveta and Carla - thank you both so much for your good wishes.

I'm thinking back to what I saw the other exec assistants wearing when I went for my interviews and the outfits weren't super dressy so I at least know my wardrobe will work for the most part.

catgirl

Veteran

Shannon, you've gotten great advice and I'm sure you'll look amazing no matter what. Good luck!

jenanded

Veteran

Good luck... I like the ideas you have received. And a great unusual bag or the like might be a nice conversation starter to make new friends ... you have great style!

ManidipaM

Veteran

Great ideas aplenty already. Just want to say good luck.

ramya

Veteran

Good luck sweety;)

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

So exciting! A classic approach for the beginning might work best, until you get to know everyone.

Summer

Also nothing to add, but congratulations on the new job and hope the first day is great!

Sarah A

Veteran

I think you are sorted (I like the dress and blazer idea, it's a signature Shannon outfit to me while still having options toward the quite classic and hopefully you wont overheat with just hose on your legs). Hope you have a great first day tomorrow!

Anonymous

your outfits are awesome so I think you have that covered. I do second the idea of something you are very comfortable in. Sometimes our nerves make us sensitive (heat, prickly fibres) you don't want to be pulling or fussing with an item all day

good luck, you will be amazing

gryffin

Veteran

Shannon - I thik Mk and the others nailed it!! Where what you feel fab in and of course the interview attire is lucky and well received!! Just wanted to wish you best of luck and hope you enjoy your first day!!

Jewell

Veteran

I like the ideas that have been given, so nothing to add other than GOOD LUCK!! I hope you have a great day!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are going to do great, and will knock their socks off in no time.

I was going to suggest a tried and tested fave of 2013 - an outfit that you popped onto my best of thread last week.

Good luck, sweet Shannon. xo

Beth Ann

Veteran

Yes to something tried and true, with a high happiness quotient. I also second a dress or skirt, because I think they're still perceived as a more conservative, dressy choice.

Go get 'em, Shannon!

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