What are you wearing to the office?

[TokyoSushi]

I've been at home since 2020 but I need to start attending some more in person meetings/events. I work in a very male oriented scientific/pharma environment so have no idea what people are wearing now!

I'm fairly senior level and would like to give an impression of stylish authority! It's fairly but not overly smart, think 3/4 length trousers, loafers etc.

I'd say my style is quite classic, Kate Middleton, Holly Willoughby (although she's not my favourite!) Hush, Boden type of thing. Early 40's, a decent size 14. What do I need?

I work in a corporate engineering setting (so office engineering, rather than site based or manufacturing) and there is such variation since we are back in the office.

I am usually in wide leg trousers and blouse/top or tshirt on fridays. And loafers on my feet. In the hotter weather, lots of people have been wearing midi dress and white trainers. I would do the same, but my white trainers are too old and grubby for work and I can't seem to find any I like enough to buy.

Things have also gotten more colourful. So my two favourite trousers are bottle green or cobalt blue, for example

Big colourful blazers are also making an appearance quite frequently.

Shirt dresses

I really like the Jigsaw super stretchy 7/8 trousers - comfortable but nicely tailored

I agree the dress codes have all changed. You could just go in and see what you'd feel comfortable in, but in the meantime get a couple of slightly loose fitting shirt dresses. I can't do white trainers because it doesn't suit me, lots of smart alternatives out there that make things more office appropriate.

Dress code in my office is definitely a bit more relaxed than it was 4/5 years ago (although the men still wear shirt and tie).

I'm only in the office two days a week. In the summer I rely mainly on a couple of pairs of tailored crepe wide-legged cropped trousers (Next I think) with sleeveless blouses/tops and flat smartish sandals. I also have 2-3 short-sleeve midi-length shirt dresses that get a lot of wear and sometimes patterned midi-length pleated skirts with short-sleeve plain tops.

Slightly off-topic but: I have to say I have no patience nowadays for anyone frowning on bare legs or open-toed sandals in the office - life is too short! I think most of that comes down to a combination of "Well in MY day...etc etc" and an all-permeating belief that men are easily distracted and must have their colleagues' bodies sanitised accordingly.

Dress codes in my office in the city (professional services) have totally changed. We have gone from a formal dress code policy to one which is more relaxed. The most senior women seem to wear the same things as always - suits or dresses with jackets. Younger are in more floaty dresses with boots or white trainers. It seems compulsory for the under thirties to have thick laminated eyebrows and overblown lips. It looks ridiculous to me....

Timely question for me as well, thanks OP!

I’m moving from one professional services firm to another shortly, and needing to sort my wardrobe. I know the vibe of my current place, and am hoping it’s the same in the new - but I’m having a wobble, so good to see what others are saying.

FWIW, my current matches thinkfast, but possibly more jeans on the younger ones, and all are smartened up (but not to previous extent) if client meetings.

We have a no open toes policy (the warehouse people have steel toe caps provided) just in case we wander in and a box falls (unlikely) but other than that anything goes. Am enjoying my Seasalt dresses and capri pants/breton top and loose and wide navy trousers with plain Tshirt & bright blazer (I have a pink one and a lemon one) at the moment.