So. What do I wear to work, in an office?

[EleanorHandbasket]

I think I've got a new job (it's been a right old process, but I shoudl know today).

It's formal wear (it's a sales position). I've been wearing trouser suits and shirts to the interviews. I've not seen anyone wearing any colours, it all seems to be black or grey but that could be personal choice rather than a dress code.

I'm assuming they'll tell me if there is a dress code, or is this just the sort of stuff you're expected to know?

Anyway. I have tattoos on my upper arms. And one on my ankle. And I am really struggling to find any alternative to shirts and suits that will look smart and cover my arms and ankles.

I am so out of tough, I havent' actually worked in an office since I was nineteen.

Help me. And, aslo, WHERE do you buy stuff other than shit Next?

out of tough out of TOUCH.

And other assorted typos.

I haven't a clue, sorry! I've been a SAHM for 5 years, but anticipating a return to work (via some studying) after a while and I can imagine this kind of thing stressing me out too.

I would imagine that if there is a dress code as far as colours go, they'll tell you, otherwise they might assume you know what is ok as office wear. I'm sure they won't mind you asking though, they'll know you haven't worked in an office for some time so they should understand.

Thanks. Yes, I'm going to have to ask.

I've just found loads of dresses on Very.co.uk that have sleeves, they've obviously been listening to the public, so that's a start.

I have enough suits/shirts to get through the first week and spy out what everyone else wears, so I'll do that if they don't specify (or I forget to ask).

Sales people tend to be more formal than other office workers or so I've observed. Your idea of spying is the right one, most places don't have formal dress codes. And the informal one may well be different!

Dress and cardigan are a good alternative to suits.

i'm the manager of a sales team and I'm in the office full time rarely client facing, but still have a smart office wear dress code.
This can mean suits, I usually wear a dress under a suit jacket, or I will wear a shift type dress with a smart cardigan (think twin set style rather than waterfall), always tights with the dresses/skirts. Even a jersey wrap dress when worn with tights and smart shoes is office attire.

I've brought my work wear wardrobe from all over, next, new look, primark, boden, jaegar, lk Bennett, m&s, Matalan. John lewis is good too for a one stop place with several different labels and price ranges under one roof.

Best heels ive found are from m&s, even the cheapy £15 mid heel plain courts are comfortable!

Thank you!

I actually have those Marks mid heels is three colours, I love them.

Just ask them what the dress code is. I work in an office & my dress code is smart casual as i'm rarely client facing.
I'd say plain coloured dresses, shirt dresses, skinny jeans in black or a dark colour/cigarette pants/skirt with brouges/pumps/heels ( if you can walk in them!) paired with a blouse or plain coloured top with a cardigan or blazer on top. A blazer makes everything look smarter. Primark have some nice sheer blouses in at the moment.
Of course if it's a -really- smart place you might be better off sticking to suits. Depending on your figure you could wear a sloucy suit with wide leg trousers and brogues and look slouchy and gamine but if you've got a bust or bum a suit with a pencil skirt would most likely be more flattering.

I've seen some very smart blazers in TK maxx also.

Steer clear of anything see through (sheer) unless it is tights, which should always be worn (bare legs being a total NO in a professional situation).

Do NOT wear jeans or leggings of any description and no one wants to see your armpits.

Suits (skirts or trousers) with a smart top underneath. Dresses with jackets or smart cardigans.

Smart trousers, wrap dresses and nice blazer-type jackets from Zara.

Reiss has a sale on and there are some lovely dresses with long sleeves- this red skater skirt might do the job, and I love this cream one but you might need to look like Kate Middleton to carry it off.

A few "wee tops" like zis will also be handy to mix and match with basics- that one's black so you shouldn't be able to see your tat through it.

no cleavage and nothing too short, obviously. i hate dry clean only as its another job to pick up/drop off

I have an office based job and need to look smart, so all of the above. I usually wear a suit for more important meetings and get my stuff from Planet (although a bit rubbish atm), Jaeger, Esprit, Oasis, Great Plains, M&S etc. I rarely buy from Next as the quality isn't good enough. Good Luck!

Why are bare legs a complete no no?!

In my sales based role, the "largely unwritten" rule is black and white only. Seems that navy/grey is also acceptable and I do get away with a dark base with some colour. I.e. black trousers with colour on top etc...

Good advice here. I would make sure that the tatts are covered.

I wear skirts and dresses more than trousers as I find them more comfortable. I typically shop for work stuff in:
Banana Republic
Zara
LK Bennet
Mango (tops mainly - I'm not massively keen on their tailored stuff)
Reiss
Massimo Dutti

Thank you all so much! I'm going to browse the links later.

bare legs are a no no as it looks 'unfinished' without - how many guys do you see in a professioanl position wearing a suit and no socks ??

No tights?!
Nothing short?!
Nothing sheer?!

God, more reasons why I love love love working in the media. We have no dress code. And I'm senior management. I wear mid thigh dresses (silk. From Jaeger and the like) without tights and am currently wearing a double layer sheer silk blouse. Granted, I've put a camisole underneath it but still, you can see a hint of flesh! Jeans are considered the norm. And people would regard you strangely if you wore sheer flesh coloured or nude tights.

I love my job.

Wow. I work in an office but bare legs are not an issue. Really surprised by that!

I wear pencil skirts and lots of chiffon tops (with vest tops underneath...), shift dresses, skinny trouser suit, lace tops (again with vest tops underneath), etc etc.

Congratulations on the new job!

Don't ask for a dress code! You will sound like you don't know what you are doing and are insecure. And / or as though you are more bothered about what you dress than what you have to say.

The old advice, which is probably fairly valid still is to look out for a woman 2 levels senior to you who you admire and who seems to be well respected. Then dress as she does.

NOT if she is liked and well respected but famous for a distinctive / zany fashion sense though - that would just be copying.

In terms of colours I would also say be guided by what suits you as much as what is the norm. So within a dark scheme you can go black, navy, grey or brown. It sounds boring but pick one and build a wardrobe around it. Then you can mix and match and build up a range that works together - investing in pricier stuff on the flush days but supplementing with Zara sale for variation and / or to test the boundaries of the unwritten code.

Tbh my boyfriend who does IT support for various corporate offices says loads of women come to work in shirts and no trousers and/or leggings and ugg boots!
So don't worry :)

Sales workers' dress codes died in the 80s - think suits and polycotton blouses (shudder). Adding colour with a jaunty accessory (bwa ha ha) - keep it straight, straight, nay out of date.

Shirts from tm lewin aren't see through (tho never had white from them) if you want a shirt to hide your arms.

Women seem to get away with more color than men - blue, white and occasional shirts on teh blokes, but much more color in the ladies tops.