Office workers, what do you wear to work?

BitterAndTwisted

Everything depends on the organisation you'll be working for and the role you've been offered. If you want to be taken seriously, it's often wisest to dress yourself for the role you'd like to be promoted into.

I noticed you said that you didn't want to wear a plain blouse and black trousers, but for the majority of employers and in the majority of roles that kind of outfit would be the most appropriate.

Just thank your lucky stars that you're not as old as me: in my first job (not client-facing) women were not allowed to wear trousers to work at all.

BitterAndTwisted

heretolearn wrote: »

Why is it unhygienic to wear just a jumper?

It's considered unhygienic because proper woollen knitwear is rarely washed after every time it's worn, so another layer underneath would prevent it from becoming soiled from perspiration until it is laundered. A collar also makes any sweater or round-necked top look 100 times smarter. Some people don't care about looking smart but that's up to them.

onlyroz

Presumably if you were wearing a jumper with nothing underneath it you would wash it more often than if there was something underneath? So I'm not getting the "unhygienic" comment.

caeler

I quite like dresses, you cut down on the washing then as they typically don't need washing every wear if you wear something else underneath. I invested in some lovely jersey type shift dresses from planet, they wash wonderfully and if I'm having a 'fat' day they hide it! Black thick tights are fairly cheap and I've have dozens of pairs. I then wear with either suit jackets or cardigans depending on what kind of day I'm having. I have a range of shoes again depending on mood. You can look smart quite cheaply with little effort. I typically don't both with the trouser and shirt combo, just because I HATE ironing! I do have some trouser suits but wear with a jumper.

Bella73

Smart trouser usually black or grey or smart skirts, at least knee length in our office.

Smart blouse or top usually plain and boring I actually have lots of plain white ones but they always look smart with either my trousers or skirt.

We also all just wear small jewellery too and minimal make up.

We would not be allowed to wear jeans, trainers, leggings or anything like that.

If you're not sure could you pop by your new place and check out what people are wearing or if in doubt I would ask my new employer what is expected.

krlyr

Lots of 'knitwear' nowadays is acrylic anyway, and just as easily washed as any other top.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

How did you know they weren't wearing a vest top underneath their jumper?

andygb

I would suggest that the best thing, is to start working there (turn up smart the first day), find out if there is a dress code, look at what others are wearing and just go with the flow. Just blend in and you will be fine.

MrsE_2

I usually wear black (or dark) trousers with smart tops in a limited color pallet of black, Grey, cream & beige.
I dress quite smartly, but jazz it up a little with matching bracelets, necklaces & earrings.
I always have my hair & make-up done.

Saturnalia

I temp so have to go into companies not knowing the dress code. What I do is play safe for the first couple of days. Black trousers/skirt with black tights/black suit, plain coloured top and a small silver necklace & silver stud earrings. Then I observe what others are wearing over the first couple of days and see what I can get away with.

Overdressing for the first couple of days isn't too bad. It makes a decent first impression and if you have a suit on and no-one else does, you can take the jacket off and still fit in okay.

Above all, congrats & best of luck with the new job!