Office clothes for an office novice

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Help! I start a new job next month in an actual office where I have to wear actual office clothes.... its been about 12 years since I have had a dress code for work and I just don't know where to start. I borrowed a suit for my interview and have to give it back .

I am a shorty size 14, relatively fashionable and need smart casual and a suit for meetings, minimal budget.

There is such a variety within what would be classed as office wear. It depends how formal or trendy your industry is. I would say that over the past decade things have softened a little e.g. cardigans replacing jackets, less conventional shoes. I would start with black basics - smart black skirt, smart black trousers - and then have a bit more freedom with your tops and accessories. Don't buy too much in advance. Best off to have a snoop around first and copy what everyone else wears.

Thanks sergeant I feel very out of touch and a bit out of my depth as a lot of the people.in the office are younger than me, and I want to strike a balance between turning up looking frumpy and looking a bit ridiculous if I wear pieces that aren't suitable.

I have got a black skirt already but also need to get some black trousers you are right.

We have a dress code at work which specifies no trainers or jeans, no strapless tops or shorts, no flip flops, no vest tops. Basically don't come to work looking scruffy.

I generally wear smart trousers, tops and cardigans and smart shoes - they don't have to have high heels. Or I wear a dress with smart shoes or boots. I have jackets and cardigans because our air con makes the office too chilly for me. I would say most of the women tend to prefer trousers.

I wear dresses every day and accessorise with scarves, necklaces etc.

A good staple black dress is a must. Try a department store like Debenhams or HoF where they have lots of shops under one roof so you can browse and try piles of stuff on.

A good pencil skirt is also essential. This can be dressed up with a blouse (funky, not old!) and a blazer or down with a less formal top. Warehouse have a great selection of smart tops with a twist. Have a look at their Definitives range. They also do some beautiful patterned dresses.

In this bastard cold weather a decent pair of boots will be a lifesaver. They aren't cheap but an investment pair will last years. Also a pair of smart courts - I love Aldo.

Let us know how you get on.

I agree with just buying a few things to het by until you see what everyone else in your business is wearing. You might find your style changes a but once you are in a different environment.

Your basic pieces don't need to be black, you know, unless it's a good neutral for you. Navy, charcoal, dark brown and dark aubergine all work too.

Thanks so much for all of your comments - I am definitely going to get a pencil skirt, a couple of smart bright jumpers, the boots may have to wait until first payday or santa.

If anyone has any ideas of where to get a suit on a budget let me know - I have been to Primark / Peacocks etc but they all look really cheap. I have also looked on Ebay but I hate buying things I can't try on first as I am a bit short and chubby.

I think the most cost effective outfit you could buy would be a trouser suit where the jacket also matches a dress, plus three bright cardis. That's five outfits right there. I think next suits are good quality at the lower end of the budget. I know they're not cheap cheap, but with suits unfortunately there is an element of getting what you've paid for. The cardis on the other hand... I would economise there.

Or two cardis and a shirt.

Not many women wear suits in my office. I would wait and see what everyone is wearing before you buy one.

Charcoal and dark brown staples should be worn by those over 60 only.

Disagree about the charcoal as it is a flattering colour for me. I agree about brown though.

Disagree about colours, it depends on your colouring, not on your age. Chocolate brown or charcoal look gorgeous
and expensive on the right person

bunbaker I am going to hold off on buying a suit until after I have started to see if it is necessary.

Will go and check out Next and Warehouse this weekend for trousers / skirt, and I think I am going to go with black most slimming, and some bright separates form cheaper shops.

Thanks!

I found this website that gives useful tips.

Recently returned to work from mat leave. I have loads of clothes but not that fit me at the mo! My capsule wardrobe was black trousers (I went for cigarette to be worn with killer heels or low heeled ballet pumps), grey pencil skirt, black and cobalt short a line skirt, a deep cobalt tailored shirt, a cobalt patterned blouse and tailored white shirt, black jacket, navy and cobalt marl biker style knit jacket. Had black and navy tees already. Several pairs of black tights. Had knee high black boots. Bought black ankle shoe boot things. Slowly fitting more of the old stuff again so black pencil skirt back in the mix, also Jersey dress. But it was a good start. I am client facing in a professional industry. Colours happen to suit me, just to give idea of mix and match though.

Women in my office (law) wear:

dark coloured (mostly) tailored bottoms and dresses
blouses/shirts, cardigans and jumpers
a mix of boring practical shoes and killer heels, depending on attitutde to footwear!

Only the older women (50+) still wear jackets and even then not suits.

I work in an office and anything goes. Lots of people wear jeans. You are expected to smarten up if you have a meeting or presentation but, if you're just at your desk all day, no-one gives a stuff. I probably dress smarter than most people but that's just because I like clothes. At the moment I wear mostly tube skirts or jersey dresses with ankle or biker boots.

I know some offices are still quite corporate but they're all different. I would say buy the absolute minimum until you're sussed it out e.g skirt or trousers, couple of tops, cardi. And to try and get things that you can dress down as well as up. If you've already been shopping, keep the labels on everything until you've had a good look.

Good luck