To think that my professional office clothes from the mid - 2000's still look stylish?

[Rainbunny]

I've been out of the workforce for the last couple of years but I'm preparing to re-enter my career again (law) and I've been looking at updating my work wardrobe. The funny thing is, everytime I look online at clothing websites to get ideas for office outfits, I realise that I pretty much own something that looks very similar if not identical already!

I never throw clothes away (that's a whole other thread topic in itself!) so I have my professional office/suit attire from around 2006-ish onwards... Am I fooling myself here or does anyone else think that professional work attire hasn't changed that dramatically in the last decade? It's not as though I can't buy new work clothes but seriously everytime I see something I like I realise I have something just like it already - it's just been in my wardrobe for the last 5-7 years! I'm just worried I'm fooling myself and would look out of step when current looks seem so similar to me.

This is the ultimate in trivial threads btw!!

People will say you are bragging because you still fit into 10 year old clothes. Even more so if the reason you weren't working was to have DCs.

I don't see a problem at all. A suits a suit. Do people really notice minimal changes in trouser shape if you're not working at a fashion magazine and if they do, do they really care?

No one's going to say 'Rain's a really good lawyer but we're going to fire her/not promote her because her suit's a bit dated'

If they're still selling similar trousers to those you already have, they'll be totally fine.

I have stuff ten years old but would say boot cuts look dated and court shoes are universally naff now. Unless very spiky and pointy.
Pencil skirts also look mid-80s estate agent.
Work places seem to have gone much more casual which I suppose is the zuckerberg effect.

I think you're fine. I work in a qualified professional corporate capacity too, and the pencil skirts I wore in 2010 are the same as the ones I wear now. The suit dresses, well some are a different shape, but the standard tailored on the knee is still there. Probably always will be.

I wear more blouses than the TM Lewis double cuff shirts I wore then, but the shirts are still smart.

Good luck I hope you enjoy your new role :)

What formal trouser style is in now?

I still wear boot cut trousers if they remain in good condition because the cut suits my body shape more than trendier skinnier styles.

I don't work in a particularly formal sector, but find that my basics like V-necked jumpers, shirts and trousers are still perfectly wearable as long (as they are in good condition) from 10 to 20 years ago. I have changed to more dresses in the last 5 years since having DCs which means the older items aren't getting worn out in a hurry. I've also had time in and out of work which has reduced wear and tear prolonging the physical life of garments.

Trendy fashion items have a short life (eg a printed blouse with ruffles). Well cut "classic" items that suit you well are forgiving in longevity.

I would just avoid wearing head to toe old stuff as that may look old wearing it all together.
As pp mentioned, the blouse replaces fitted shirts these days.
Investing in a couple of tops would help mix it up.
I also think shoes and bags can date a look v quickly so I'd probably update those too.

Straight cut trousers are probably best if you want longevity. Boot cuts scream early 2000s.

Pencil skirts are still good though.

Jackets - it depends on how these are cut as again these can look outdated very easily. In the office smart fitted jumpers and cardigans should be ok.

What type of legal practice are you going into? Legal aid practice, law centre, high street firm, local gov, in-house, one of the big corporate ones? Or barristers' chambers? Because expectations (if any) will vary depending on the type of practice.

Now Trouser suits are generally slim fit or straight leg, boot cut will look old fashioned.
Blouses, shell tops are ok.
shift dresses, wrap dresses, pencil skirts are ok.
Not sure about shoes, I wear brogues or flats as I never wear heels.
I would recommend what others have said, but a couple of new things and see what others are wearing.

I am a barrister. Apart from a dress I bought recently most of my court stuff is 10 years old. It still fits and it's not like everyone else is the height of fashion. I'm not in court every day so it'should not worn out either. I do need to get a bit more new stuff though so thanks for the nudge, OP.

I just threw all my old 2000 suits away.
Mainly because I have to admit they won't fit ever again!!!
The two things I noticed were colours and leg cuts. Legs are slightly more flared and colours slightly brighter.

Thanks again to everyone for weighing in, this has been genuinely useful!

Unfortunately, the 'bootcut' trouser style is the most flattering to my body shape, despite it's current fall from favour in the style stakes. Wide leg works well also but it feels very 'trendy' in a temporary way. I have been ordering new blouses etc... and will hope I ease into the newer slimmer pants look...

Come on you're going back to work after years out as a SAHM?? Jeered OP treat yourself to a few clothes you probably deserve it. And if you're going back into law you can probably afford it in all seriousness just treat yourself, you'll feel better for it on your first day back.

Agree, buy some new stuff. If only to stop people losing sleep over the shape of your trouser leg. :o

I too would be worried about the shape of your trouser legs
*
Arf. Seriously?*

Yes, seriously. Because some trouser shapes look really really dated. Boot cut for instance. I know it's starting to come back in but to me it looks very 10 years ago. So yeah

Where did I say I was losing sleep?

I also agree that dresses ads much more common than 10 years ago. Suits / jackets less common

I would say the main thing which has changed since you last bought formal work wear is the waist height. In the noughties, waists were low cut - they are much higher now. However, if you wear a longer top, the waists can't be seen.

If I was you, I'd buy a couple of new items for your first week to make you feel confident and then see how you feel from there.

Also, pls think about throwing some clothes out. My mum has wardrobes all over the house stuffed full with clothes never to be worn again. I find it depressing and infuriating in equal measure.

Good luck for your new job!

Oh lord, is everyone else being advertised those J Crew trousers now?? Don't click the link!

(They do look a bit dated to me btw)

I agree with lion's point. I keep clothes too and a lot of my things are ten years old and way more. For one thing they were much better made, even ten years ago. However I don't wear them head to toe. I mix them with current stuff and I always make sure my shoes, glasses, hair and jewelry are modern.

I like the trousers in that JC link. I think this is a good time to be wearing trousers because there are lots of shapes around and we haven't got one style dominating so there's plenty of choice: narrow leg, wide leg, tapered and, yes boot cut. However the small details may have changed e.g. the length plus, as MrsBob says, waistlines are higher now (thank god).

I don't work in your field - I'm just a clothes lover - so I have no idea how much any of this might matter in your workplace.

Your timing is good to re-use clothes from about ten years ago. Things like lapel shape/size, trouser shape etc seem to be looping back to that era again. If the clothes were quite classic at the time you will get away with it I think.

The biggest difference as PPs have said is that offices are much less formal now, but court sounds like a bit of an exception to that?

Jackets are shorter (frustratingly if you are tall) I loved those long jackets

Also, pls think about throwing some clothes out. My mum has wardrobes all over the house stuffed full with clothes never to be worn again. I find it depressing and infuriating in equal measure

The OP might not have 'wardrobes all over the house stuffed full with clothes', she might have a small 'work wardrobe' of decent quality classic clothes with plenty of life in them.

I find it depressing and infuriating the way clothes have become a disposable item for some, to be worn once and discarded because they think the whim of fashion is something that's important.

Flares are absolutely back, have been for quite a while. MN is very very behind the times.