What are people wearing in the corporate world post-pandemic?!

[OatMilkLatte]

I’m posting this thread on behalf of DD. She’s in her early 20s and started a corporate job mid pandemic. While there’s no sign yet of going back into the office, she has a week long event coming up that will require lots of in person meetings with important clients and attending some public facing events.

She asked me for advice on what to wear - but not being in the corporate world I’m as clueless as she is! So I’m calling on the hive mind of mumsnet - if you were her, what would you wear to look smart and sophisticated on a budget?

For reference, it is quite a male dominated industry - hence not immediately going to a colleague with this query!

I think a lot of places are more relaxed - but is she is new and out to impress, maybe err on the side of caution - tailored trousers and a shirt.

Do they have a dress code policy in the employee handbook or anything

There's corporate and corporate - eg i work for a large bank and actual dressing varies by department. What industry is she in?

I would go for either dress OR cigarette pants and silky tshirt or fine knit jumper

with complimentary suit jacket/blazer which makes anything look smarter.

Smart flats or ankle boots will be fine. No need for court shoes.

I think it depends on industry. A nephew has just started at Goldman Sachs and has been told to wear a suit (with tie; bought from TM Lewin) even while working from home. But it’s because the grad scheme’s aim is for his cohort to eventually come into the office 6 days a week so want him to get used to dressing well.

Apparently the non-investment banks and certain law firms expect grads to wear a shirt and jacket without a tie when wfh and a full suit with a tie when in the office.

So your DD could just wear a trouser or skirt / dress suit. Hobbs (during a sale) is usually good value for a grad. Accessorised with simple jewellry and make up it would look great.

I work in the City in a similar-sounding sector. A nice blouse, tailored trousers and a smart jacket, smart (pointed? Brogues?) flats will work well. Feels like we have all become a bit more casual over Covid but this should work. Also look at The Fold for workwear inspiration and looks.

I work in a law firm and I would say most women wear a dress and a jacket. Or cigarette pants, blouse/silky t-shirt type top and jacket/blazer.

Very few women wear suits.

As above, dress and jacket, or tailored cigarette trousers in navy or black with tucked in silk blouses, silky tops, a fine knit or similar. Understated jewellery. A wool coat.

Yup cigarette trousers, blouse, brogues works - and lots of thermals underneath as our office is freezing!