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Original poster

To be annoyed about needing work clothes

111 replies

Limonjelly · 05/04/2024 10:57

We're being forced to go back to the office 2 days a week now (have been going 1 day a week for the past year but apparently that's not enough now). Apart from the time, cost and pointlessness of travelling to the office to sit at a desk for 8 hours, the thing that really annoys me about this is clothing.

I've barely bought any new clothes since lockdown and have saved so much money. It saves me time on deciding what to wear. It's better for the environment too. But people in my 'professional' London office tend to dress quite smart casual and I'll need to wear 2 different work outfits every week now. I don't want to, and can't afford to keep spending money on new clothes. I have 2 pairs of work trousers and a few tops/jumpers that I alternate. And a couple of dresses.

How many outfits do you have for work? How often do you wear the same thing?

OP posts:
Divebar2021 · 05/04/2024 17:16

I’m surprised there are many offices that require suits and heels nowadays. Things have really moved in a casual direction. I do wear suits because I like them but often with a trainer or flat boot. I like the wide legged trouser from M&S that cost £39 and you can pick them up on Vinted pretty cheaply. I have been stung a couple of times with randomly sized items from there but mostly because I haven’t asked for measurements. If they don’t have a tape measure then I don’t buy. It’s not as if there’s a shortage of clothes in the world. Mostly I see going into the office as an opportunity to wear items that I wouldn’t otherwise be wearing.

SingingSands · 05/04/2024 17:18

My colleague has been wearing the same outfit for 20 years. Black trousers and a blue shirt. Nobody ever mentions it.

Auburngal · 05/04/2024 17:19

When I worked in call centres on non dress down days, I just wore smart trousers and tops. Some I could wear on dress down days. Wearing a lightweight cardigan

What about charity shops? Some clothes may not been worn much.

Auburngal · 05/04/2024 17:20

Divebar2021 · 05/04/2024 17:16

I’m surprised there are many offices that require suits and heels nowadays. Things have really moved in a casual direction. I do wear suits because I like them but often with a trainer or flat boot. I like the wide legged trouser from M&S that cost £39 and you can pick them up on Vinted pretty cheaply. I have been stung a couple of times with randomly sized items from there but mostly because I haven’t asked for measurements. If they don’t have a tape measure then I don’t buy. It’s not as if there’s a shortage of clothes in the world. Mostly I see going into the office as an opportunity to wear items that I wouldn’t otherwise be wearing.

If any workplace wants ladies to wear heels, they can do one. I can’t wear heels as got weak ankles and flat footed

Rainyblue · 05/04/2024 17:35

It doesn’t have to cost that much. I buy most of my office shirts, skirts and blazers from charity shops or Vinted for a few pounds. I’ve had compliments on quite a few of my second-hand clothes!
Anything that doesn’t fit quite right I sell on again, so there’s no loss.

I do tend to buy black trousers new from M&S, but then I also wear them for going out.

Gwenhwyfar · 05/04/2024 18:26

Auburngal · 05/04/2024 17:20

If any workplace wants ladies to wear heels, they can do one. I can’t wear heels as got weak ankles and flat footed

Show quote history

Couldn't you sue them for requiring heels?

WonderingWanda · 05/04/2024 19:41

Finding it hard to feel sorry for you only just having to return to the pre covid conditions you worked in....I assume you didn't wfh full time pre covid.

Original poster
Limonjelly · 05/04/2024 20:44

SabertoothKwazi · 05/04/2024 13:52

Another way to handle this is to put together 2 really bland office outfits and change up the accessories often. So you’d work on building up a little collection of silk type scarfs or costume jewelry. Those are things you can definitely buy from vinted or charity shops and not worry about them fitting.

Sorry accidentally quoted the wrong post!

OP posts:
rockstarshoes · 06/04/2024 01:03

OP I think you might get a bit more sympathy & suggestions if you posted in Style & Beauty!

NameChangedAgainn · 06/04/2024 01:08

Superscientist · 05/04/2024 16:52

I'm in 1-2 days a week. I've just switched to dresses. I bought 3 last year first purchases since covid in sales about £20-30 for £70rrp dresses. I also have suit trousers and 2 good shirts that still fit from prepregnancy. I wear the same outfit for 2 or 3 weeks. I also bought some new shoes that can be worn equally with dresses and trousers. I don't think I should have to buy more for the foreseeable. I have a few other old dresses which also are ok for work but I mostly use the new ones mostly as they have pockets! (Yay!)
I have separate clothes for the lab.

Please tell me more about the dresses with pockets - where are they from?

Superscientist · 06/04/2024 11:56

Lady vintage. They are lovely! Some of the prints aren't really suitable for work but very well cut dresses in mid 1900s styles. Made in England too if that's important to you.

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