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. 😬

I think the shoes are awful too. They are so bland. I don't pretend to be a style expert but anyone recommending those, isn't one either!
Maybe some oxblood loafers or brogues that are a bit chunky for winter instead? I think you need something with a bit of life in it.

I've had a lot of luck getting blazers from Vinted - there's a lot which are still new with tags or barely worn. Once you are familiar with brands and styles you like, Vinted can save you a fair bit of money.
I'd probably also go for rolled up loose trousers or more fitted ankle grazer ones with decent plain soft but collared shirts with either the blazer or v necked jumper.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Clicked through all of the links and the Uniqlo trousers look like they might work — will hop on down to a shop to try them out. Still at a loss wrt the shoes. My primary issue is that I’ve never been a stylish person so I often see something and think “oh it looks ok”, try it out and think it looks ok too, and then on my first day of wearing it it all starts to look a bit weird to me. 🙄

My interviews were all over teams so never got a chance to see what others were wearing in person. Did find a couple of office photos though and along with a group call I had with the team, it seems like chinos, sweaters, linen shirts, mandarin collar shirts are the norm. There was only one woman there and she was in a dress so that’s not much of a reference point for me. Didn’t see anyone’s shoes so I’m clueless on that front.

Budget wise, ideally £100-120 or less for a whole outfit? Don’t want to spend a load of money only to find out that what I picked out doesn’t feel comfortable to me or isn’t appropriate after all.

I've decided my 'uniform' for work this winter is going to be navy dresses, brown boots and scarves or necklaces for make the boring navy look better.

I'm with you @20thousandleaguesunderthesewage - I think they're lovely, would like them in black to wear with something like barrel leg trousers. Would like to know where they are from too!

Pretty different style but what about something like this in blue or yellow? Thinking I might as well look for shoes that I would be happy wearing day to day as well in case it doesn’t end up working as “office wear”.

I prefer the original choice by a wide margin.

🤣 I am thinking fintech is an odd field to work in....these outfits!!! 😖

As an aside, where are those brown soft brogues from @WingsuitDiver - they look like exactly what I'm looking for, and I am VERY stylish 😎

and I am VERY stylish

… just not so great at reading the full thread.

@Todayiscool , they are not brogues (look it up or read the thread) but they seem to be from
Brown lace up shoes which are not Brogues

Just found out that my sister has some barely used classic timberland leather boots. Would these fall under the banner of “smart casual”?

Those would be fine but you'd need to wear something that goes with them. A midi tiered skirt/dress would look fine but a smart trouser suit wouldn't.
They'd probably look good with straight-legged corduroy trousers, jeans or chinos

Agreed re midi dress or skirt, not necessarily tiered, or for that matter, necessarily midi. Would be fine with maxi and above knee , with opaque tights, as long as dress isn't tailored. Anything from Seasalt to *Cabbages and Roses and any price range in between.

Anything tailored no, whether Next suiting to Max Mara, no.

Edit I don't mean buy from only these brands but any brand that does what they do I.e day dresses which manage to be dressy enough to not scare the public without being formal dressy.

@NatashaDancing , a tiered dress was just one example. They'd look great with a midi denim skirt etc too or your suggestions.

Thanks,

Oska would work too. Unfortunately over budget but there's nothing in Oska Ischiko winter range, whether skirts, trousers, dresses, which couldn't be worn with those boots and it's all well within smart casual.

Oska Ischiko

@NatashaDancing , thanks for that Oska link. Those clothes look just what I like.
I'd be tempted to dye the timberlands brown but I saw someone wearing them yesterday and thought they looked good.

I think this is a pretty good look, casual with a bit of an edge

How bored are you, @Bored1000 ? …

@CountryCousin, not really that bored at all, old username

@Grushenka pig's ears 😂best thing I've read all day!

Those shoes would never stand up to a commute or a bit of rain.

@WingsuitDiver the pastel ones look like the original pink Reeboks we used to wear in the early 1980s.

I'm intrigued as to where you think the edge is?!

Well some people love those original shoes the OP posted as they are now sold out!