If you work in a conservative workplace where men still wear suits day to day, what do you actually wear at work? I'm thinking jobs like the parliament, senior banking, more formal law firms etc.
I currently do a 'professional services' job but for a 'fun' company, and have always worked in the kinds of environments where creative or casual dressing is often expected, e.g fashion, entertainment. I'm usually the most formally dressed person in any room! However I'm a fashion lover so often push the boundaries, e.g. I may go to work in a baby blue skirt suit, or a crazy shape Alaia skirt, because it's fun and I can. I certainly look like Cher from Clueless sometimes, and love that I have the freedom to wear catwalk-y looks.
Moving to a senior leadership in a conservative finance firm and looking to build a new wardrobe. I do generally know how senior people dress :) However, I want to put my own spin on it as much as I can and still buy items I love and look nice in.
As general rules, I am thinking:
- Neutral colours, like navy, grey, maybe beige for summer
- No visible branding, not even on buttons (e.g. no Dior/Chanel buttons)
- No patterns
- Black and white still heavily preferred
- Creative earrings or shoes might be ok occasionally
- Brands like Max Mara, Loro Piana etc may be a good fit
Another challenge I have is hair. I have very long bouncy shampoo commercial hair, and I feel this may be seen as unserious. Should I put it up?
Makeup will probably be fine as I hardly wear any. Have a very dollish face which again probably won't work in my favour but can't exactly restyle it, can I? I'm not a glasses wearer if that's relevant.
Essentially... The challenge is restyle this woman to be taken seriously in a conservative workplace! Anyone up for a makeover?