My style is somewhat lacking. Actually, that’s an understatement. I have never had tons of money to shop and therefore most of my clothes have come from Wal-Mart or somewhere equally inexpensive. I’ve also changed my style so many times over the years that I’ve amassed a lot of clothes that don’t go together and a lot of clothes I wouldn’t be caught dead in these days. I’ve also changed sizes a lot over the years so I have a lot of clothes that don’t fit at all.
I’m reaching a point in my life where I want to start dressing like an adult but I’m having trouble with it all.
I know when something is nice and when I like something but when it comes to actually shopping or putting an outfit together I get so confused and I end up with things that don’t match and then they just sit in the back of my closet. I’ve always thought I should have been one of the people on What Not To Wear.
I’m starting a new career next June. It’s my first time going into any sort of professional/office setting and I have no idea how to dress for this. I’ve been in school rather than working most of my life where I could pretty much wear whatever I wanted (within reason). This made me automatically go towards anything comfortable, alas I own a lot of leggings, sweatpants and over sized t-shirts and sweaters.
With all this in mind I went on Polyvore.com today and made these outfits just to see what I could come up with on my own with no help whatsoever. Here’s my first attempt at work wear.
This is probably my most favorite outfit of the bunch. I like the pop of red (I’m not usually much of a color-wearer, I tend to wear a lot of neutrals). I also love that it looks professional but comfortable, that’s important to me.
Now this outfit is really different for me. It’s very form fitting and a lot of color. I love yellow but I’ve never worn it like this before. My favorite part of this outfit is the shoes.
I really like the “sailor style” blue, red and white with stripes. I love stripes! I might wear this with nylons or some kind of printed tight though if it was for work and I would definitely get shorter heels.
This is my second favorite outfit. It’s a lot more professional looking to me than the first one. There’s something about gray and pink that makes me so happy.
When I was making these outfits I was really trying to challenge myself to think outside of my own comfort zone. I was trying to use more color than I would normally be drawn to especially. The next thing I’m going to try and do with these looks is use some of the same pieces to create other looks because not only do I need a new wardrobe but I need a versatile new wardrobe.
What do you think of these looks, Lovelies? What are your favorite “professional” outfits?
rose / 795 posts
These looks are amazing! I think you’ll be just fine in your new professional setting. I can definitely see you wowing your coworkers with these chic outfits.
daisy / 603 posts
These are gorgeous & the pink & grey one is perfect!
Tip: Don’t buy a ton of outfits just yet. Buy a few, maybe enough to get you through a week of work so you can see what other people wear and then do some more shopping over the weekend.
I’m saying that because I was told to wear “business casual clothes” and here to find out once I started I was the person who wore the dressiest clothes. I’m allowed to wear jeans [ but they have to be nice.. not with holes, rips or stains..etc..] and I can wear things like polos, etc.. that look semi dressy. I’m glad I didn’t go out and spend a bunch of money on business casual clothes only to find out that most people here don’t actually dress that way.
sunflower / 426 posts
love the sailor outfit!!
guest
The nautical look is so gorgeous! I love it.
For the yellow outfit, I personally don’t like yellow and black together. I love that you paired it with gray accessories (it is gray, right?) though because yellowxgray is one of my favorite color combos. You think of maybe changing the black skirt to a gray or navy one?
guest
Love the outfits!
I’m actually going through the same exact thing… I just graduated and have way too many t-shirts and not enough professional looking clothes. I’m also going to be moving to Europe in a few months, so I definitely step up my wardrobe game!
guest
I love these all. I really want the nautical one and the one with the grey/pink combo. Please tell me where you found these pieces!
guest
I really like the last outfit!
guest
I love the last outfit! I’m in the same dilemma, but I still don’t have money to shop for clothes… Haha. Meh.
sunflower / 282 posts
@lttlegel - Thanks for the tip. I think I’m going to go with more outfits like the first one rather than the other ones but I want at least one “wow factor” outfit for interviews and stuff (more like the pink one)
sunflower / 282 posts
@merquryd@xanga - I loove black and yellow together. I have a sort of bumblebee thing hehe. If you look at one of my older posts I even had black and yellow hair once :p
sunflower / 282 posts
@iseriously@xanga - I actually just went on polyvore.com and looked through the different categories of clothes and went by color. After you find a piece it will usually tell you the brand/designer and where you can purchase it.
orchid / 118 posts
THIS is very true. Ive always worn band tees and jeans. Trying to dress appropriately so people can take me serious is kinda hard. This whole adult thing costs too much though! >.>
I like the last outfit the best
sunflower / 282 posts
@princesspig23@xanga - Sounds like me, almost my entire wardrobe is band tees, and graphic tees from Wal Mart.
guest
i like your selections, especially the first and last one
lily / 5148 posts
Actually these are all very good outfits and quite cute as well
I really really love that yellow shirt. Lol
guest
i love the last one,super cute for work