Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Saved Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Flip

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style and beauty

Is there such a thing like comfortable professional business attire? And if yes, what is it?

14 replies

1horatio · 27/12/2016 18:53

I know there is currently a similar thread, but I think this person seems to wonder about more casual outfits and I didn't want to hijack hers.

Basically anything that looks professional, put together and doesn't require heels.

OP posts:

Report

1horatio · 27/12/2016 18:54

*such a thing as (I think) sorry, English isn't my first language.

OP posts:

Report

Bohemond · 27/12/2016 19:01

My preference post 40 is a quality straight skirt to the knee and silk or similar blouse (think Gillian Anderson in the Fall). Either with v nice black boots or a patent stiletto, always opaque. Neat lines, grown up and always comfortable.

Report

Bohemond · 27/12/2016 19:01

Opaque tights that is!

Report

1horatio · 27/12/2016 19:11

I'm 30 and up to know I've usually worn suits (usually with a skirt sometimes also a pantsuit) and closed toed pumps. But I just really dislike shoes with a heel. It's not that I can't walk in them, I just hate doing it.

I do usually wear tights.

I'll google Gillian Anderson, thanks :)

OP posts:

Report

Kennington · 27/12/2016 20:28

Cropped skinny trousers, or men's slightly loose masculine cut wool or cotton. Loafers/black ankle boots.
Silk t shirt or black cashmere knit.
Job done.

Report

Trills · 27/12/2016 20:44

Is it just the heels that you find uncomfortable or are there other aspects that you'd like to change?

Report

Dulcimena · 27/12/2016 20:45

What Kensington said!

Report

Softkitty2 · 27/12/2016 20:49

Agree with Cropped trousers that are structured, poplin shirt, cardigan or jumper

Or pencil skirt, tights, poplin shirt cardigan or jumper.. All comfy imo

Report

1horatio · 27/12/2016 20:56

Trills mainly the heels. I do prefer trousers, but I think I look really frumpy in a pantsuit if I'm not wearing heels. Skirts are fine... and I really like button up and blazers.

Kensington soft

That sounds really lovely and comfortable but it also sounds fairly casual to me. I think I have a hard time imagining a more formal outfit like that. Are there some photos you could post so I could see what you mean?
That would be really awesome :)

One last issue: I'm a bit more muscular than what's usually considered beautiful (especially in the arm area). So, yeah, idk if that would influence your advice.

OP posts:

Report

Kennington · 28/12/2016 07:18

Ha I love I have been upgraded from Kennington to Kensington!
It is all in the sharp lines cut and material - good ironing required!. The Outnet is quite good for this. Some cos and other stories too. Even m and s for cashmere which lasts - do upsize 2-3 sizes. I cannot find photos appropriate but Disney roller girl might be a start.
E.g I have black patent loafers for a neater look and fine wool cigarette trousers with a crease.

Report

SimplyNigella · 28/12/2016 07:36

I like dresses with a blazer for work, the right blazer will make any outfit look smart IMO and I'm always more comfortable in a dress than trousers.

I would invest my money in a super smart blazer if you don't have one already.

Report

Liiinoo · 28/12/2016 07:38

You don't say what your body shape is which would make a difference. Some of the looks suggested on here (slim trousers, poplin shirts) would be fabulous on someone tall/slim/small boobed but not so great on someone curvy or shorter.

I am 5ft tall, slim but with huge boobs (30ff) so any blouse would gape and skirt/shirt combos cut me in half. When I worked in formal offices I wore smart jersey day dresses, either fit'n'flare or wrap styles (with a camisole underneath so no plunging cleavage). Tights were generally sheer or small fishnet, not opaque which to me seem more casual weekend wear. I found low heeled boots looked smarter than low heeled shoes. In the summer a wedge sandal looked nice. I also had a couple of longish edge to edge cashmere cardigans for very cold days.

Why not block out an afternoon and visit a few shops trying on some different looks?

Report

MumUndone · 28/12/2016 07:49

I think dress or skirt and shirt, and either a matching or contrasting jacket looks good with opaques and flats, i.e. loafers or whatever. As long as your clothes fit, are ironed, and are generally unfussy then you will look smart.

Report

1horatio · 28/12/2016 08:50

MumUndone yes, they do fit and are ironed. I just struggle to come up with an outfit that doesn't require pumps...

Linnoo my body shape...? Idk, it's probably 'athletic'? I'm 169 and currently weigh 61 kg. I'd like to have a body like for example Rhonda Rousey, DH says it already looks like that, but that's really not the case (especially because DD was born this summer). I think we all know how DHs are. 'You look lovely' I look in the mirror and see my makeup is smudged and my hair a mess and nearly scream... I guess I have a kind of easy to dress body except for my arms, which are rather muscular.

And yes, the tights I wear are always sheer (London luckily isn't a cold city...) But I'm sure somebody that understands fashion could make opaque ones look smart as well.

Nigella I do have a lot blazers (just a lot of deux-pièces in general, which I then always end up wearing with pumps...). It's more the bottom half I struggle with. Dresses with blazers seem like a possibility although I admittedly prefer trousers. But if it gets me around wearing heels it's all good imo. And seeing as I haven't mastered the pantsuit I usually wear a skirt anyway. So, that isn't really an issue.

Kennington oh, thanks! Loafers with creased cigarette trousers. I'll try it, thanks :)!!