Office workers, what do you wear to work?

FatVonD · 2 March 2013 at 2:01PM

I have half a dozen dresses, mostly black but I did buy 3 Monsoon shift dresses in brighter colours from ebay last summer. In the summer i wear them with flip flops but have splashed out on a pair of sandals for this summer as even i'm aware that flip flops might be pushing it in an interview situatio. Winter time I wear the same dresses with black tights/leggings, a cardigan and boots.

Pitlanepiglet · 2 March 2013 at 2:23PM

I'm also amused by the hygiene and jumper comments - I usually wear a vest top under mine but my jumpers are acrylic and washed regularly and I don't regard myself as scabby and dirty!

I am in a professional role and tend to wear trouser suits (Next, Planet, Precis Petit - the Precis and Planet were bought in sales. I keep a couple of cardigans at work so tend to take my jacket off whilst working at my desk and put it back on for clients and meetings.

I have a selection of tops to wear with suits a lot come from Country Casuals (sale buys again), also Alex & Co and M&S - I've bought quite a few on ebay and in charity shops. Most are synthetic and easy to wash and dry.

I don't wear shirts and blouses that need ironing - life is too short and my shape doesn't really suit them anyway.

I also wear dresses - Country Casuals petite or Wallis petite - again these are sale items or ebay.

As others have said, I would go with a smart outfit in the beginning and then see what others are wearing - much better to be over dressed than under plus depending on what you are doing there is always an element of dressing for the role you want, not the one you have - it helps to make a good impression and make people think that you are serious about your career.

CupOfChai · 2 March 2013 at 3:40PM

I wore black/grey/pinstripe trousers (not a skirt person) with plain tops, shirts or jumpers depending on the weather. I worked in a portakabin so you either froze or baked!

And I wore jumpers with nothing underneath. You couldn't put a shirt or top under some of my jumpers, it'd look completely daft! And they got washed after every wear, thank you!

loveabargain13 · 2 March 2013 at 3:52PM

I wear a lot of leggings with dresses, tunics, midi dresses over the top.
When I was temping I always use to start with a black suit and see what everyone else was wearing.
Just because you work in an office doesn't mean to say you have to dress with no style, I've interned in fashion offices and loved dressing up for work.
I find it best to work out what I'm wearing the night before too hehe

CupOfChai · 2 March 2013 at 3:58PM

Ooh yes, definitely work out what to wear each day the night before!

Catherine_:] · 2 March 2013 at 5:33PM

I usually wear black trousers with a plain top and cardigan. I wear boots in the winter and pumps in the summer. Most of the other girls in the office wear the same.

mummybearx · 2 March 2013 at 5:40PM

Thank you for all the helpful comments

I will be the only woman in the office, me and two men who both work outside in the yard, away meeting customers etc. I guess I will be setting the tone all my myself.

I'm not really a smart dresser at the best of times, I'm a skinny jeans and converse kinda girl

Been looking on eBay for nice dresses, might try and get some jersey dresses and cardigans, wear them with flat pumps. One of my sisters is looking some stuff out for me, it's great being the youngest and still getting hand me downs lol

X

Gloomendoom · 2 March 2013 at 5:56PM

zepsgal wrote: »

it's great being the youngest and still getting hand me downs lol

It depends how much younger you are. You would look a fine sight turning up to work in a pair of tie-dyed loon pants and a crochetted poncho!

Deep_In_Debt · 2 March 2013 at 6:13PM

I normally wear trousers, black, grey, navy blue or other dark colours, top or blouse and a cardie. Ankle boots or shoes. We have a smart casual dress policy.