Office basics for quirky dd (25)

[Pharos]

Dd is fully into vintage - hasn’t bought anything new for a few years - and has a wonderfully eclectic wardrobe.

She’s just landed her first big job for a comms consultancy and needs to get some smarter basics for work that will fit with corporate life while allowing her to show a bit of personality.

It’s ages since I’ve bought anything office-appropriate, where would people recommend that’s budget-friendly but decent quality and right for a 25yo?

Thanks!

Pretty much anything goes these days but no cleavage, micro skirts, ripped denim, athleisure etc.

Agreed.

How were people dressed when she went for interview? Or if it was online, can she just get something neutral for the initial week, then build on her existing wardrobe based on the general vibe?
Might save wasting time and money.
The young people where I work do smartish jeans or trousers, quirkier Y2K skirts/dresses and always a trainer, Converse or DM boot/shoe.

Thanks - she didn’t see anyone else, it’s quite conservative so men are suits no tie. My old standard was Uniqlo, is that still the case?

I've not seen any women wearing suits for about 10 years, but I've not worked in a 'corporate' environment since then.
Smart trousers/skirt and a shirt or blouse, or a plainish dress with sleeves should be OK.
She'll probably be in her own style after about a week.

How about some tea dresses from joanie or similar? They have a quirky vibe yet look smart - I had a stash of them when I worked in an environment where I had to look smart

When my DD (24) did a short stint at a Big 4 firm, the rule was 'dress for your day'. In practice, unless she was visiting a client this was jeans and casualish top.

She now works in an environment which is traditionally more casual. The dress code there is 'office wear with a twist'. So ironically, much more formal!

She does have several Uniqlo dresses, which just need quirking up with accessories.

Some of the outfits I saw on the 'youngsters' at work today:

long green satin skirt with a black jumper and black suede heeled boots

wide legged black trousers with a bright pink cardigan and pink suede shoes that looked a little bit like trainers but were not

short red dress with black tights, black ballet shoes and a black cardigan

floral black/white midi dress with a black blazer and DMs

wide legged grey trousers with a black/white striped jumper and DMs

Definitely H&M. They have decent quality workwear and some with a bit of a twist. She could put together some vintage inspired outfits from their easily. And look on Vinted etc for some interesting blouses and shirts.

Agree anything goes - BUT - the vast majority of people seem to wear black, grey, beige, aubergine, khaki IMHO. I hate that as bright bold colours look best on me - I'm looking out for teal when I can find it.

It's a sea of neutrals at a mainline train station. Statement colour does exist - maybe a bright jumper here and there. As others have said- depends on the day/external meetings.

My DD has bought a few work clothes from Mango, particularly short (ish) skirts which she wears with chunky boots. She also loves Zara.

Hell Bunny?

https://www.hellbunny.com/products/h40188-hello-goodbye-dress

https://www.hellbunny.com/products/hlb40012-p-solaris-dress

https://www.hellbunny.com/products/hlb60063-calliste-blouse-1

https://www.hellbunny.com/products/hlb40187-p-regan-50-s-dress

https://www.hellbunny.com/products/h60347-casey-blouse

Cute pinafore dress?

I always think smart black with a bit of personality in a nice scarf, sharp cut short little jacket.

I have been into vintage for 40 years and am extremely well dressed, short sharp well cut blazers take you anywhere, particularly collarless ones, circa 1960.

I am now regularly given a wish list from my daughter and invariably I will find what she looking for over time, at a fraction of the price.

Tell her to look at her wardrobe and pick out pieces that can be re-teamed with smart basics.

Working for a comms consultancy I'd be surprised if people weren't in jeans and trainers.

She should wear the smartest thing she has on her first day and then make a judgment for day two. Do not buy a whole new wardrobe.

The 20-somethings in the creative jobs at my place of work are in stuff from vinted, charity shops as well as the high street like m&s, Uniqlo, Cos, vintage stuff. Really eclectic. Lots of Adidas trainers, tote bags, oversized jumpers. Big prints and colours.

I saw a comment on here that M&S are great for workwear, it could be worth looking there for say trousers and she could wear a top she already owns .From what I see work clothes do tend to be more casual nowadays.

The early 20's at my place wear wide leg trousers with fitted tee and smart trainers or short skirt, loose jumper, black tights and ankle boots, sometimes DMs

@madaboutpurple , despite the stick it gets on here, M& S is great for basics like trousers that look smartish but are nice and stretchy, and their knitwear is decent. It's how the outfit is put together IMO.

@Rosietru , that sounds great. I wear a skirt or dress with ankle boots, and I think it's just right for not too smart and not too casual. The 'trading floor' are more suits and shirts/blouses + heels, but that is in a very corporate environment.

Thanks all, I’ll show her your suggestions. She’s doing a wardrobe audit to see what she’s got and we’ll work from there.

Loads of stuff on H&M and ASOS suitable! They have office wear sections to narrow it down. Vintage shirt tucked into office trousers would be a very cool look!