Power dressing? (If that’s still a thing)

[DowerPresser]

I’ll start by saying I know next to nothing about fashion but have always wished I was more confident and daring with my clothing choices and really admire a well put together woman.

After many years of low paid jobs with no real dress policy, I’ve landed myself a position where the dress code is business casual but will also involve events that require formal business attire at times. I start in a few weeks so will soon be shopping but I’m not sure what sort of things will fit the bill. I’m seriously suffering with imposter syndrome and think that a bit of ‘power dressing’ will help me feel more confident.

If it helps, I’m 45, long dark hair, hour glass size 14/16 and 5ft11. It’s the most I’ll have ever earned but still a modest wage so designer (unless used) is probably out unfortunately.

Any advice suggestions very much appreciated!

Firstly, congratulations!
How do the other women dress, that’s usually a good indication of what goes
The obvious staples of a dress. Trousers & top. Skirt & top
accessories obviously add a wow factor, maintain a good haircut . Make up that’s natural & healthy looking. Squirt of perfume you’ll be good to go
people tend to go for well put together understated groomed. Power dressing isn’t a thing unless you want to look dated

vinted are brilliant for bargains esp work clothes
next perfumes are super

Cos, Arket, The Fold are all good places to start browsing to see what you like, then check Finery to see similar things at a lower price point (variable quality). Also Jaeger on sale through M&S, and Winser London. Try Vinted as a pp said to find specific items.

Avoid patterns for now, and look at the texture and weight of the fabric - thin viscose won't look as good as something heavier with a lining.

A tailored jacket over a dress or with trousers makes everything look more formal.

I think power dressing now is about having wonderful skin and apparently artless but amazing hair. You want to make very good friends with your dry-cleaner and cobbler to look sharp. You could also invest in some shoe-lasts and good quality clothes hangers to ensure that everything keeps its shame, and a steamer.

I think a person feels their best and confident, when they're in clothes they love. Can you give wine things you love!

Dress in what you feel comfortable in,that’s a really good start. Be your authentic self. You got your job on your merit & talent . You’re exactly where you should be

A good jacket will be your friend. Doesn't have to be designer, something like a Wallis or M&S basic.
Other than that, wear clothes you feel comfy in. I like v neck tops in non crease fabrics - I am an ironing fanatic and hate a crease!
Simple and comfortable trousers in a neutral colour like navy or black (match the jacket).
I have blonde mid length hair so just put it up to avoid having to deal with it, but your hair sounds gorgeous so make the most of it. Also, given your hair colour you could so easily wear bright coloured tops: scarlet, emerald, a variety of blues etc
I am 10 inches shorter than you so can't comment on shoe choices - I used to have to wear heels but gave up on that malarkey years ago.
I am sure you will look stunning

Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement! I pretty much live in jeggings and long sleeved T-shirts with Chelsea boots and a seasalt coat (or pyjamas!) so I’m not fashionable in the slightest.

For the interview I wore a suit jacket and my daughters school trousers The interview panel were all men and I can’t remember what the woman PA was wearing as I was so nervous. I guess in my head I’d like to look sophisticated, polished and professional, that whole ‘looking the part’ so I can feel confident. I hadn’t realised when I applied but I’m working alongside the CEO and very senior managers and I guess I just feel like an imposter in my matalan clothes

I will definitely check out the website suggestions but I’m not 100% sure what I’m looking for as I’ve never had to dress smartly for work before. Apologies for all the questions!

Jacket: I have my next suit jacket that I wore for the interview so that’s something. The matching trousers don’t fit me anymore though.

Tops: I’m thinking blouses and shirts? Are cardigans ok?

Trousers/skirts: do these have to be black and tailored? I tend to like slim fit but would wide leg be ok? I don’t ever wear skirts but have a couple of knee length dresses which might work. I’d only wear with opaque tights though as I don’t shave/wax anymore.

Shoes: this is the one I’m struggling most with. I have black Chelsea boots but what other styles should I look at? Also have some black pointed ballet pumps that look smartish but should I be looking at something like brogues or loafers?

Coat: I’m thinking wool double or single breasted sort of thing? Any other styles I should consider?

Bag: I have to be able to fit a laptop in it plus my lunch and a lot of other stuff. I’d prefer a backpack but not sure that’s ‘professional’. Any styles of handbag I should look at?

Hair: I get a lot of compliments on my hair which is waist length and wavy/curly. I never wear it up in public after a number of ex boyfriends have told me I don’t suit it up 🙄 but not sure if wearing it down looks unprofessional? Maybe a headband? I’m due to get it cut but I don’t really want to take much off the length so any advice in this area would be really helpful!

Apologies for the length of the post, as you can probably tell, I’m pretty clueless!

The Fold is lovely but high end. Cos, karen Millen, Reiss, Boden serve me well for general workwear.

I have a leather handbag that is convertible to a backpack - from Esin Akan (sp?) and a tote big enough for a laptop and all my crap. I alternate.

In your shoes I'd get some things from me&em they have smart stuff. Blouses and trousers and that. It's lovely, comfortable and hangs beautifully. The size charts gives the measurement for each individual item, so it's easy to order the correct size or to tell if the proportions of something isn't going to work for your body. Brogues or loafers would work with their clothes and I find them comfortable.

Hair if you want it tied back get a hair-bobble (or whatever they're called, the things that look like a posh elastic band) that matches your hair colour and do a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then clip in a beautiful hairclip of some kind over the top of the bobble. Not the hairclip that goes at the side of your hair on children, I mean the big rectangular ones that are supposed to hold all your hair in it to make the ponytail but where your hair is curly and plentiful it'll probably not all fit. You can get the same effect by doing what I described though.

You don't say what sort of role but I think you are perhaps worrying a bit too much. It is business casual not an episode of suits.

It is likely men will be wearing trousers, shoes, and a shirt with no tie. Probably a coat but no jacket or a blazer depending upon their day and the weather.

Women are harder to predict, I would guess quite a range but lots of dresses, no jeans or trainers.

We have switched to dress for your day now but when we were business casual most women wore a dress (no jacket), or trousers/skirt and blouse or top.

Suits and jackets tended to only be for meetings. Plenty wore flat shoes rather than court shoes.

I wouldn't buy much yet, just enough for the first week and go for reasonably smart. Then when you see how people dress you can buy more that fits the general mood, if you have gone too smart it will have given a good impression and you can use the outfits for meetings and smarter days.

My advice would be to get your colours done (it isn't expensive, look at style me happy). It helps you avoid buying things that don't suit you and helps you buy things that complement each other. It is especially good if your confidence is low.

Then I would buy one nice jacket in a neutral colour (or use the one you have) two pairs of trousers one pair to match the jacket and one to contrast. Three tops, and a couple of dresses that complement the jacket. One pair of loafers. Then mix and match for the first week.

While you are searching bookmark a few more bits to order when you have a better feel for things.

If you have a smart handbag not big enough for a laptop use that or borrow something. You will probably be given a bag with the laptop if you are expected to take it home. At my job most people use these and either no bag or a smaller bag. Unless you love handbags there's no point buying a lap top bag if you don't need to.

Look at M&S they have decent workwear, especially the autograph range. Our senior partner wore an M&S dress to our AGM. Not high fashion but entirely acceptable and affordable. Boden is good for workwear. Then look for more expensive stuff like hobbs or whistles secondhand.

Congrats on the new role! DH got me a lovely leather backpack from Stackers (also sold in John Lewis) when I went back to work after mat leave. It isn't huge so wouldn't fit a very large laptop, but fits my standard size one, plus a book, water bottle and a small lunch when needed (i usually eat in the canteen so less important for me). Looks very smart whilst still being super convenient for my commute.

This is so on the money.

It won’t matter if you’re wearing a £1k suit if you don’t know how to take care of it, or your shoes are scruffy or (I’m afraid) your eyebrows are straggly.

It may be that you already have a perfectly good beauty regime and well maintained skin - but if not, it would be a good idea to seek out a decent beauty salon near your home or new work location and book in for a monthly visit from now. The same with your hair. Doesn’t need to be anything fancy or scary - just regular maintenance and expert advice. This will also save you time in the mornings - the better your skin and haircut the less time spent faffing to look groomed before work.

Anyhow - you won’t need a £1k suit. You probably won’t need a suit at all. I love the story of your daughter’s school trousers - but as you’ll see, you don’t have to stick to black for normal office wear. If I were you I would spend some hours on the websites of:

Cos
Me and Em
Studio Nicholson

to get an idea of, and really absorb, the shapes, proportions, colours and general vibe of contemporary ‘business casual’ work wear. Then you can adapt and interpret to suit your own budget and proportions.

I would probably buy one dress (that goes with your jacket) before starting. Wait until you start to buy anything else- see what the women wear and what you will feel comfortable in. I bet it's not as smart as you are thinking.

Good luck!

I'm not particularly fancy but I am a chief exec in the public sector.
I always wear a jacket/blazer, mostly on top of skirts/tops and dresses. Black tights all winter and boots or work shoes from Clarks.
I would go to m&S, h&m and Zara and sometimes next. Just get a couple of outfits/mix and matches and go from there.

It's the small things that make a difference.

No loose threads
No gaping buttons
No scuffed shoes or battered heels
Nice neutral nails
Tidy eyebrows
Clean tidy hair

Clothes - find a style that suits you and repeat. I'm short and curvy so tend to wear fitted dresses with jackets and low-heeled pumps, or tailored trousers with blouses and loafers.

I'd pull a couple of outfits together and then judge it when you get there.

My recommendations would be navy wide leg trousers (m and s are fine) a good long sleeve t shirt (slash neck) or simple shirt (uniqlo) and a Whistles slim fit blazer. I think hair down is fine if neat.
Good luck!

Business casual where I am is dark jeans, shirt and jersey blazer, smart trainers

On a budget if I were you I'd buy some:
Uniqlo Ezy trousers - elastic back and comfortable
selection of shirts and fine knit jumpers
Clark Hamble Oak Brogues - classic and inoffensive
The blazer on top

That combo will all be smart and comfortable but on a budget, it won't set the world ablaze in risky fashion choices but will give you a basis to get settled and see what everyone else wears.

I work in an adjacent field to court work which is smart.
I would agree that ‘put together’ is what you are aiming for. Also that getting a few outfits ready and building up is the way to go. Such as
2 smart pairs of trousers.
4 tops
1 dress
2 blazers.
1 pair of loafers
1 pair of short boots.
1 smart coat
1 decent bag
A few classy accessories such as a hair grip mentioned above.
Aim for blending together rather than matching.
capsule wardrobe plans for work wear will give you ideas.
Vinted and charity shops are you friend.
Do you have a charity like ‘Sharewear’ in your area they can help kit you out as you start up.

Honestly i really think you are over thinking this. I guarantee most people are wearing m&s trousers and a blouse - no need for a jacket in the office I would image unless you are the boss meeting clients - or a daydress and boots. Business casual in reality probably just means not jeans and a tshirt but other slightly smarter clothes.

For week one i would buy one pair of smart trousers, two blouses, a tote bag (though in reality you will probably switch to a backpack in time) and wear your black chelsea boots. Then set aside some time for shopping after you have started.

Wide leg trousers sound perfect, with any kind of top other than an uber casual hoodie/sweatshirt really and your Chelsea boots or other flat shoes. I would be ok with smart trainers and jeans in my office but sometimes they are a no-go.

I also wouldn't go out and buy loads yet, wait and see what others are wearing. Do you by any chance have a friend who might be able to lend you a few bits to get through a week or two?

Congratulations on your new job! Hope it goes well x

Personally at work (office based, middle management) I live in dresses - for me it takes away the worry of tops and bottoms matching with each other! In winter I put a jacket or smart cardigan over the top to keep warm (office is in a Listed building with very drafty single glazing!) and wear tights and boots.

Most of my dresses are from Boden, Hobbs and LK Bennett. I know what style suits me - fairly fitted and knee length or slightly shorter - midi dresses (particularly in winter with boots) make me look like a schoolmarm!

Something like this would be pretty standard for me. Keep it simple and dress up with accessories- I do like brightly coloured shoes 😜

https://www.hobbs.com/product/maya-dress/0224-5136-9045L00-BLACK.html#cgid=clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0224-5136-9045L00-BLACK&pos=39

What makes you feel powerful? That will in turn depend on who you are and the industry you work in.

I work in financial services, one of very few senior women. Clothes are my armour but I don't want to fade into a sea of black and navy and grey. I did get my colours done, so end up for slightly masculine cuts in shades that suit - burnt orange or teal trouser suits, chocolate brown and black jacket over co-ordinating trousers. Pointed flats or brogues. I like a dramatic coat, cape or blouse (lots of high necks, mandarin collars etc).

Depends what your price point is but for me, with an hourglass shape, phase 8 and Hobbs tend to work well. I usually get in the sale or on vinted though!

For daywear I'd go for well cut wide (but not too wide) legged trousers in a neutral colour (charcoal, slate grey, navy, black, beige, grey-brown) with a silk blouse or cashmere sweater in a single stronger colour that suits your skin tone and eyes.
Loose-ish blazer.

For occasions I'd probably go for a fairly arty block colour dress with tights and mid-height heeled boots or closed toe shoes.

Edited to add I love @Antinori86's suggestion of trouser suit in a more striking colour, too but neutral separates can be worn more often with the blouse or jacket or sweater creating the variety and a fresh look, whereas a striking suit will be noticeable as the same outfit each time you wear it.

Neutral colours and any colours that suit your skin tone best.

A capsule wardrobe that works together - so a mix of jacket, non bulky sweatshirts/jumpers (intimissimi thin knits and cashmere etc) - a lot of this could be thrifted, to match trousers/skirts, cardigans to go over dresses.

Modern trousers in the best cut for your frame - it could take time to find them but enjoy experimenting.

Dresses - the best fabrics you can buy, no patterns.

Groomed - eyebrows, very good hair cut, and understated nails and jewellery/make up.

Coat, shoes and handbags - the best you can buy/thrift that fit in with your work capsule wardrobe.