Entirely new work wardrobe

[PullingMySocksUp]

Right.

I have a few smart blouses already and three long cardigans. And some not long cardigans.

I have one pair of slim black maybe 7/8 trousers. Maybe bit longer.

I was thinking if I buy: a pair of navy trousers and a pair of grey, some black loafers and some navy ones and I’m kind of done to begin with.

But. The last time I wore smart trousers they were boot cut.
What happens in winter? Do ankles look stupid? I will wear knee high tights I guess, so won’t be bare ankle, but is there a different trousers style/footwear combination needed for winter?

Clueless.

Watching with interest. I’ve not worked for 4 years, got a new job and my work wardrobe needs starting from scratch!

So for example what sort of smart trousers could I wear with ankle boots?

It’s kind of daunting and exciting at the same time, wokeup

Well I guess it comes down to personal taste.I like to look like myself rather than a corporate cut out. I like slim cut 7/8ths trousers with ankle boots. I like a block/Cuban heel on the boots - I have a few different styles: snake print, leopard, oxblood etc in addition to black ones. I don’t really have a gap between the trousers and boots but I have fancy socks if need be ( although where I am in the south is not that cold). I don’t wear loafers but I guess keep it tonal with your trousers and shoe colours. I would wear brogues shoes or boots but it’s a similar aesthetic. I like that look with a striped graphic t shirt and oversized boyfriend cardigan or oversized blazer.... I have one in a Prince of Wales check I bought off eBay. No mention of dresses or skirts? I have a very long black pencil skirt I wore with black lace ups this week and I have a couple of long pleated skirts - one in green and one in black. These are items I often wear day to day.... I don’t have separate work clothes as much as I used to I just style them differently.

divebar your work wardrobe sounds divine.
Where do you get your brogues? And where can I find something in oxblood? (swoon)

What about dresses? I'm heading back to work and plan to wear midi dresses with ankle boots in winter - granted it is in a specific area so might not suit your workplace.

I would say search M and S - they have some great loafers at the moment (I'm not usually an M and S fan except for underwear).

For ankle trousers, either loafers of a pair of ankle boots with a heel in winter - search on Pinterest and you will get ideas as to how to style them.

From a style point of view I think you need to get rid of the long cardigans and replace with some short ones and go for silky tops instead of blouses (like silky t-shirts) - you can buy these in Zara / H and M and Massimo Dutti depending on your budget.

And I would wear a fine wool jumper in the same colour as your trousers with perhaps a coloured scarf in winter.

Hey thanks for the compliment. I don’t shop anywhere terribly exciting. My slim black trousers are M&S but I have some edgier ones which are cropped and slightly slouchier from Kin. ( John Lewis). My lace ups are Clark’s. (Not technically brogues.) They had a tan coloured trim which I polished over. My lace up boots ( which are brogues) came from Boden. All the other boots were bought almost new but secondhand. ( Jones, Vagabond, Zara M&S). The oxblood are from a charity shop - they are a Spanish make. The lace ups I wore this week were Dr Martens. About 50% of my wardrobe was purchased second hand from EBay / Depop or charity shops. I look out for brands like Cos, Jaeger, Jigsaw, Daks etc. I haven’t had a period off work though so I’ve been buying clothes over years. In fact I’m clearing stuff out because there’s only so many pairs of tailored trousers a person needs.

Oh this all sounds exciting!

I agree that Divebar sounds like she has a cool look.

I quite like my patterned shirts and long cardigans (probably not at the same time). Long cardigans are this sort of thing. Totally dreadful?

I haven’t mentioned dresses as I always feel a bit overdressed in them (and a bit conspicuous as I’m quite tall), but might add one or two later.

I quite like a boyfriend cardigan.... I got a lovely dark green wool one from a charity shop at the weekend. I work in a office which has a mixed bag of very formally attired people ( suited and booted ) with very informally dressed ones ( jeans). Where does your office sit? I think your knee length cardigan is fine... ( not necessarily “ me” but not awful or inappropriate). I would like it with the slim trousers and brogues / ankle boots as discussed before. I would also like it with a really long skirt... I’ve got various pleated and a snake print one. I like long, skimming sweaters and cardigans over long skirts. Avoid a knee length dress and cardigan as that seems to be very mother of the bride. Jersey dresses are really comfortable and versatile - I have a few from Jaeger that I like wearing - they wash and wear really well. ( I bought them from TK Maxx). If you feel too ladylike try them over slim trousers or contrasting opaque tights with flat shoes/ boots. I think there’s a lot of fun to be had .... I sometimes like to set myself a little challenge of incorporating a item which is a little bit “ off piste” like silver ankle boots or a leather skirt just because I enjoy the challenge and I find traditional office wear so dull. Find whatever it is about your non work clothes that makes you feel like you and bring elements of that to your working wardrobe.

Place marking for ideas! Trying to get back to work after a 7 year break and feel a bit clueless. Although I have just bought a pleated skirt from Tu which I’m now thinking is too nice for work.