Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 26

Thread: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

  1. #1
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Nuclear Martini commented in another thread that I must have lots of awesome clothes for my new job.

    The problem? I DON'T.

    I am totally clueless.

    My new work environment has a casual dress code (i.e. jeans), which is actually pretty cool. It means I won't need to shell out a ton of cash for slacks and whatnot.

    But I am seriously style-tarded.

    Do you all have any advice for me about how to dress casually without looking like a slob? I know I need a new wardrobe...since whatever I wear is very high-school / college-y. But I really don't know how to make something that is casual look workplace appropriate.

    I'm not a very adventurous dresser...I stick to basics and very clean-cut looks that probably border on the masculine (I wear wife-beaters, and could never pull off a flowery blouse). So I'm really confused about how to translate that into a more professional look.

    Help me????

  2. #2
    Moderator Jessie_tinydancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,149
    Thanks
    1,307
    Thanked 2,530 Times in 1,295 Posts
    My Mood
    Sick

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    ^what sort of industry is it?

  3. #3
    Senior Member inThePine's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    178
    Thanks
    21
    Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    "Style-tarded?" Damn Charlie you are hilarious. I really feel you on this, I've been applying for office jobs but I know that if I actually get one I'll be in the same boat when it comes to clothes.

    I am also a very simple dresser and when I go to the store and try on stuff that looks good on other people, I tend to just look like a frilly mess. I think flats would be a good investment for you, and maybe start by emphasizing simple outfits with accessories before you go and try doing anything crazy with your wardrobe. Like maybe some classic v-necks or peasant tops to start with, and the rest will follow.

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to inThePine For This Useful Post:


  5. #4
    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Nudie-Land
    Posts
    7,219
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 4,151 Times in 1,462 Posts
    My Mood
    Sneaky

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    What kind of job is it? Casual dress code is way too vague....

  6. #5
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    I'm working in Quality Assurance...it's a company that produces software.

    The job itself doesn't really matter. It's not a creative industry, but the company tends to hire relatively young people, and it prides itself on having a very casual work culture.

    I just don't want to look like a slob while I'm at work. I want to adhere to their policies without feeling like I'm still in high school.

  7. #6
    God/dess Susan-Va's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Richmond, Virginia
    Posts
    3,019
    Thanks
    90
    Thanked 193 Times in 107 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    My last job was business casual (jeans) and I found I could do a lot with basic t-shirts and cardigans. My faves are the cropped ones. In the winter time, a nice sweater. Old Navy is great for peices that will work in a business casual environment. You can always do a more dressy top with jeans, blaxers are cute too.

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to Susan-Va For This Useful Post:


  9. #7
    Moderator unbeleavable's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Atl
    Posts
    3,429
    Thanks
    4,881
    Thanked 2,349 Times in 1,220 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    I know a few women that like Ann Taylor Loft for Biz Casual...http://www.anntaylorloft.com/home.js...ps&cid=PPC0001

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to unbeleavable For This Useful Post:


  11. #8
    God/dess 4everresolutions's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Great White North
    Posts
    3,605
    Thanks
    2,475
    Thanked 2,620 Times in 1,383 Posts
    My Mood
    Chatty

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Ann Taylor is nice, but I think Charlie needs more basic mix & match stuff. Someone mentioned Old Navy and I think that's a great idea. You can get a few pairs of basic dark wash jeans that you can use over and over again with different styles of tops and blazers/cardigans/jackets. Layering is always nice, and a fitted blazer with jeans looks amazing. I second the flats opinion, but if you live somewhere cold you'll need something more boot-like for a little while.

    How much are you looking to invest into your new wardrobe? Some people prefer to put more money in their clothing with the idea that they'll last longer.....but I like to buy the cheaper brands (Gap, Old Navy, Payless Shoes) because I change my mind a lot.

    If you like structured clothes, then go for Boot-cut jeans, or a straight leg if you're comfortable with a tighter fit. Get simple cami's for tops (usually with some embellishment, but it's up to you) and get a few fitted blazers or denim jackets in neutral colors (white, beige, denim, black or brown) to go over the cami's. Simple easy mix N match.
    Last edited by 4everresolutions; 03-04-2011 at 02:30 PM.

  12. The Following User Says Thank You to 4everresolutions For This Useful Post:


  13. #9
    God/dess shanna dior's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    4,980
    Thanks
    621
    Thanked 6,894 Times in 2,672 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Someone mentioned cardigans/blazers and I second that. You can even wear one over a wife-beater with nice, dark jeans and a necklace and look put together. Leggings + tunic/dress is generally my go-to outfit since it looks put together without being too fancy.

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to shanna dior For This Useful Post:


  15. #10
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    You guys rock!!!!

    I'm going to go out this weekend and try to find some of this at Goodwill. I am definitely going to pony up the money for a nice pair of perfectly-fitted jeans though...good jeans are hard to find at GW.

  16. #11
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    I really love the idea of having camis that I can pair with blazers and sweaters. Simple and easy to mix and match.

  17. #12
    God/dess 4everresolutions's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Great White North
    Posts
    3,605
    Thanks
    2,475
    Thanked 2,620 Times in 1,383 Posts
    My Mood
    Chatty

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Goodwill is awesome, and you're sure to find lots of jackets/blazers there. It's such a timeless, classic piece of clothing so there's always a lot of selection. Do you sew at all or do your own alterations? Turns second-hand clothing shops into a goldmine. Let us know how it goes.

  18. #13
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    ^ I don't do my own alterations, but I usually fit well into a variety of clothing.

    Thank you so much for the advice! I'll let y'all know how it goes.

  19. #14
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    230
    Thanks
    72
    Thanked 43 Times in 28 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    depending on how much you want to spend
    i say just go out and shop! get a good feel , you dont have to buy everything at once. buy an inspiring piece. get an idea of some outfits- in your mind or from outside resources. Pick things you like, TRY on things. eventually things you like will create a wardrobe!

    i think the best thing is to go out and look feel touch. have an idea of what you look good in- colors, neckline, style... and work from there

  20. The Following User Says Thank You to kisakim99 For This Useful Post:


  21. #15
    Moderator Jessie_tinydancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,149
    Thanks
    1,307
    Thanked 2,530 Times in 1,295 Posts
    My Mood
    Sick

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Casual without looking slobbish at an insurance company...

    All Id say to worry about is having clothes that fit properly and just having attention to detail which shouldnt be hard for an ex-stripper

    Trendy shoes, jewellery (costume on-trend ie. beads, long necklaces, vintage pieces), nice belt, hair and makeup... the details are what makes it!

  22. The Following User Says Thank You to Jessie_tinydancer For This Useful Post:


  23. #16
    Veteran Member Ashly06's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    279
    Thanks
    1,001
    Thanked 175 Times in 100 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    You guys rock!!!!

    I'm going to go out this weekend and try to find some of this at Goodwill. I am definitely going to pony up the money for a nice pair of perfectly-fitted jeans though...good jeans are hard to find at GW.
    Oh my goodness I absolutely ADORE Goodwill. I've shopped at thrift stores for as long as I can remember! You're always able to find exactly what you need. I usually buy brand new pants/jeans and shoes,then match them with scarves,hats,blouses,ect from the used clothing stores. Works everytime Question: I'm not sure where you're located,but is there a Plato's Closet near you? If there is you might want to check them out. That thrift store totally f*cking rocks!!

  24. #17
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    ^ Yeah, I think the key is to buy a pair of jeans from a non-second hand store and build from there. For some reason I can never find jeans at Goodwill that fit perfectly, and it makes all the difference!!

  25. The Following User Says Thank You to charlie61 For This Useful Post:


  26. #18
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    So in a mad rush to get a pair of jeans before the mall closed, I slammed through every store in the mall....god I HAAATE shopping. I go into Boston Store, and they have jeans scattered randomly throughout the whole store. Every brand has a different sizing system, the jeans that fit right have the gross-colored washes...ARGH.

    So I sucked it up and went into the one store that always has jeans that fit me...effing American Eagle. Puke. But I found two nice pairs of dark jeans that fit me, so it was worth it at $80 total! I rarely spend that much money on clothing, but jeans really do make a difference. And the younger women working at AE were surprisingly awesome. Helped me momentarily forget my conviction that the world is going to go to shit as soon as this Facebook-raised generation starts entering the customer service workforce....

    Then I went to Goodwill and picked up a number of separates. I think I got some good stuff!

    You ladies really helped me focus in on what I needed to buy. Now that I have some things, I can start adding pieces in slowly as I find them.

  27. #19
    Veteran Member Ashly06's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    279
    Thanks
    1,001
    Thanked 175 Times in 100 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    ^^Thats great! Glad you found what you were(and were not) looking for. Good Luck with everything. ^^

  28. #20
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Quote Originally Posted by Ashly06 View Post
    ^^Thats great! Glad you found what you were(and were not) looking for. Good Luck with everything. ^^
    Thank you sweetie!

  29. #21
    God/dess DesuvsDeath's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    4,016
    Thanks
    2,110
    Thanked 4,475 Times in 2,023 Posts
    My Mood
    Brooding

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    So I sucked it up and went into the one store that always has jeans that fit me...effing American Eagle.
    AE and Express are the only two places I can EVER find jeans.

    For me... casual dress is jeans/slacks with something like... a button down under a sweater. Or a cute cami or shirt with a nice jacket.

    I'm a big jacket/sweater person for work because they cover the tattoos... and because I get cold so easily.
    Quote Originally Posted by camille27 View Post
    i am losing my fucking mind and i really just want this chloroform dream because i think that would just get me right with jesus.

  30. The Following User Says Thank You to DesuvsDeath For This Useful Post:


  31. #22
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    ^ yes, I love having separates so I can adapt to the varying temperatures (being outside, being inside, being inside in a cold room, etc.)

  32. #23
    God/dess Jay12's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hill country.
    Posts
    2,926
    Thanks
    1,653
    Thanked 1,896 Times in 955 Posts
    My Mood
    Stressed

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Whenever I'm doing contractor work (electricity, information systems) I usually use a long sleeve cotton t-shirt underneath a nicer shirt (a short sleeve plaid buttoned up shirt most of the time) and form fitting jeans with boots (working/combat boots, since I work with electrical stuff). You would probably ditch those boots for a pair of nicer looking boots with heels, pumps or sandals since you work in an office. Plus, if it gets warmer, you can still look good with the long sleeve cotton shirt. If it gets cold, nothing beats cold like one or two hoodies.





  33. #24
    God/dess
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    7,964
    Thanks
    6,155
    Thanked 10,183 Times in 4,602 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    Good luck with your new job!

  34. #25
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,993 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Help! Casual Work Clothing?????

    ^ Danke!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Casual Dancing
    By Odette in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 11-13-2011, 11:07 PM
  2. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-23-2011, 03:31 PM
  3. Skimpy or casual???
    By sallylou in forum Dancer's Discussion
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 05-12-2003, 03:25 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •