Returning to work: Help needed with office wear!

[Walkingtheplank]

I'm returning to office work. I've not worked in an office for a long time - have been self-employed and not office based.

I have no idea what people wear in the office. When I last worked in an office towards the start of the Millennium(!) it was a trouser/skirt suit with 'naice' shoes. I'm pretty sure that is not the case these days. I'm particularly hoping that I can get away with more of a trainer based shoe. I've been to shops for inspiration but everything seems to be more 'loungewear' due to WFH.

So, can anyone point me towards what is normal in offices these days? All of my interviews have been via Zoom so I've only seen people's shoulders!

I'm going into the Civil Service - not London and not in a senior role.
I'm 5'7", Size 14 and hoping not to look as middle aged as I am.

Any tips on what the 'look' is these days would be gratefully received. Would be great to know what I'm aiming for.

Congrats on the new job! I work in an office and we’re all currently working from home and super casual. However, in the office I wear a lot of dresses, including comfy jersey type wrap dresses, dressed up with heels or smart flats, summery skirts with tops or even plain t shirts, chino and linen trousers with shirts, blouses or plain t shirts. I rarely wear a jacket or suit skirt. For shoes I tend to wear smart flats as no one can object and they go with everything.

Congratulations. Unless it is a very formal office, then smart casual or even casual is more normal now.
Don't buy too much until you start and see how smart/casual it is.

If your new office is nearby, could you sit in a cafe and watch people come and go from the office - to get an idea of what people wear?

Best wishes.

Thank you both for your congratulations.

I had considered sitting nearby between 8am and 9am to see how people are dressed as they go in but I do not think many are working from the office until next month.

I had also thought I wouldnt buy much now but I do need a week's worth of clothes.

I'm not sure about shoes. I need very sensible shoes these days.

I fear I'm going to look very out of touch (and old)

I bet you don’t need to buy a week’s worth of clothes. You must have some black/grey/beige trousers/skirts, a few plain t shirts and some cardigans? Wear those for the first week then but more if you need. Post them on here first if you like. You’ll be fine I promise.

But more = buy more!

I think there’s a softness that there hasn’t been in the past… a T shirt with a suit rather than an Austin Reef type of formal shirt. I like wide leg trousers now but still wear slim cropped ankle length with a contrasting oversized blazer. I don’t really wear heels at all and don’t see them worn that often in my office although it veers towards casual.

Dresses can be versatile too

That's really useful.

I can't imagine feeling professional without being 'structured' but I like the idea of the softer look.

The photo of a long dress and white trainers - that's the kind of thing I'd wear casually. Are the white 'trainers' OK?

I'm thinking I might get some loafers so I'm in flats but not too informal until I know a trainer type shoe is ok.

I am so out of touch...

And yes, I probably do have enough clothing already - smart t-shirts, plain dark trousers etc - to get me through the first week.

Following as I'm in the same boat. I was wondering if people could share people to follow on Instagram for this kind of thing

People don't really bother with heels any more, they will make you look OLD. Loafers are what's required. You may find you can get away with trainers but I wouldn't risk it in week 1.

I was told early in my career to always dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Wide leg trousers, tailored but slightly oversized blouse would be suitable for most modern office environments.

If it's hot when you start, dress and cardi or dress and jacket combo (but nothing matchy matchy)

Best of luck!

If I were starting again I would keep to a few colours. Not only does it define you but it's quite classy!

Eg black trousers/top with a cream/white top but always with a statement. So shoes, necklace, scarf, jacket/cardigan, bag.
If black doesn't suit you then other colours such as tan/cream/navy etc.
You save ££££ in the long run and you can invest in timeless pieces.

I wear heels a bit. Sandals anyway. Not so much in winter as that is brogues or boots.

I generally wear dresses or skirt and top /shirt in winter and a jacket - mostly for the pockets.

I'm a CEO in a professional services related organisation.

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Baille-Brogue/p/26157412

These are a great alternative to trainers, same vibe but a bit less casual.
I’m a Civil Servant (albeit an old one!) - I think you’ll find anything goes.

Good luck

I've also found some great tops and dresses in h&m recently. I also need jackets/blazers but not much joy there.

I’d agree with the ‘softer’ look to professional clothes now - tight, structured dresses are out but more fluid, oversized outfits are in. I’m a lawyer and I like wide well cut trousers with silk tops or a midi dress in a smart modern cut. Anything goes for shoes now as long as they’re clean and in good condition.

I wasn’t particularly thinking about the trainers when I posted the picture… more just the dress. Definitely loafers right now ( Arket or & Other Stories) and I’ve just bought a kind of ballet flat from M&S (I’ve never worn them before ). I wear flat sandals and would wear a smart trainer sometimes. . In the winter I wear a lot of ankle boots or brogues.

I agree with softer, and mixing of tailored items with a more casual item. So, in my office

• slim fit ankle grazer trouser with a soft oversized blouse
• wide leg trouser with loafer and a high quality T-shirt tucked in
• midi dress with oversized blazer
• black jeans with thin cashmere jumper

Essentially: something structural / tailored combined with something casual

Flat shoe more than heals but I would wear heals sometimes, but deliberately not with a traditional office outfit / skirt suit / buttoned up shirt

I've found dresses to be easier as I don't need to coordinate separates. I like me + Em style ones.

I have a staple work capsule wardrobe kind of thing, and generally wear tapered or straight ankle grazers, pretty pointed flats, and a silk blouse or top tucked in.

CS here, we aren't allowed to wear trainers but shoes can be any type, some wear ballet pumps, others brogues. I tend to wear black or grey trousers with any kind of top that isn't tshirt material. Loose polyester non iron for me! Go in a few days wearing smart and see what others get away with

Black or navy trousers, nice top and black shoes is fine. Nobody wears suits or heels where I am. I'd wear a wrap dress for external meetings. Some services are more casual if they're not public facing. Take your own mug!