This is an interesting conversation. I think the word "conservative" may have been the wrong word for me to choose when I posted the thread saying my office dresses conservatively...to be blunt, the more appropriate word would have been "boring"....unimaginative, colourless, shapeless...that sort of thing. In comparison, I felt rather cutting edge today.

Angie - you can talk about me in the third person any time!

Agreed, Dianthus. This ensemble is a 10 on Shannon - as she already knows

I think that conservative was the right word to use in your office context.

Well whatever you call this outfit, I love it. I especially love your self confident pose. I think you look cool!

I love this outfit on you Shannon! I must have drunk the Kool-Aid because slouchy trousers look so normal to me now! (Just like boots with holes in the toes, who'd a thunk it?) I love the bright blazer on you and the way the printed top matches the pants. Is there a vintage element today? Maybe the slouchy trousers are a vintage-inspired nod to the 80's? Perhaps none of your cow-irkers have seen slouchy trousers in the stores, and those side-long glances are because they're scratching their heads trying to figure out if your pants are vintage or modern! Either way, you must have had fun snickering to yourself and knowing how fab you looked! FWIW, I think it's very flattering, too, just in a different way than we're used too.

You know Claire? I didn't even think about a vintage/retro element today! What up with that? I did have the other elements of my rubric though: colour, structure, urban, classic...so I guess it's ok?!

Shevia - now there's something I haven't been called in years..."cool". I'll have to tell my teenage son that (lol)!

The graphic tee!

Really?

To me a graphic tee+flared jeans feels very 70s, and with skinny jeans/slouchy pants very 80s. That could just be me though.

EDIT2: And of course the trousers themselves are a nod to the 80s.

EDIT1: When did graphic tees first start popping up, fashion history buffs?

Shannon: I think the neutral "column" with a bold topper is a great way to wear the slouchy trend -- it lengthens the whole body, particularly with the taupe shoes and has a lovely balance of flow and structure. Love it. And I know what it is to deal with more conservative environments. Being yourself with grace and confidence in itself gives others permission to do the same. Maybe you'll encourage others to find their own style instead of speaking their mind about yours!

I think the graphic tee appeared in the 60s.

That's what I was thinking Mary, thanks. I mooshed 60s and 70s in my head and just wrote 70s (happens a lot).

Well - there ya go then - apparently I did have a retro/vintage element after all! Thanks MaryK/Aida!

I think this looks completely awesome. I am kind of surprised you feel blow back, but I don't know what your co-workers dress like. Keep on fighting the good fight, Shannon!

Shannon awesome outfit and most definitely a 10! This outfit to me is very fashion forward, sleek and professional. it would be interesting to define what we view as conservative, it may be different things to different people?

Peoples responses to our style choices say more about them than us and I think sometimes people can feel confronted and challenged by something "different". I am glad you are embracing your right to defy your environmental norm and having fun doing it. If I walked into your office and saw you today I would have to assume you're the boss!

Mmm. This is just lovely, Shannon! I'm glad you wore it, and gladder still that you continue to feel great in it and *confident*, despite any (ahem!) comments!

Perfection head to toe, love, love, love!

but i didn't inhale...promise!

Fab-tastic!