Help me decide what to wear for first day of work!

[LisaSimpsonsbff]

Please?

New job, have been told to wear 'smart casual office wear, definitely not a suit'. I think I spotted people in jeans when I went in for interview, but obviously not risking that on Monday. Options I have so far...

Option A: blouse and trousers (both halves need ironing, I would do this!)

Option B, dress 1 (possibly a bit tight on the chest?)

Option C, dress 2

Option D, dash out and buy something this weekend - in which case, what?!

I can't change the shoes because like an idiot I sprained my ankle last week and I visibly limp in any of my other smartish shoes, which all have heels

I think I'd probably go for the trouser option for my first day!

I think you look nice in all of them but maybe a little safe? I really like the trousers in the first pic, but do you have a more colourful top, or a softer looking shirt/blouse? I’d also do some accessorising.
Best of luck with the new job!

Option A.

Thank you! That's interesting, @Herocomplex, I thought I was maybe too casual but you think I should try and show a bit more personality?

I also think option A but agree with a more colourful blouse - like a soft mustard/ocre or burgundy depending on your skin tone and what suits you.

I really like option B but as people say A with a more exciting blouse could work to

Yes, why not? You want to feel confident and comfortable. I’d def do nice nails, hair, jewellery and bag. Also a smart thin cardi or jacket in case it’s Aircon. I’d always go smarter than necessary on my first day, then see how it goes.

I think option A looks best. The dresses in B and C are VERY dull (sorry OP). Too dull to be smart casual I think.

Ah, this is interesting and I'm glad I asked! I've never really had quite an 'office job' before - this is a career change for me, going from university research to working in university management - and maybe my image of what people wear is a bit conservative?

If you’re part of the management team and public facing I’d say you need to think a bit smarter then. Are you ambitious? To be honest I’d get a nice suit from Jigsaw, with a few fine knit tops in flattering colours, and a few beautiful shirts. Some tailored trousers, some really nice suede boots when your ankle is better. Good jewellery, and a lovely leather tote bag. Those dresses would be ok with lovely shoes/boots.
I’d go and book a session in John Lewis or similar and try on loads of stuff, see what’s good for you.

I was explicitly told not to wear a suit... I actually went into John Lewis with £200 of vouchers burning a hole in my pocket yesterday and came out with nothing, I wanted a couple of nice dresses (was willing to spend beyond the £200) and everything was baggy and shapeless!

C. You will be meeting people for the first time, so wear slightly smarter than normal. All the outfits look good.

Sorry, yes, I see that!
That’s so frustrating, the JL thing! Sorry!

Would just go with your current outfits for now, suss it out for a couple of weeks, then spend your vouchers!

We are indeed in the era of the baggy flowery dress. It is woeful.

Would just go with your current outfits for now, suss it out for a couple of weeks, then spend your vouchers!

That's what I was hoping to do - to go on a bit of a spree in a week or two once I'd seen what other people at my level were wearing - but am now a bit worried about looking 'wrong' and getting off on the wrong foot! These are basically my teaching clothes, because lecturing was the only time I didn't wear jeans and a jumper, so it's quite a big wardrobe adjustment (plus I had a baby last year so a lot of things that I had from before then no longer look right because I've changed shape)

We are indeed in the era of the baggy flowery dress. It is woeful.

Plus all the fabrics were weirdly shit? I kept picking up things and then seeing it was £180 for a dress made out of crackly, static-y polyester

Please ignore what I said, I don’t want to worry you! I’m sure you’ll be fine.

I like option C for an office look.

Yes, polyester. Dire. I can’t bear it!