What’s the female equivalent of men’s work smart casual

[Harrysutton]

I work in a very male dominated arena. I’m in a senior position and the men all wear smart jeans, top and v expensive technical gilet, or a shirt and look smart. I’ve never seen any of them in a full suit apart from at a dinner.

I tend to wear a smart casual dress. Sometimes chinos and a shirt and even sometimes jeans but never feel as smart in them.

What am I missing? Losing weight so may be easier when I’m not dressing to hide lumps and bumps but any advice would be great!

The official male uniform in my office is a neutral button down shirt usually lifht blue with a typically navy v neck, jeans and I think brown shoes. Maybe black. Colours may vary but not the uniform.

There is no female equivalent. You can dress the same but that looks a bit masculine.

I wear a dress typically. Possibly with ballet flats.

You've described me and DH. It's a perennial problem!

I tried wearing pretty much the sane, but as PP, it's a very masculine look.

It depends on your general style vibe but I would just go for the same as the guys but more feminine shapes on the shirts and trousers.

It is tricky. I find the women in the office often look much more casual. I think the best equivalent is trousers (7/8 length works well), a smartish non-stretchy top and flats.

Similar, but if you want to feel more feminine play with shapes and textures, roll up sleeves on a silk shirt instead of cotton etc, COS is good for unfussy shapes, and check out Mary Portas for some style inspo, the queen of business smart casual.

I often wear chinos and a linen shirt, sleeves rolled. I find footwear tricky in the summer. I tend to go for flat sandals although it looks a bit more casual. I don't like wearing shoes without socks and with looks odd in the summer!

I think patterns look less smart. Simple navy chinos with a cream blouse of some sort.

I also work in a male dominated environment where most of the men wear jeans and a shirt. I wear:

• Wide leg trousers, neat top tucked in, converse flatforms
• Chunky slightly heeled boots, really good quality well fitted dark jeans and a jumper (something like cashmere or really good quality so it feels soft and ‘smarter’ )
• Oversized shirt over a vest top and jeans with loafers/pumps/other flat shoes
• Jeans with a blazer over a vest top and chunky low heeled boots

I think the key is stuff that fits, is good quality and works for your shape. There’s a world of difference between baggy/tatty jeans and a sweatshirt and some amazing jeans that suit your body with a gorgeous cashmere jumper. Could also do eg a silky shirt or frilled shirt with jeans for a more feminine look (I quite like a masculine look though).

Thanks everyone. I think a shopping trip is in order!