One of the jobs I’ve applied for is with government, working with clients in poverty. Seeing what benefits they can get etc (& I’d be trying to see what they could have rather than what I could deny them).
A friend of mine works in the same department, though at another site. She’s not as into clothes as I am, is more conservative/casual. Dresses a bit old for her age to my taste (not that there’s anything wrong with that, just explaining the setting. And I don’t dress in anything revealing, ever, or youf, but have always liked clothes).
Anyway, my friend says that the Work culture is that you dress frumpy so as to not upset the clients. Her thinking being that they’re stressed about being poor so don’t want to see your cashmere jumper (that you got from the charity shop).
This sounds a bit patronizing, or something, to me. I have a shitload of clothes as I’m the same size I was at 20 so still have things from the 80’s (though I do not plan on wearing my orange paisley cords to work - I’m not mad and my taste has moved on). And I don’t want to dress like my mum at work!
What say you, mumsnet? Hide my light under a bushel? I can see not wearing my vintage hot pink and red paisley dress, but can’t I wear Gap office cigarette trousers and an angora jumper?
Fwiw, I live in Canada and the overall style is sporty and casual. The person who interviewed me was wearing a baggy tshirt and elastic waist bottoms.
Oh, and my friend also said that if your outfit looks too nice or interesting people will think you’re not focussed on your job, but on how you look. This sounds bonkers to me, but she swears it’s a thing.