SLT in Tech - What to Wear

[NeverKnowinglyUnderbought]

What should a female leader be wearing to the office days, in a male dominated, non-creative industry?

The dress codes have relaxed after pandemic and pretty much anything goes. I mourn the day of a pencil dress, it feels out of touch now to turn up in it in the office. My scruffy looking boss is in his element, each to their one - feeling elegant makes me a better performer, I feels smarter, more confident and more authoritative.

I have adopted a uniform of smart jeans and a blazer, with a cami or a blouse underneath. I have 2 jeans, navy and black, and 3 blazers in neutral colours. I am bored of it all but what else would look sophisticated?

5.3 height does not help as midi skirts are too long for majority, so look to casual and blazer have to be petite, options usually available in basic colours I already own. Please help, or should I just stick to the chosen uniform and try to inject variety in other ways?

I like a shirt dress, it's more structured than a casual dress but not s formal as the pencil dress of gone by office wear.

You could try a blazer in a different colour, always gives a confident impression

try a couple of different looks - things I’ve seen recently that worked well and looked modern and smart

• wide leg trousers, box fresh trainers, white t, loose waistcoat or bright 3/4 sleeve blazer
• Pleated skirt, blouse, chunky boots
• Shirt dress, loafers

Also standard response - have you had your colours done? Tried John Lewis personal shopper ?

Where have you been shopping recently @NeverKnowinglyUnderbought?

It may be a matter of proportions but I’m surprised you can’t find desirable skirts? I’m the same height and have never bought petite clothes. If a dress or skirt is too long, why not just take it to an alterations place to be shortened - either at the waist or at the hem?

Tbh I think the ‘relaxation’ in dress codes has been just as prescriptive as pre-Covid mores. Surely it doesn’t have to mean bland and boring? Why not take advantage of your new ‘freedom’ to wear whatever, and look for some fabulous dresses, for instance?

It’s Autumn so how about something from Justine Tabak, for instance? You could easily wear this in an office setting:

https://www.justinetabak.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/merlot-corduroy-saltaire-shirt-dress-1

Or how about a beautiful piece of knitwear:

https://www.and-daughter.com/collections/shop-all-1/products/delma-crewneck-tank-in-poppy-red

With some wide legged cords or flannel trousers

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/trousers/tailored-trousers/product.pleated-trousers-grey.1166934009.html

With Mary Jane shoes or loafers?

(Obviously I don’t mean ‘choose exactly the items I’ve linked’. The rest of the websites are worth browsing, and you may find things you’d like to replicate at whatever price point you’re comfortable with.)

Tbh I think the ‘relaxation’ in dress codes has been just as prescriptive as pre-Covid mores. Surely it doesn’t have to mean bland and boring? Why not take advantage of your new ‘freedom’ to wear whatever, and look for some fabulous dresses, for instance?

there isn't a single dress on Justine Tabak site that couldn't be worn to the office. You're exactly right about the freedom to wear something fabulous now.

I'm in a similar environment, in data.

We're all full casual now, it's great. I'm wearing dungarees today. My MD is wearing trackies and slippers. 😂

I'm in a similar situation and I feel even a blazer is overkill when others are in polo shirts and jeans. I have opted for
-plain/small print shirt dresses (well fitting, not too loose)
-smart formal trousers and tops
-loose formal trousers with turtle necks

• above knee length skirts with tights & casual tops

Trying to avoid jeans to keep up my power dressing promise to myself!