Show me...

megs1383

...what you wear to work!

I am in desperate need of a new professional wardrobe, and have 2 weeks to get it started.

My current job is VERY Casual (I can wear basically whatever I want = meaning jeans, shirt and flip flops). This new position is still fairly casual bc it is in creative department for a college (meaning jeans on fridays), but I want to start out looking like a more stylish/experienced professional. At my current job I look and feel like a full-time intern.

Please give me ideas!! Where are your favorite places to shop? (I don't have the new paycheck yet, so preferably places that aren't crazy expensive). Any must-have staple items? Bonus points for photos/links...

SBS0628

I'm entirely blaming mamie for this...

I've started giving presentations on campus for the tutoring center I work in, so I step it up on those days. As such, my fall "dress up" wardrobe has consisted largely of dresses with patterned/colored tights and either chunky heels (like the ones from Target I posted last weekend) or boots.

I'm a big fan of Target & Old Navy. You'd be surprised how many professional staple you can find there. I also like Marshalls, Ross, and sometimes TJ Maxx (though they're not as common here). I'm not sure what weather is like in Rochester, but for Fall in SoCal, I actually end up scouring sale/clearance racks and buying cheaper summer pieces (like skirts, sundresses, tanks) that I can layer with nicer fall basics (blazers, leggings, sweaters).

Leigha12

I shop primarily at Ann Taylor (regular and Loft) and White House | Black Market for my work clothes. Honestly, though it's more out of necessity due to them being some of the only stores that carry my size and I REFUSE to wear junior's clothing anymore. 

I love hitting up their outlet stores. This weekend, I bought 2 pair of pants, a shirt, and my very first work dress for $150. I know that sounds high, but AT is high quality, staple pieces that will last me years. Only reason I went shopping is because I'm tired of not fitting into my clothes. I had to upsize. 

hawkilady

My work wardrobe isnt great - but that's more due to the fact that I haven't really spent much of anything to update it in the past couple years because our office is pretty casual.  I generally rely on a few staples -- all my pants are from either Ann Taylor, Express (the Editor) or The Limited (they seem to change fits frequently though so these go in phases).

For shirts - I do a lot of sweaters/cardigans - mostly from Gap, Banana Republic, Jcrew - because button down shirts dont really work for me - I can never seem to find ones that fit right. 

I mix the basics with cheaper trendier stuff from Old Navy and Target.

megs1383

hawkilady:

For shirts - I do a lot of sweaters/cardigans - mostly from Gap, Banana Republic, Jcrew - because button down shirts dont really work for me - I can never seem to find ones that fit right. 

I am the same way. I never feel comfortable in the button down shirts, plus I'm not a fan of doing much ironing, so I try to avoid them at all costs...

I'm definitely thinking an outlet trip is in order in the next few weeks... 

mamie329

I'll add more to this later, but I was and still am in the same predicament. 

- Cardis will be your best friend. Get some in neutrals (traditional button closed or open/flyaway) and colors.

- Two pairs of trousers (black and gray) - I like the Worthington Modern Tab pants from Penney's but I hear Target makes a decent line too.

- Dresses (duh) with cardis. In fall and winter I add leggings and boots instead of flats.

I shop a lot at Target. I'm a huge fan of their Merona line.  

mamie329

Oh, and for dresses - you can play it safe with shirtdresses and wrap dresses. And if you previously owned things that are semi low-cut, invest in some good quality camis in neutrals. 

See my blog for examples. If you don't already follow kendieveryday and the new professional. I'll send you some more as I go through my reader tonight.  

megs1383

mamie329:

See my blog for examples. If you don't already follow kendieveryday and the new professional. I'll send you some more as I go through my reader tonight.  

Thanks mames! Your blog is already a great inspiration, and I do follow kendieveryday. I'll check out the new professional, and I'd love to see what else you've got! I don't follow many style blogs yet...

luckycooky

I will try to PIP later but I would also say to wait until about a week after you start to go shopping.  The dress code in my office is business attire and technically speaking, I should be in a suit every day.  But.... I work in design.  For women. If I were to wear a suit I would get asked 100 times where I am interviewing.  Our dept. is considered a creative area and the dress code is not really followed.  We wear leggings, logo tees, and holey (with holes, not blessed by a church) jeans all the time. 

mamie329

megs1383:

mamie329:

See my blog for examples. If you don't already follow kendieveryday and the new professional. I'll send you some more as I go through my reader tonight.  

Thanks mames! Your blog is already a great inspiration, and I do follow kendieveryday. I'll check out the new professional, and I'd love to see what else you've got! I don't follow many style blogs yet...

Thanks! I think as long as you get some essentials that you can mix and match you should be okay for a few weeks until you can slowly add more stuff in.