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?

Always tights?

Even if this means nude? Thought anything other than black was a style no-no?

Confused.

I am a Sales Manager (although not hugely client facing) and wear anything from pencil skirts and blouses, dresses and cardigans/jackets, trousers suits or just trousers and a smart top. I am quite often complimented on what I wear (although not sure why!)

I do wear sheer blouses but wear a vest top or camisole under so you can't see my underwear and I don't have bare legs so wear nude tights - I just don't feel smart enough with bare legs although some in the office do.

I buy work clothes from all over - Great Plains, Gap, LK Bennett, Austin Reed, Matalan, Tu at Sainsburys and I've even got some pretty blouses from Primark and dresses from Dorothy Perkins.

I wear bare legs to work, although I do have a tan so I think it makes a difference. Hate those whiter than white legs.

For work, my wardrobe consists of shift dresses, a wrap dress, cigarette trousers with sweaters, tops or a sheer shirt (with a camisole underneath), pencil skirts. Dresses and skirts tend to be knee length or just above.

Clothes from all over really, Boden, Whistles, Zara, Monsoon, Reiss.

I have a selection of really high heels, mid, low and flat.

Congratulations on your job.

For the office I shop at Laura Ashley, Austin Reed, Hobbs - usually in the sale or on eBay. Hobbs has an online outlet store.

I find Next quality shit TBH.

I try to wear brighter colours rather than just dark suits all the time. You can be colourful and still be very smart.

the no tights/tights thing would depend on your legs tbh. If they are deathly pale and mottle then surely tights are going to look better? I have very sheer ones from m&s you can't tell they are tights unless you felt my legs. I wouldn't wear American tan or anything obviously tights unless black.

Would also depend on the length of my skirt as well, if it was above the knee I'd wear tights. Mind you I wouldn't wear a short short skirt/dress to work anyway as it doesn't appear very professional and that's just my opinion, I don't expect everyone to agree with me.

oh yes an i'd agree the advantage of being a woman and wearing more formal work wear is that the colours an be livened up with brightly coloured tops and scarves.