Funky Workwear?

[doodette]

What's everyone wearing to work these days?

I'm an architect in a creative design studio, so have a bit more freedom probably than most. Junior staff / graduates are very casual (think girls in jeans, crop tops, and even dungarees!) where senior staff & directors remain a bit more smart casual - though the formality has definitely reduced since lockdown and taking on new / younger staff.

The senior guys tend to wear a shirt, but open neck / no tie. (Sometimes under a sweater.) It seems to be more chinos / smart trousers than jeans, though denim is not unheard of on a Friday.

I'm currently in a rut of wearing black leggings or skinny black jeans and a basic top or sweater, with black converse. Sometimes a bright colour-block blazer if I'm meeting people and want to feel smarter.

I'm the most senior female, so there aren't really any female colleagues to take a style lead from. I do occasionally need to meet professionals from other disciplines who are more formal, so don't want to go too casual or way out!

I have no intention of suddenly wearing dungarees with a crop top. But would like to bring a bit of quirk / fashion in to the office, so I don't seem like the mumsy older colleague either!

I'm 36, 5'5", UK 12.

What's your views on:

• wide leg jeans? (should these be black or dark wash?)
• leather skirt / trousers?
• denim blouse?

Any other ideas of funky outfits folk are wearing to work or think would work in this setting would be great, for inspiration!!

*I should say I mean what's your views on whether or not these types of thing would be ok in an office / work setting.

My only reference scale are the younger female graduates in my work, who seem to have abandoned the concept of 'appropriate workwear' entirely! 😂

Are you architects not all meant to wear Cos?! I'm saying that slightly enviously as sit in my home office in ill fitting jeans and a bobbly cardi, was in a branch at the weekend and picking out items in my head for my pretend life of being office based (& slimmer).

Yes to all of the things you suggest!

Some of my favourite recent office looks which are fun/fashionable, but still comfortable and smart:

• denim shirt tucked into cropped black paperbag waist black trousers (could wear with trainers, loafers or boots)
• Tight jumper tucked into wide leather trousers with trainers
• simple oxford shirt (oversized) OR baggy jumper with blazer, jeans tucked into knee high boots
• jumper, satin midi skirt, knee high boots

I thought it was law that all architects had to wear black polo necks.

ME+EM is your friend for this look. I work in a v similar environment & am in my 50s.
I wear mainly trousers & a variety of tops.

I wear stuff from ME+EM (I buy in sales), selective choices from sezane (can be too frilly for me for work), jigsaw & whistles for basic staples - trousers/ shirts.

I can take or leave COS but this year ibe bought a few things there

On a day when I don't have client meetings I will wear something like:
Black cashmere roll next, loose bottom with slits
Black cropped wide leg trousers
Flat Black leather lace up boots
Leather bag
Cashmere beanie
Wool coat

Or

Silk shirt in a dark color
Jersey slim fit blazer (I love the whistles ones)
Slim fit trousers with turn up
Tracey neuls Black laced up boots

Roll neck

I have a fab denim shirt from sezane & I wore it to work loads with wide legged trousers

What about midi/maxi dress with some chunky boots?
Straight leg leather trousers with a chunky knit or very soft cashmere jumper
Wide leg tailored trousers, maybe black, navy or brighter - rust coloured, with a tucked in blouse