I’m new to the office world, and, at first, the thought of giving up my style was mildly terrorizing. In my mind (and from what I could tell from watching The Office), work-wear was all about the color grey and unflattering fits.
Of course, I soon found out how wrong I was!
My office (while admittedly more casual than most) is full of color, fun shapes and even more fun shoes. No over-sized pantsuits or drab cardigans here! It got me feeling inspired, and I immediately started digging through my closet in search of something that was on par with the rest of the office ladies.
Suddenly very excited about my nine-to-five, I did a little research and came up with a work-outfit inspiration board. Anything to make a dull day a little more bright, right?!
Click though the gallery to see the awesome office-ready ensembles that have got me green with envy!
How do you Lovelies jazz up your professional look?
image source, image source, image source
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Looooooving this post
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some of these just scream too casual.
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I like classical shapes in jewel tones and sometimes bold colors when I need to look professional. When I do observations or practicum in a classroom I like straight leg pants (black or my favorite sapphire blues) floaty blouses over tank tops, a crisp blazer, and cute flats. I also occasionally wear midi-length dresses with tights/leggings. If it’s too short I might wear slouchy knee-high boots over the leggings so I’m more covered. Professional clothes are tough because I need to be comfortable enough to get on the floor with the kids but still be able to look like a teacher.
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They’re all nice outfits, but some of them are too casual for office-wear.
hydrangea / 73 posts
@daydreams_nightmares@xanga - @crashthedr3am@xanga - depends a LOT on the office. She did mention hers was less casual than most.
In fact, what I hear from friends in the engineering (or programming) industry is that the standard has lowered significantly from what is (I feel) often perceived. A few industries (finance, law) are still holding on to ‘traditional’ office dress codes, but colors, patterns, open toed shoes, shorter skirts, etc. are pretty widely accepted even in places that keep the standard above “jeans and tees.”
hydrangea / 59 posts
@galliver@xanga - That’s definitely true! (I work in a techie office too!)
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While I am inclined to stick with my black or grey dress pants at my office, some of the top portions in these photos would definitely work. I tried to choose tops for work that had some color to them, but still were nice enough for business casual at an accounting firm.
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Most of those are hardly professional….
hydrangea / 73 posts
@Lindsay - I actually don’t ’cause I chose grad school. So on ‘work days’ I wear my rattiest jeans and hoodies in case I get rust/grease/glue/general lab dirt on them :X But since all my friends are techies and I did an internship once, I know how it works, haha.
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Well, minju it depends upon how much you want others to actually concentrate on their job. I know when I worked for Nancy for the government, she was dressed to THRILL. Φ ≡
Recommend VampireOfSeduction‘s post.
sunflower / 405 posts
i would wear them outside of office. not sure in
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I plan on teaching middle school and I think I’m going to enjoy this kind of dress code. It is generally more casual than most offices.
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man I would kill for an office job…