The black hole where style goes to die

[WingsuitDiver]

That’s me.

I’ve finally graduated from uni at the ripe age of 32 after battling a severe health issue all throughout my 20s, and am now completely lost as to what I should wear to my first ever office job. It’s in the fintech sector and the dress code is “smart casual”.

Dresses would be the obvious choice but I haven’t worn a dress in more than 20 years and don’t feel comfortable starting now so I’m thinking I’ll go in with some nice ankle length pants and a top of some sort? I’m 5’2”.

My usual attire comprises of a random button down shirt (usually Hawaiian 🫣), chino shorts, and Birkenstocks so will have to shop from scratch.

I’m thinking of starting with shoes. Are ballet flats still “in”? Alternatively I’m thinking of something like this but I’m not sure if it’s office appropriate or if it matches a wide variety of styles. Help! Thanks. 😬

Brogue shoe - Wikipedia

It's the punched out pattern and pinking shear style edges that make them brogues. Without them, the ones in the photo would be oxfords.

Congratulations on graduating! What you posted looks great, smart and chic. Enjoy finding your own stylish wardrobe. A long sleeved button down with those shoes and trousers would look just right. Accessories like a cool belt and watch would be fun to look for.

I learnt this from kingsmen

'oxfords, not brogues'

I do notice that all such shows seem to be called brogues with womenswear though.

Boden do a petite size trousers which is genuinely short (unlike Marks & Spencer and many others). The styles aren't very interesting but they are so boring you could probably get away with your Hawaiian shirts with them just fine.

Kew Bi-stretch Trousers - Black | Boden UK

They shouldn't be. It's as if someone called all sandals mary janes or something.
It's a PITA if you are specifically looking for brogues.

Those are some lemon pepper steppers.

You're 32 OP, not 82! I think you could do better.

Slightly off topic but I think the shoes you picked are an Oxford style and I like them. I think they look lovely and soft and suitable for smart casual but I would choose something with more support and structure

In general usage, Oxford-style shoes are now generically called brogues. Insisting on only shoes with brogueing being brogues pretty much takes us back to the days when gentlemen dressed for the country or the city, and there was no such thing as a woman's brogue, so why stand on ceremony?

And the brogues are definitely better than the generic Jigsaw white trainers.

In general usage, Oxford-style shoes are now generically called brogues

Are they? Whose "general usage"?

And no such thing as a "woman's brogue"? That'll be news to many people.

It's not a question of standing on ceremony - it's just getting the description right. The OP's shoes are not brogues.

Joseph Cheaney women's shoes

Gosh those are the most hideous shoes, I've ever seen. Well, not ever. But they look like something my granny wore in her dotage.

But it'd be a sad world if we all liked the same things.

Sorry, look like men's shoes and very dull too.

I have never heard anyone describe Oxfords as Brogues. I don’t think it’s in general usage at all.

Agree with getting a few basics together such as black trousers and a couple of shirts and see what colleagues wear.

Good luck OP!!

Those shoes are so dreadful OP. They look like a pigs ear from the pet shop. You need something more sturdy, particularly with autumn coming up.

I actually think you should spend some money on proper shoes then you don’t need to splash out on clothes as all outfits look good with great shoes. I can give advice but would be good to know your budget.

If you don’t want to spend a lot then try somewhere like office I guess or Clarks.

I meant to link to the homepage which shows brogues, semi brogues, Oxfords, Monks, boots etc.

The Oxfords aren't my style but their flat boots are- they are also broken down into brogue boots and non brogues

All Joseph Cheaney

Nice bit of MN casual ageism, tho'. You can't just say the shoes are ugly- fair enough.
Although if your "granny in her dotage" is wearing shoes from a shop in Saville Row at almost £400 a pair she's doing rather well.

I think orthopaedic shoes can be quite expensive 😂

I would try places like Uniqlo for simple, easy work wear that's easy to wash etc and won't be too far from your comfort zone.
Trousers with a fitted merino top or a shirt is a good starting point.
I find ankle boots easier than shoes.
Maybe have a look at how some of the models are styled on clothes shop websites to give you some ideas about what goes together?
I wouldn't buy too much to start with. Wait to get a better picture of what's considered smart in your workplace before you spend loads.

Having a good laugh at anyone wearing orthopaedic shoes isn't a good look.

Please share your style insights for us to evaluate.

Have you seen these shoes OP?https://embassylondon.co.uk/collections/shoes/womens

@NatashaDancing , Are they? Whose "general usage"?
People who aren't footwear pedants (I'm being polite)

And no such thing as a "woman's brogue"? That'll be news to many people.
You can wear brogues regardless of your sex.

It's not a question of standing on ceremony - it's just getting the description right. The OP's shoes are not brogues.
Quite

I like the shoes where are they from?

@cuddlebear , I have never heard anyone describe Oxfords as Brogues. I don’t think it’s in general usage at all.
Go on ebay and search for brogues and you'll get all sorts of flat lace-up shoes.
I've also seen it used in newspapers and magazines.

I'm not sure about the Cheyney one-piece oxfords but I think I'd need to see them. The brown ones have a certain something good about them.

I'm nosey so reverse searched. These ?

Brown lace up shoes which are not Brogues

Oooh thanks! Most of the thread seems to disagree but I think I’m going in!

Semantics of boring shoes aside, I fully agree that it would be a good idea to get an outfit or two to suss out what others are wearing. Chances are you'll probably be doing hybrid work, so you only need a few office outfits anyway. In my current office, "smart casual" means jumpers and t-shirts and jeans and trainers, in my old place both jeans and trainers were a total no-no and men were expected to wear shirts even when the office was a sweltering 30 degrees.

A pair of good fitting trousers is always a good bet and it's worth shopping around for a pair that lasts - then you are pretty good for most other things. I tend to go with the 2 out of 3 rule - two more casual pieces (like jeans and trainers) teamed with a smarter piece (like a blazer) or tailored trousers with a t-shirt and simple flat sandals - you get the picture. That works well where I am but it's unhelpful until you actually see your new office.

Could you do a google seach of the offices and see photos of people working there?