Workwear Advice

Siog-Alainn

I'm 22 and started my first proper job last week, working in an office. I haven't been told what the dress code is but the other women in the office seem to be quite formal, knee length dresses, trouser suits etc. They're all in their 30s or 40s though.

Do you think it's best to dress similarly to them or would I get away with wearing the likes of this top http://www.next.co.uk/x5052s1#762948x50 (the one with the hearts) with a knee length skirt, black tights and heels? I'm very new to office dressing and could use some advice!

Honey-ec

Siog-Alainn wrote: »

I'm 22 and started my first proper job last week, working in an office. I haven't been told what the dress code is but the other women in the office seem to be quite formal, knee length dresses, trouser suits etc. They're all in their 30s or 40s though.

Do you think it's best to dress similarly to them or would I get away with wearing the likes of this top http://www.next.co.uk/x5052s1#762948x50 (the one with the hearts) with a knee length skirt, black tights and heels? I'm very new to office dressing and could use some advice!

You'd be better off checking with HR if there's a written dress code. The outfit you described would be fine in my office, our dress code is:

- no denim
- men must wear shirt & tie (jackets aren't necessary)
- no visible bra straps

And on casual Friday
- no runners (skate shoes/converse are fine)
- no tracksuit bottoms
- no sports jerseys

mood

Here are some look I feel would be suitable but it obviously depends on your usual style. Do you intend to buy clothes that you will only wear for work or ones you can mix in with you usual clothes?

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Midi-Skirt-In-Ponti/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2501398&cid=13632&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Midnight+blue

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Wide-Leg-Trousers-In-Pinstripe/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2395958&cid=13632&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black+pinstripe

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Peplum-Top-In-Pinstripe/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2336314&cid=13632&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Navy

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Mini-Skirt-in-Flecked-Herringbone/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2434419&cid=13632&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi (with black tights)

http://www.asos.com/Gat-Rimon/Gat-Rimon-Judith-Jacket/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2114101&cid=15620&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Noir

http://www.asos.com/Factory-by-Erik-Hart/Factory-By-Erik-Hart-Cropped-Gabardine-Blazer/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1801740&cid=15620&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Bone (with black tights)

I don't think you need to spend a fortune buy suits. Mix and match separates. Blazers a great for giving an outfit a smatter look and there a loads of cheap, nice, cool ones in shops now.

dee44

Depends on as others have said the dress code is and how much they enforce it also!

Also think about what impression of yourself you want to be portraying - the top that you posted with the hearts is really cute but in an office environment might not be the best pick!

mood

dee44 wrote: »

Depends on as others have said the dress code is and how much they enforce it also!

Also think about what impression of yourself you want to be portraying - the top that you posted with the hearts is really cute but in an office environment might not be the best pick!

I agree. It can be hard to be seen as a proper professional rather than 'a young one' when your young so heart patterns etc should be avoided IMO

leahyl

mood wrote: »

I agree. It can be hard to be seen as a proper professional rather than 'a young one' when your young so heart patterns etc should be avoided IMO

I don't agree to be honest - I wear similar jumpers in work with black/grey pants and I don't think it makes people think I'm anything other than professional but that's just my opinion.

But like the other posters have said OP you should check up on the dress code in your workplace and then you'd have a better idea.

Miaireland

I have the jumper you are talking about and to be honest I wouldn't wear it to the office unless it was dress down Friday. I would take the lead from the other people in the office and dress similar to them.

Siog-Alainn

Thanks for the replies everyone. This was my concern, I wasn't sure if I should be dressing exactly the same as the women in the office - are they dressing as they do because of that's what women in their 30s wear or because of a dress code? (Just to clarify, I don't consider 30s old but there's 13 years between me and the next in age!) I'm waiting to receive my contract at the moment so I'm hoping that there'll be something in it regarding the dress code and if not I'll ask HR. Hopefully I'll have a better idea then!

leahyl

Miaireland wrote: »

I have the jumper you are talking about and to be honest I wouldn't wear it to the office unless it was dress down Friday. I would take the lead from the other people in the office and dress similar to them.

My manager has that heart jumper and wears it to work!!:pac:

dudara

A lot depends on the type of environment you work in. You are entitled to receive an Employee Handbook, which should contain the expected dress code.

Personally, I couldn't wear something like that to my workplace. It's too casual. I might squeeze it in on a casual Friday (shudder, hate that concept), but only with a smart skirt and heels.

ams

I think that jumper could look cute with a white shirt under it and with a pencil skirt. I generally would advise though to blend in with others in your office - if everyone else is wearing smart dresses its the safest to wear something along the same lines.

Dark Phoenix

Ask HR for a copy of the dress code and go by that. I;d err on the side of caution the first day and wear something simple and office formal and go from there.

I love that top and would definately wear in to work - I think its fine for office wear as its formal but still fun so each to their own.

I am lucky enough to work in an office that allows casual each day (no runners / tracksuits etc but jeans and the rest are fine). I love being able to express myself and not dress corporate.