Help me. I have no idea how to dress.

[PriceEmUp]

So I’ve just got a new job that requires a ‘smart casual’ dress code.

What does this mean?! What shall I wear? Throw ideas at me I am so clueless.

I’ve just left a uniformed career, spent 7 years in scrubs and I’ve never had to buy anything to wear for work so dressing for an office is a whole different ballgame for me.

Where do you draw the line at too smart, or too causal? Any big no no’s? Tips, tricks?

Help a gal out🌻

Chinos with a shirt/jumper and blazer
Smart jeans and a nice top

I wouldn't wear jeans the first week; see what the culture is at the new place first. A lot of business do allow them but i would dress for the top end of business/casual while you are new.

Google 'business casual capsule' to get ideas to start off. Try to gather 3 bottoms, 5 tops and 2 second layers (cardigan or blazer) in coordinating colours. This should get you started for the first few weeks, and you can see how relaxed or more businesslike the office is. Black, grey or blue bottoms, and whatever colour of tops are already in your wardrobe. Be comfortable in whatever your tasks are, ie. comfy shoes if standing.

congrats on the new job, and good luck.

Does the company website or social media have any images of staff on it, that might give you an idea of what people there tend to wear?

Can’t find anything to see staff online.
I did look up the manager and she dresses very smart on the daily so assuming she’ll be looking smart.

I had a cup of coffee near my job the week before I started and spied on them going in!

Glad i did. The dress code is don't look scruffy and that's it really. Glad I didn't buy a load of boden blazers!

I agree with the others, buy as little as possible for the first week or two. Go in to work like you're going to lunch with a friend. Wear the nicest of your normal clothes.

In my work, smart casual means jeans are ok, but not ripped, old, too tight, too baggy. Gleaming fashion runners seem to be worn but no ancient old runners from the bottom of a gym bag. No leggings
I think every age group is on board with that! Being a bit older than the majority I wear nice boots not runners, but never high heeled boots, that'd startle the horses. I wear nice tops/jumpers but I don't feel the need to wear a 'smart coat' like I used to have to in previous jobs. I can go in to work in a huge arctic coat.

I agree with the others, buy as little as possible for the first week or two. Go in to work like you're going to lunch with a friend. Wear the nicest of your normal clothes.

Good luck!

Oops, cut and paste fail!

Where I work is 'smart casual' but jeans are a definite 'No No'

I would go for black/grey/navy trousers and some blouses and jumpers. I tend to live in jersey dresses now which are perfect for work too.

I think the key with smart casual is to wear smart versions of things you like, not try to be someone else IYSWIM.

What do you like to wear at home? eg are you more comfortable in jeans or dresses? What would you wear to a nice lunch for example?

Don’t wear heels, and maybe not trainers on day 1. Smart flats or boots. Trainers may turn out to be fine but I’d wait to see if anyone else is wearing them! No denim on day 1 ditto. I’d go for culottes with a shirt tucked in (not too smart a shirt!) under a thin jumper and boots or flats.

I used to work in an office with this dress code. The only things they were strict on were no jeans, no tee shirts and no trainers.

I used to wear jeggings or leggings with longline shirts/shirt dresses and heels or brogues. Jersey dresses with heels or flats. Jumper/sweater & trousers. Skirt and nice top with boots. So on and so forth.

Basically as long as you’re tidy and presentable you’re fine.

A loose dress, black opaque tights and ankle boots will see you through most versions of smart casual and business casual. Smart enough for anything other than the most formal of offices and casual enough to not look out of place even if everyone else is wearing jeans.

Mind you I did dress much more on the smarter side of smart casual than most of my colleagues.

At home I usually wear jeans and jumpers. Sometimes a long blouse with leggings and a belt. Leggings are a no go though I hate them outside of the house. To me they are underwear 😂
Hm, I may have to have a look the four my clothes 🙈