Office wear suggestions?

[givenchy1]

I got a new job! It is based at a public sector office with a corporate dress code. I haven’t worked in years after being a SAHM. I’m wondering what to buy for a work wardrobe in 2024, as I used to wear suits and heels. Are blazer co-ords/suits outdated? Do people still wear heels at the office? Do you wear makeup to work? I have acne and dark circles - I wear makeup generally when seeing people but my foundation is heavy coverage. Don’t want to look out of place

Congratulations on your new job.

Did you get a glimpse of the place when you visited? That'd at least give you a starting place.

I dont know anywhere that hasn't taken it down a notch since covid. Mens wear in particular has gone very casual but you get a much wider range amongst women.

Heels are very rare in my experience, maybe a heeled boot. I cannot reconcile trainers with a smart aesthetic but plenty of people will consider a smart leather trainer suitable.

Id buy just a couple of mid range seperate that you like then see how others dress and whether you'd feel comfortable in whatever your ideal wardrobe is. Wide leg trousers, loafers, decent shirt, etc can be improved with accessories.

Make up is still very much the norm, although it wouldn't be unprofessional to go without. Anything from bare faced to a full on glow up seems unremarkable.

Okay so makeup is unremarkable

Heels are a tricky one because I look better in them. I have short legs so heels help with both the length of clothes and to stop me looking stumpy! I totally love trainers though.

I have short legs too - I really love these trousers (in length short) paired with a tucked in top. Smart and leg lengthening! https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r1c2

I also work in the public sector and it’s very much a mixed bag for us right now, depending upon department. Some are more formal than others.

Our department deals with a mix of office/home working, meetings and out on site. Generally the dress is smart/casual with smarter dress if any meetings scheduled. We also have a pro walking scheme, which means that wearing trainers is allowed, if you like (but smart trainers worn with smart/casual dress is what’s more often seen).

I appreciate that the above likely won’t help you prior to knowing what people wear where you’d be working, so (as PP said above)l, I’d personally go with smart trousers, loafers and a top/blouse.

Congratulations and good luck!