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!

Business casual where I last worked pretty much just meant no jeans and trainers. If you can, I'd just get one or two outfits and see if you can judge once you've started. If it's not your natural style you're not likely to feel comfortable if you're overdressed compared to others.

I never ever saw a woman in a trouser suit in the 3 years I was there, unless they were coming for an interview.

This is the best advice on this thread. You don't have to wear expensive clothes or go to beauty salons every month (as suggested by a previous poster) but you do need to look clean, well presented and maintained. Attention to detail matters. If you look a little careless, people will assume you may take a similar approach to your work. Harsh but fair.

My bug bear is dirty, scruffy shoes. And shoes with the labels still on the soles. And don't get me started on chipped or bitten nails.

Power dressing is very dated. The majority of offices are much more relaxed since Covid. As other posters have said, just play it by ear initially and see what your colleagues are wearing so you get a feel for how formal or informal the dress code is. And then you can start to build your wardrobe by buying pieces that you like and suit your style - this may be the first time you've had to decide what your style is so enjoy! You're tall so whatever you wear, you will have presence.

I work for one of the world's leading financial institutions (we manage >$5trillion in client assets and that's just one of our businesses to give you an idea of scale) and one of our (female) Board members sits with my dept when she's (frequently) in London. She's occasionally in a suit (usually when she's facing the press or meeting very senior clients) but most days she's in trousers, a blouse and trainers. No logos, no bling, subtle make-up, she's a picture of quiet confidence.

Have a browse on Vinted. You can find some real bargains for work clothes. Long Tall Sally is probably worth searching as they have some good tailoring that obviously will work well for your height.

Enjoy your new role!! And don't worry! It'll be fine.

Yes, i second this advice. Don't go overboard before you get a sense of what others wear, you don't want to end up out of pocket for things that you'll not feel comfortable in if others wear a different type of thing.

I think a few key basics to start with, and go from there. In my workplace most things go, I tend to go for a midi dress with cardi and black ankle boots. Sometimes wide leg trousers with a top/ blouse. I have a couple of smart jackets/ blazers for smarter events, but tend to find a full on suit is too much even for those. But, it really depends on the specific workplace!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re all amazing and have helped me loads to get started! I realise I probably am overthinking it all but as a PP aptly detected, I do suffer with low confidence. I’m tall but find I hunch a little to make myself seem smaller. I don’t like standing out or attention hence my very safe fashion choices.

A big life event last year made me take action on the things I’m unhappy with. I got therapy and confidence coaching and I’m slowly trying to become the person I’ve never been confident enough to project. This new job feels like a massive milestone on that journey and a chance for me to prove what I’m capable of. I’ve only ever worn a suit to funerals (a next fitted jacket and slim fit trousers with high heels) but I felt so confident and well put together that I’d like to emulate that feeling in dressing for work.

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).

Thank you @Antinori86, this all feels very relatable (minus the career success!). I feel like if I start with the right clothes, it will set the tone. As above, I felt really powerful in a suit. I tend to stick to black and navy but I know teal suits me. I used to love wearing smart coats when I was younger and have a black high neck wool flared coat that could fit the bill. I was in a charity shop yesterday and picked up a beige wool duffle coat that is many sizes too big but looks cape like as a result.

I’ve just ordered these brogues from next as I don’t normally like them but thought these were nice: https://www.next.co.uk/style/st469430/d87557?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UVzvfBuKE6UCdBLkIRhEX3-i&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuou6BhDhARIsAIfgrn75npwX67PCBwG5R0BFEpbBCJXjZre12KpPDgECj-Z9OhQXzQEqoPAaAsD-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#D87557

I like these too and think they might be better?: https://www.next.co.uk/style/st469432/d87558?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UVvrS9SUlzzfCk45ewnIVRb-&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuou6BhDhARIsAIfgrn7hLoHRa7a0WzGIAH8EhtbItgPs99YkEy2q4oggj9CdeCqCHWw9HScaAm-uEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#D87558

I’m sure the shoes you’ve ordered are comfortable, @DowerPresser - but I’d worry that they’re not going to keep your feet warm and dry over winter. Perhaps you’ll be driving to work and never stepping outside? If not, for myself I’d be inclined to save up for something in leather that will look good and perform better for longer.

I think composed,groomed and well put together hits the mark
clothes in good repair.hair clean well groomed and confident
you are were you should be,you got the job you wanted.

I lay out all my workwear in hangers in advance for the week so in morning I have no faff
pack workbag night before
mag safe battery pack for phone
make lunch night before. I recommend black and Blum lunch tin

Glad it helped @DowerPresser! If you are after a teal suit, I recently bought this one and have had several compliments every time I have worn it.

I can also recommend the Clark's Hamble brogues for a casual brogue (for work I usually prefer something a bit more pointed). And the Jigsaw long wool coats are fab.

www.reiss.com/style/su322227/q60904

The other thing that makes me feel very pulled together and quite powerful at the moment is colour blocking. The following help me feel chic at work on more casual days: a chocolate silk velvet shirt and some dark brown ankle length wool trousers (brown pointed flats or tan brogues/loafers) plus a long camel coloured coat, or olive blouse and olive leather midi skirt etc. Sometimes with a co-ordinating jacket (I am a fan of jacquard/brocade).

I think it helps to think in terms of whole outfits, so I would grow a collection of different looks. Office wear, meeting clients, conference style etc. But my top tip is to always think how much walking I will be doing and if I need to use public transport. A wool coat & heels might look smart, but if flat shoes and a squashy waterproof that I can fit in my bag will be required, I'll plan my whole look to take that into account.

I'd also make a point of regularly visiting charity shops in your nearest posh town. They can be a great source of jackets, dresses and bags.