Congrats, Dana, on the new job!

I just started one of my own a few weeks ago - it feels like the first 'real' job I've had in many years -- one I actually had to apply for, interview for, negotiate for, etc. So, these concerns are extremely fresh in my mind!

I went to my interviews probably dressed more professionally than their executives. I went to my first day definitely dressed better than my next two levels of bosses. I think we YLF-types are way more sensitive to how to dress than anyone else around us

You have great style and taste, and just need to get there and work a while and decide what you have that works and what you need to add.

A pair of business casual black work pants (in any fabric you deem worthy) will get you through many days (and no one will notice if you repeat them!)

Your hot commute adds an interesting twist, but my last two weeks have been Austin-like (and you have my sympathy). I found my place actually runs warm, so I unlayer whatever I can, and wait for the AC to kick in before I'll get in the car.
The wait to start is torture though -- I kept shopping and shopping and buying stray things because they just might be right. So, I have more than a few things to return now

I don't have that much experience with this sort of thing, but from what I remember of your WIWs from the last job, I don't think anyone would dub you the Crazy Artsy Lady at the new job. Unless it's just so out there, it sounds like most people aren't even going to look twice. Like Angie said, your look is authentic and looks like you. Clothes will probably stand out more if they are forced and uncomfortable.

Tarzy, I've been aggressively looking for work for 6 months. This is a bad market, girl!

Yes, congratulations on the job!!!

I agree with the suggest to lurk a bit, just to get an idea of how the other women in your area dress. I say this in order to encourage you to get comfortable, rather than to tailor your clothes too closely to the company culture. You want to be *you*. That said, having an idea of how your style choices will fit into the company culture before you show up on day one will be good for your confidence level. So lurk. But dress to please yourself, so long as the level of professionalism you project is appropriate to the job. And I'm sure you will be appropriate.

Don't sweat it (no pun intended) - I worked in Austin in marketing for high tech and as a boss, and from what I've seen you will be able to dress just fine. I didn't give a second thought to those who worked under me dressing better or different - unless it was utterly distracting like the stiletto heels with short shorts one engineer in particular enjoyed wearing. And in that outfit I must say EVERYONE noticed her. People expect marketing to be more creative and into fashion. It goes with the territory. Esp. if you'll be working with ad execs from other ad companies, and photographers, etc.

I work in Giant Soulless Tech in SV and I always expect folks from marketing and sales to be better dressed and much more stylish than us over in product development.

And in general, Giant Soulless Tech employees don't even really notice what other people are wearing, unless it's stilettos, etc as texstyle mentions. Or, if you're at the opposite end of the spectrum and wear the same cat shirt over and over again, as I did pre-YLF days.

I think you will be just fine - more than fine - dressing as yourself. Congrats again and best of luck!

Fantastic news on the new job! Congrats. I have worked for big big big IT companies for over 2 decades and honestly believe you can wear your own style and will be just fine. Hope you have a wonderful first week.