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Work-appropriate & Me-appropriate #DressUpFriday ?

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I want to upgrade my formal workwear to better strike a balance between colourful, professional & flattering - I find that very straight lines/ menswear don't gel well with my overall curvy features (no idea of my Kibbe type) but also that romantic/ soft styles can look too 'barmaid' on my body.

With this dilemma in mind, what do you think of wearing this dark green suit to interviews, demo classes (I'm a teacher) & conferences? I'm currently making do with this suit for Zoom meetings & the like, but I'm thinking ahead. Too 70s with the blouse & longer blazer? If so, any alternative (suit or shirt) suggestions?

My HEWI to solve this balancing act is a single-breasted chocolate brown pantsuit in a breathable fabric, so any recommendations for that would also be appreciated!

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Minaminu

Minaminu

Veteran

I think the blouse with the trousers works very well for you. Once you add the blazer, somehow the collar of the shirts seems to overwhelm the top half.

I am curvier than you and like to incorporate some feminine elements in my works outfits. For me, broderie and lace, when well applied, can freshen up a stiff look and show my personality. Silk is a lovely material, but it doesn't feel right for me when I combine it with my wool trousers suit.

A double brested blazer could also work well for you... It is on my annual shopping list as well!

Sal

Veteran

I like this. The suit fits well and I like the tailoring. I can’t see the colour well on my phone though sorry.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Thanks @Minaminu - I agree that the collar & blouse seem to be fighting each other, but I'm stuck on the solution. A stiff, button-front, collared shirt wouldn't sit quietly against my curves (I'm sure you're also familiar with the typical 'pulling at the bust' issue, but even silk button front shirts can look stodgy). I could try the blouse with a collarless jacket instead but do you think that be formal enough for my needs (interviews & conferences etc)?

What do you think would work best with the curved lapels of my current blazer? Any tips on wearing broderie & lace for interviews?

I feel like everything we're usually told about dressing 'professionally' ends up being code for looking 'masculine' instead, which seems to fight against my body's natural inclination. Case in point, I've tried double-breasted styles before but the jury is still out on whether they look right on me.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

@Sal Here's a link to the suit blazer. The video colour is fairly accurate - a very dark, bottle green, almost black:
https://www.asos.com/asos-desi.....d/13461534

And the trousers (think they're meant to be cropped on the model):
https://www.asos.com/asos-desi.....d/13461291

Minaminu

Veteran

Hi Zaeobi, I just tried to attach some images of my tops to give you an idea of the material and cuts that I am using with my navy trousers suit. I wonder if a high neck blouse would work with the lapel of the of the jacket. I imagine that a wrap blouse would work well but if it is too bulky, it could add few pounds (based on my experience).
How about a simple V neck blouse?

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Minaminu

Veteran

This is what I mean with modest v neck blouse. If I wear the blue top, I never remove the jacket though!

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The Cat

Veteran

Very chic and elegant outfit. And I don't find the collar overwhelming. I love that blouse--love that is different from ordinary shirts.

For suits in neutral colours like brown, I suggest blouses/shirts in bright colours like orange and hot pink.

Liesbeth

Veteran

I love the entire thing! With the draped neckline, the luxurious color and the bling in belt & shoes I get dandy vibes. A very particular mix of feminine and masculine. That clearly works for you so I wouldn't hesitate to build upon that. But only if you like to wear a suit. Where I live, suits are only necessary in very formal work settings.

rachylou

Veteran

I like this look, but I don’t feel it’s quite interview formal... the blouse is too elaborate and I rather agree that a brown suit is ideal. I would look for a drapey, modest-v-neck shell - no frills. I’ve had good luck with Tahari/Arthur S. Levine suits.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER

That blouse is absolutely SUBLIME on you! I think it's great for interviews. Shows some personality. You wear white beautifully.

And yes to the fun green suit for interviews too. The long jacket is trendy and flattering.

slim cat

Veteran

I love it all - the beautiful green color ( envy! ), the arty feel of the blouse, pretty flats and earrings! Great look for interviews and work ( it helps to stand out from a more traditional black or brown suits ).
The fit is perfect!

catherine

Veteran

I love your professional, yet creative, outfit. The blouse is amazing.

JAileen

Veteran

I think the outfit is very flattering. I can’t see the color. I like the length of the jacket.

Anonymous

I love it and I'm not seeing a fight between the collars, more like a merger that creates a whole new look. In the best possible way you are channeling a little Prince for me here.

So interesting to read your analysis of the challenge and to see how you solved it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

This looks great to me. I would just ask a friend how it comes off on Zoom to be sure.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Oh, you look delicious! That’s such a creative and yet formal suit. Very 70s but also romantic and badass.

If you were looking to add another blouse for this suit, I would suggest a slightly darker color. In this outfit, the contrast between the white top and the dark suit is a bit stark compared to the tones of your skin and hair, which are close to each other. So maybe a blouse that comes closer to the suit color- like a lighter green, or a mid-brown— would look even better.

Star

Veteran

I was a Recruitment Consultant for many years and I can say that your outfit is totally interview appropriate. As a first visual impression I would have very interested to hear more about you.

Helena

Veteran

I love this! I just saw a photo of Bobbi Brown wearing something similar ... structured suit + soft blouse; she also had a statement shoe on, not that this could be seen on Zoom but it's a way to change things up if you ever wanted to!

Bijou

Veteran

I love this on you too. The white blouse is very pretty and counter balances the more masculine lines of the suit.

Anonymous

Yes from me too! A soft, not button up, blouse would be my choice with a suit too!
Formal workwear is challenging for me too, so I go with "desk to dinner" type things. Wrap dresses and sheaths are my normal solution, and my one blazer is lace

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Wow, wasn't expecting so many comments, thank you - but sorry to post & run!

@Minaminu Thank you for the blouse suggestions - I have a mustard high neck blouse that I could possibly have a play around with. I don't own many V neck tops (apart from wrap tops) because what whilst they often seem modest enough front on, many of the current styles often gape terribly when viewed from above or when I bend over (which are unfortunately very common positions when teaching!) Same for many scoop necks these days too, unfortunately.

@The Cat Thanks for the colour suggestions - I'd wear that sort of combo usually but not sure if it would be 'safe' enough for an interview. It's especially difficult to think of what colours to wear with a dark green suit, other than cream (already seen here).

@Liesbeth Ooh I've never been called dandy before - looks like the sort of trend I'd be interested in. Especially the hats! I admittedly don't have a huge need for a suit everyday but I have to present at a (now postponed) symposium, which triggered the need to ensure I have a suit ready for 'just in case' events.

@rachylou Thanks for the leads - will check out those brands once shipping becomes less risky again!

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

@phoebe & @jessikams A Badass 70s Prince works for me! I agree with @catherine & @slim cat that it's more on the creative side than fully conservative though, so need to think about how much 'personality' I want to show in interviews. I wore a dark purple blouse once & an interviewer later commented that it looked 'too' serious, so teachers often have to walk a fine line between looking both approachable & authoritative enough - @Star seems pleased, though!

@torontogirl a statement shoe sounds like a good way to further toe the line on this 'dandy' look. The ones in my current photo are actually my indoor slippers, though

@Angie & @JAileen I like the longer jacket too - the traditional hip length blazer usually hits at a rather unflattering point on my pear shape, so I may have to stock up on this long trend while it lasts! I'll see if I can get a better shot of the colour but it's difficult to describe - it's definitely a 'green' suit, but not so green that it's obvious, if that makes sense? Hmm...

@Shevia Good Zoom tip - I tested it against my virtual background & thankfully the blouse doesn't disappear (even though it's white!)

@Bijou & @suntiger I love soft drapey blouses when trying to dress formally! I agree that wrap dresses are a good transition piece for my round than straight features, but I find dresses difficult for interviews because of the extra support acts that are required (like hoisery, a camisole & safety pins to make sure I don't end up accidentally giving my students an eyeful!)

karen13

Veteran

Love this and I find it extremely appropriate for even a very formal setting (and I worked in corporate finance at a Fortune 10 firm in the last century). The blouse is lovely and a are combination for formal with style. Love the color and cut of the suit, too.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

That's a relief @karen13 - because very formal/ corporate settings aren't my wheelhouse, I'm always worried about toeing the line between personality & looking like a very conservative waiter/ contracted killer

Update: I'm very glad I threw this together as a practice exercise last week, because I ended up having surprise interviews this week - I got the job! , although it's unclear at this stage whether it'll be face-to-face or Zoom lecturing. Wish me luck!

The Cat

Veteran

Congratulations with your new job, Zaeobi--and good luck!

As a former recruiter, I agree with Star and karen13 that your outfit is absolutely appropriate for interviews and formal corporate settings. And (kind of repeating my previous comment) I'll say: Please don't be afraid of wearing non-neutral blouses/shirts with neutral suits. In fact, showing some "personality" within the established "frames" of your workplace often generate respect and interest.

Liesbeth

Veteran

Congrats! And what a fun confirmation that this look is perfectly 'suited' for the purpose ;p!

Minaminu

Veteran

Congrats!!!