What do you wear to work?

PinkEarthMama
PinkEarthMama Posts: 987 Member
in Chit-Chat
I start a new job Monday and the dress code is "business casual".

I have no idea what business casual IS. I've been a work at home mom for the last 9 years!

What do you wear to work? Are you the best dressed? Do you admit to being the least well dressed?
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Replies

  • Becoming_A_Butterfly
    Becoming_A_Butterfly Posts: 2,534 Member
    My company is mostly business casual, at least while we are in the office. At events and board meetings, it is definitely business (suits).

    I wear black pants, nice sweaters, dress shoes, or a skirt and a nice top. I would stick to more business than casual: no flip-flops, jeans, tshirts, or too casual. It is still work, and a professional image is still important. Even on our casual Fridays, when we can wear jeans, I make sure to wear a dressier top and nice shoes, not sneakers.

    I am not the best dressed at my company, but I look professional and like I belong there.
  • nashai01
    nashai01 Posts: 536 Member
    Try some slacks and a blouse
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    something classic.
    blacks, greys, nudes, blues
    slacks, skirts(at knee length) or longer dresses
    clean shoes, heels
    make sure ur jewelry isn't all loud and blingy
    clean hair, light makeup

    tumblr_lnxmy5Gjgd1qc1mkso1_400.jpg
  • Mattsama
    Mattsama Posts: 36 Member
    Air Force Standard Issue ABUs...

    Imagine my embarassment when I showed up and everyone was wearing the same thing....
  • Becoming_A_Butterfly
    Becoming_A_Butterfly Posts: 2,534 Member
    Oh, and I forgot to congratulate you on your new job :flowerforyou:
  • boothekm
    boothekm Posts: 60 Member
    I'm a teacher so I always have to look professional...i lean towards the business casual look. I always have black pants, regular and the skinny jean type. You can switch them up with different blouses. Easy and comfortable!
  • PinkEarthMama
    PinkEarthMama Posts: 987 Member
    Air Force Standard Issue ABUs...

    Imagine my embarassment when I showed up and everyone was wearing the same thing....

    Love this.
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    9-1.jpg
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    brayliework_zpse6a40bda.png
  • skalkbrenn
    skalkbrenn Posts: 47 Member
    Dress pants (I go with the classic boot cut) or skirts (knee length or longer). I kind of like the 'skinny' pant look but try to avoid what's temporarily in-style so that I have the main staples in my closet. Button up shirts and silk blouses make me feel more professional. My favorite store to shop is New York & Co (when they have sales). Most of their clothing are classic styles that will be able to hang around in your closet for a while, and the fits are usually flattering. I wouldn't say I'm the "best dressed" but I get a lot of compliments on my wardrobe - including from my boss! Kohls usually has a pretty decent selection too.
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    B-work-1.jpg
  • coliema
    coliema Posts: 7,646 Member
    Dress pants, heels, dressy tops.

    I work with people that are 50+ years old, they are wearing stretch pants, sweats and sneakers to work. That's dressy to them. I guess it's a matter of opinion. They also don't leave the office like I do, so maybe that's another reason they get away with it.
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    [img]http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd151/firefly7522/complete outfits/CL_6513_F_315.jpg[/img]
  • PinkEarthMama
    PinkEarthMama Posts: 987 Member
    Dress pants, heels, dressy tops.

    I work with people that are 50+ years old, they are wearing stretch pants, sweats and sneakers to work. That's dressy to them. I guess it's a matter of opinion. They also don't leave the office like I do, so maybe that's another reason they get away with it.

    Sweats and sneakers!?

    I can't wear heels, which makes me sad. :-(

    I am in the front office dealing with the general public. Face of the company, first impressions, blah blah.
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    143118_DSC00973_2_.jpg
  • TheRoadDog
    TheRoadDog Posts: 11,788 Member
    I work in a Foundry. I wear Levis, Steel Toed Boots, ****ies or Carhart shirts. Hard Hat.
  • HappyNinjaStar
    HappyNinjaStar Posts: 353 Member
    business casual is a step down from suits. So pretty much anything in the professional section of a department store. Slacks, blouses, blazers, skirts. Flats or heels. Tasteful but not overpowering accessories.

    I'd suggest picking one main color such as black/brown and buy some coordinates to start with, then expand a piece or two a month until you have a nice selection. Also layers and cardigans can help extend your wardrobe through seasons.

    Also, be careful, some places are okay with sleeveless (not straps) some places aren't.
  • coliema
    coliema Posts: 7,646 Member
    Dress pants, heels, dressy tops.

    I work with people that are 50+ years old, they are wearing stretch pants, sweats and sneakers to work. That's dressy to them. I guess it's a matter of opinion. They also don't leave the office like I do, so maybe that's another reason they get away with it.

    Sweats and sneakers!?

    I can't wear heels, which makes me sad. :-(

    I am in the front office dealing with the general public. Face of the company, first impressions, blah blah.
    Yes, trust me...it's extremely awkward for me to be in a room with four other ladies and I'm the only one dressed for the job. They've been given the dress code printed out for them several times last year, and still...same stuff. The one woman I work with said she wears the same black stretch pants all week, and washes them on the weekend, which is gross to me. Only because she's always complaining that it's hot and she's sweating.

    I can wear heals, but I don't always wear heels. Sometimes I wear flats....they have really cute flats out nowadays. Very girly, and so many different color options.
  • berriboobear
    berriboobear Posts: 524 Member
    I think it really depends on the type of job/company and your environment. You said "front office", is your position in reception? You may not need to be dressed up as formally as higher-up positions in the workplace.

    If you're not completely comfortable going all out, I think a nice dressy pair of jeans can still be consider business casual as long as you match it with a more professional top/accessories.

    Don't bother with heels if you're not comfortable in them, they will just make you feel less-confident and it will show. Invest in some nice flats or low wedges.

    No matter what though, CONGRATS! You got the job, now just rock it! : )
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    why cant u wear heels?
  • PinkEarthMama
    PinkEarthMama Posts: 987 Member
    Chasin, I had three ankle surgeries in the last two years. Heels are just not an option.

    I am office admin / reception . When I interviewed, I saw everything from messy buns / lulu headbands / sloppy cardigans over tank tops to power suits and high heels.
  • tbrain1989
    tbrain1989 Posts: 280 Member
    i work in the adult film industry so i wear my birthday suit all day... everyday :)
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    Chasin, I had three ankle surgeries in the last two years. Heels are just not an option.

    I am office admin / reception . When I interviewed, I saw everything from messy buns / lulu headbands / sloppy cardigans over tank tops to power suits and high heels.

    Ow! Yikes. Yea stay away from the heels.
    You can do all the messy bun stuff once u get settled in the job.
    Ya don't wanna go in there all relaxed as if you've been there forever.
    Be yourself tho.
    Find a middle ground, wear a cute cardigan with a skirt or pants.
    Also, did u interview w/that color in ur hair?
  • nicola1141
    nicola1141 Posts: 613 Member
    Yeah, what others have said. Go with more formal rather than less, especially if you're "front of the house". 1st impressions matter - for you and the company you work with. Buy a few pairs of classic dress pants, a few blouses, cardigans, and skirts and you can mix and match them all.
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    ca53566c-dce0-4858-8030-1a16da4beb8c_zps56a63591.jpg

    these are kinda cute, great for your ankles
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    I wear this:

    58201_4064114762883_2119056956_n.jpg


    Or this(crappy pic, but you get the idea):

    313515_2168817421634_801167187_n.jpg

    And this:

    298973_1909938469822_479070_n.jpg

    47004_1413992711488_522906_n.jpg

    If I am shooting I usually go kinda casual:

    20157_1191690834080_1332324_n.jpg

    Outside it is quite casual:

    2242_1019473088744_2523_n.jpg



    Overall though, I usually wear nice jeans and dress shirts with dress shoes. That would be business casual.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Blue or black slacks (Prefer ****ies for durability), and a polo. As seen in my profile pics.
  • catrinaHwechanged
    catrinaHwechanged Posts: 4,907 Member
    143118_DSC00973_2_.jpg

    I have that shirt :)

    I pretty much always wear heels. I wear a lot of pencil skirts, sometimes some nice skinny trousers and a dressy top....it could be a blouse or a simple tank with a cardigan or blazer. Buy lots of basics....simple black cardigan, black pants, navy pants, gray pants, etc.
  • craigmandu
    craigmandu Posts: 976 Member
    Well, right now I'm working from home...that might be changing soon.

    So right now, whatever I want....jammies, work out clothes...NOTHING at all on occasion!

    Once I get back into an office environment, dress pants, nice collared shirt, normal casual wear.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    I usually wear jeans and a polo or button up shirt. My office doesn't care though, I could come in wearing shorts and a t-shirt as long as we don't have a vendor visiting

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