Office appropriate clothing

kimberlygo · March 2013

Hello - I am starting a new job and the closing is business wear. It is not business formal like a suit, but everyone dresses nice. I am used to working in a casual environment. One thing I noticed is that everyone wears black, which I think makes everything look more formal. I hate wearing black because I have cats, so I am trying to wear some color. Would it be OK to wear something like a corduroy skirt, button down shirt, tights and heals or is that still too casual?

krose83013 · March 2013

We have a business casual policy but I'm in meeting most of the day and meeting with owners so I tend to dress in a suit daily. My suggestion is that color is perfectly fine. I have pink pants that I match with a black top and jacket. Maroon skirt, blue, greys etc.

Color is perfectly okay and IMO chances are you'll get noticed more with the colors and for adding some variety.

dalm0m · March 2013

Color is fine. Corduroy is still too casual IMHO. Save that for at least month 2 after you get to know people & you better understand the culture.

brij2006 · March 2013

I agree that corduroy is a bit too casual. Go with some sort of dress slacks (don't have to be black), and a button down with shoes that have a little heel. Then after a few days, you will get to know the culture a little better and how everyone else dresses.

Our office is very casual, as in jeans and a polo. But I go more toward leggings, sweater dress, and boots/heels. Or dress pants and nice top.

mrsbryan1006 · March 2013

I believe that sounds appropriate. I may add a cardigan to the mix. As long as you are not wearing neon colors, I think colors are fine. If you were to do maybe a grey skirt, white shirt and then have the color in the cardigan and shoes, it makes a nice, professional look.

Uberoom12 · March 2013

mrsbryan1006:
I believe that sounds appropriate. I may add a cardigan to the mix. As long as you are not wearing neon colors, I think colors are fine. If you were to do maybe a grey skirt, white shirt and then have the color in the cardigan and shoes, it makes a nice, professional look.

Colors are great and if you are a bit afraid at first, you can always use color to accentuate, for example, mute slacks/skirt and a bright blouse is one option. Since you are just starting it's always a good idea to be a bit more weary at first, and then work up your way into your own style.

laurenfswanson · April 2013

Don't worry about over-doing it by wearing bright colors (as long as they're not clashing within the outfit), and as long as its professional.

People at my job range from jeans everyday to slacks and blazers. I wear a professional-looking shift dress to work every day. Sometimes with a jacket. Just because it's what I already have in my wardrobe from previous jobs, and because it's what I feel good in. I'm generally overdressed for my workplace.

But-- I get a lot of compliments on my dresses (I have amassed quite a collection) and it's something that makes me stand out. Just remember, you really can never dress too professional. So rock that color, girlfriend! Bring some life into that office.

cjspencer35 · May 2013

I have run into the same situation at times, and I think it's more important to match your co-workers level of dressiness than the colors/styles they wear. Personally, I would feel a little uncomfortable if everyone else was wearing basic black & white, and I was wearing a loud print or something, but to each their own. But I think it's perfectly acceptable to wear other colors of slacks or skirts as long as they are still professional styles. I have a very white dog, and gray or beige dress pants are a saving grace. Still neutral enough to wear with lots of different colors of tops for all seasons! Also agree with PPs that corduroy tends to be a bit casual if everyone else is wearing suit separate-type slacks.

Office appropriate clothing

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