I’m back with some of the ladies and friends who joined me Tuesday to share their advice for getting ahead in the workplace. I asked them to also send me any style pointers they’ve picked up since working in an office setting, and I love the great tips and ideas they have. Read below for everything from how to find the perfect fitting dress to whether or not braids are work appropriate.
On Transitioning into Business Attire
It’s very difficult to transition to office attire straight out of college. It is a daunting expense, and frankly the term business attire sounds super boring. While you don’t have to get an entire wardrobe of slacks and button downs, you do need to make sure that you dress like an adult. You don’t have to trade in Forever 21 and H&M for Banana Republic and Ann Taylor straight away. You can get business appropriate clothes anywhere as long as you pay attention to hemlines, fit and quality of fabric. Don’t wear miniskirts to work. Ever. The same goes for leggings worn as pants. This shouldn’t require being said, but my experience has proven otherwise: If you would wear an item out to a club, do not wear it to work.
– Anna, 28, Graphic Design
If you don’t know how to dress or what size you should be wearing, go to Nordstrom and ask (even if you can’t afford the salesperson’s suggestions, you can take the information and run with it elsewhere). Get good shoes appropriate for the situation you’re in. And by “good” I don’t mean expensive. [As a young professional] you’ll get to the office and see people with these expensive things (whether it be shoes, purses, lipstick). You are making $30k, it would be ridiculous (and quite dumb) to spend that money on something that costs more than your food budget for the month. Everyone knows you’re living paycheck to paycheck (we’ve all been there, it’s a rite of passage!), don’t also show them that you’re bad with money – or that you don’t need that raise you’re working toward!
– Allison, 28, Policy Research
Amanda, my former blog partner and one of today’s post contributors
On Making It Work for You
Don’t be afraid to let your style shine through in the office. Interviews are not the time to test the boundaries of the dress code, but no matter what the dress code is in your office you can find a way to make it work for you. I went into the workforce thinking that I needed to stock up on neutral colored dress pants and skirt suits, and I don’t wear them nearly as much as I wear the professional clothes that feel like “me.” My office has a relatively lenient dress code, so I stick to professional silhouettes, but focus on bright colors in my dresses, bold patterns on my pants, and bows or other embellishments on my shoes.
– Amanda, 28, Market Research
On Wardrobe Staples
My suggestion for wardrobe staples: pencil skirts, knee-length dresses, printed blouses that can be tucked in, blazers and cardigans. These may not sound exciting, but the right colors, patterns and accessories can add personality.
– Anna
Get shoes that have traction, are a reasonable height, and won’t hurt you. I’m also not saying get old lady shoes, I’m saying think about where you’re going and wear the shoe that fits the situation.
– Allison
A cardigan is the quickest way to make a bold pattern feel subdued and office appropriate.
– Amanda
On Office No-Nos
If you think the dress or skirt is too short, it probably is.
– Kira, 27, International Development
Very few people can pull off a sheer shirt in the office without looking like a hussy. You are not that person.
– Amanda
Young women have no common sense and just look young (and thus, inexperienced) when they’re hobbling around the office in stilettos, or walking to the metro in $300 ballet flats.
– Allison
On Braids or No Braids
My old boss once told me “nobody will ever take you seriously with braids in your hair,” but he was an asshole and I’m not sure how true that one is.
– Anonymous
So what do you think? Did these ladies hit the nail on the head or are there other office style tips you’d love to share? Comment below. And if you want some visual office inspiration, I love these blogs for appropriate yet trendy outfits: MEMORANDUM and Sharing My Sole. Or, check out a recent Work Style link up I co-hosted.