Work It: 9 to 5 Style
Work attire is a tricky subject. While there are a few general rules of thumb for office dressing, it really depends on where you work. Different environments call for different ensembles. In the upcoming weeks, I'll decode what's appropriate for a variety of workplace settings in a new blog series called, Dress Coding. For now, I'll provide you with some general tips on dressing for work.
If you're new to the working world, I should warn you: Beware of the fashion police otherwise known as "Human Resources" and your fellow co-workers. Committing an at-work fashion faux pas is a legitimate offense. Just because you didn't get the pink slip for your crime (crime = teal tube top) doesn't mean you're getting away with it (it = teal tub top)... Wearing the wrong threads has the potential to distort your image as a valued employee and may even prevent you from getting ahead. If Wendy Worker sports tight skirts, sheer blouses and routinely puts her "girls" on display at work, her co-workers may have a difficult time taking her (and her wacko wardrobe) seriously. Therefore, as with all occasions, dress for success–and mean it, especially when you're on the clock!
Even though all work environments have different rules as to what is and isn't okay to wear, the following commandments cover most of the general dos and don'ts of dressing for work:
- Thou shalt never let your outfit outshine your work. (Yes, creatives and fashionistas, this applies to you as well!)
- Thou shalt abstain from clothing with obnoxious logos. (Besides Bebe logo tops being so 1999, no one wants a walking billboard in their office.)
- You shall avoid all sexy and revealing clothing. Never show more than 1 inch of cleavage or wear a skirt that skims your bum. For most offices, skirts that hit more than 3 or 4 inches above the knee are considered inappropriate (If you want to wear shorter skirts, or even dress shorts, pair them with opaque tights to temper the higher hemline). Also, no tank tops unless you have something layered over it to cover your shoulders.
- Thou shalt not wear any ripped, torn, or sloppy clothing. This includes anything that can be worn to the gym or the beach (gym shoes and flip-flops etc.).
- Thou shalt dress like my female boss. If you do not have a female boss, emulate the highest-ranking female in your company. This doesn't mean steal her style. Rather, base your office attire on what she considers appropriate. Is she casual? Always dresses to the nines? Take a cue from the people in positions you aspire to have someday. They don't say, "dress the part" for no reason.
- You shall always dress to impress–even on "casual Fridays."Â� Don't let casual Fridays fool you. Jeans may be okay, but that old tee reserved for lazy Sundays and those hot pink flip-flops are just not going to cut it... Casual Friday attire should be based on your weekly work wear, but taken down a few notches.
- Thou shalt not don underwear as outerwear. Ever. This is pretty self-explanatory...
- You shall always use your best judgment. Consider your work environment and dress accordingly. Anything you can wear to a club should never step foot in an office. If you're unsure about an outfit, it's best to err on the side of caution and go with something else.
I hope you find these tips helpful! Stay tuned for my upcoming Dress Coding blogs where I'll crack those mysterious office dress codes. First up, business formal work attire!
If you're a working girl, what's your work environment like and what's your go-to office outfit?
XO Lauren
P.S. These rules apply to interns too!
Check out the Forum! You might also like:
What to Wear to Work
Work Clothes–HELP!
Photo: H&M
80 comments
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I wish I had more guidance on what style of dress pants would flatter my body type most - and what types of shirts to pair with the different styles. I feel like there are just so many choices these days and I haven't the slightest clue of where to begin! -
Yes, anyone can be more professional than his/her boss at work place by wearing professional <a href="http://www.uniforms.com.au/Safety-Work-Wear.html">workwear</a>. There are no such kind of restrictions. -
Hello, everyone! Do you think it's okay to dress more professionally than your boss? Please help. Thanks! :)
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Danna Cuba, I think it's definitely okay (and sometimes necessary!) to dress more professionally than your boss. Unfortunately, sometimes even our bosses don't set the best examples on how to present yourself at the office. But, that doesn't mean that you should fall into the same traps. Often when senior people at the office feel like they've "made it" professionally, they get more relaxed (and perhaps sloppy) with their appearances. As a junior person, you can't let that lead you astray. Keep looking professional and you'll do really well! It'll also help send the message that you're driven and taking your job very seriously. A recipe for success : )
For more professional fashion advice, check us out at www.theclassycubicle.com!-
Wow, thank you so much for the great advice!! Very helpful! :) Will definitely check out your blog! Thanks, Mary! :)
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My work place is very buisness casual so I can wear whatever I want appropriate. I usually wear a pair of black or brown dress pants with a nice top, a pair of earrings, a watch, and my alex and ani bracelets. Then, on casual fridays, I'll wear a pair of colored jeans (loving blue) and a nice top.
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@Ja Sagum: It depends on the line of work that you have and what kind of people you'll be interacting with, but my guess is no. But you could also find out what your employer says.
Most employers have guidelines on what is and isn't appropriate; it's our job to merge appropriate with style.
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i have a question i have these sheer long sleeves and i wore a black tank top under them are they okay to wear in the office?
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Oh, I will definetly reblog your post (I started my own on trendy business wear recently) ! It's sooo hard to find any information on Business Casual/Business wear for women who want to look fashionable :( Usually, business wear ignores trends, even though designers come up with collections or pieces that could be consider acceptable, especially FW collections. I don't know why office wear usually considered being "boring". I think it's a right time to break the strereotype
http://bizzcasual.blogspot.com/
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i'm only a highschool student but now i know what to look out for! thanks lauren :)
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I work at a car dealership and constantly strive to look professional! I'm surrounded by men so that makes it difficult sometimes. I am usually in a dress, many from the Lauren Conrad brand, or a pencil skirt and cardigan.
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Great post! I have recently moved to Australia from the UK and am able to start all over again with my work wardrobe, what an education that's becoming!
It's great in some respects as I get extra life out of my wardrobe and I'm also having to put new outfits together because of the warmer weather here, that's a challenge! If it helps anyone I actually blog about it as I would really like some inspiration to keep me going, it's called Work Wear Dilemma (figures!!) thirtysomethingdownunder.wordpress.com...
It's casual Fridays I struggle with! Anyone?
Thanks
Andrea x
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My Paper Crown "Emma" dress in blue - it's perfect for every occassion and customers always ask where I bought it. Of course, I say right here! Plus ...the skirt is just what you need for twirling - in case there is a spur of the moment dance party!
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Dear Paige, belive me...sometimes i envy you :P...you don't have to stay long time in front of your wardrobe thinking about what to wear...is depressing...
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Get excited everyone! I'm posting my blog on "business casual" dressing tomorrow morning :-)
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I just entered the working world 8 months ago, after I finished my Masters in Engineering. I work at the U.S. headquarters of one of the largest companies in the world, and while the written dress code is not strict, the unspoken expectation is business casual and quite traditional. For us, business casual means no blazers and no jeans- we typically wear a button-down shirt and pants with closed-toed shoes. Those who veer away from this traditional, conservative look often get dirty looks, but as a young woman who loves fashion, I do get bored with this dress code.
I am so glad that you are doing this series because it is so pertinent to women like me, and it is sad to see women getting looked over because they are not dressed appropriately. I see women struggling to move up the ladder because they do not follow the guidelines you listed regarding casual Fridays, and I cannot count the number of times I have seen flip flops, excessive cleavage, exposed backs, and outfits that are far too casual or club-ready for the workplace. It makes me cringe to see one of my colleagues in leggings, since she is quite a pleasant woman but receives dirty looks from men and women alike. Hopefully this series helps more women dress in such a way to further their career.
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Lauren,
I am so thankful for your site. Not that I don't have the sense to dress myself stylish, etc. or my daughter, but the heads up sure it appreciated and keeps me polished. :) As a busy Mom of three, you can bet there's hardly time to research and have a lot of time for such up-to-date advice. Speaking of my daughter, who is 9, can you possibly do a segment/feature on your blog coming up for the holidays maybe on childrenswear for little girls? Just your tips, things that might be helpful, concerning anything! Because quite honestly, the stuff about drama and what 'she's wearing, etc, starts way young now! Like at 9 years old even! Ugh..... ;) So, what do you say LC? What tools or resources could you pull together to help us Moms help our sweet daughters? I would appreciate anything! Thanks in advance!
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Thank you for these posts! I just graduated college in May and I got a job working in a research facility with animals. I love what I do, but I wish I could dress up more. I change into scrubs somedays if I wear something nice to work, but I don't want to wear ordinary clothes all the time and feel less professional than everyone else going to other jobs. Science isn't always a pretty field, but I would like you to post anything cute you would consider a scientist to wear. I am only 22 years old and petite so it's tough anyways without looking frumpy. Thanks :)
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THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I am a Catholic school teacher that heavily enforces dresscode on my female students. Sadly, styles for young girls include WAAAAYYYY too short of skirts that these girls try to wear to school. I can't wait to show to my female students who fight me on this that look Lauren Conrad said its appropriate to have your skirt be 3 inches above the knee--THANK YOU!
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I am very excited about these posts! I have been posting my own blog series on work attire and embracing the dress code. I work in the banking industry and the particular financial institution I work for are very, very traditional (as I commented before we were just recently allowed to wear peep toe to work and to go without hos, however not without saying one should primp their feet/toes/legs properly-yes that was included in the dress code). The problem that I find is that while I love suits, I do not look appropriate in them. I am 24 years old and I feel like a kid playing dress up in them. I love the look of tucking in button downs or blouses, but I am short-waisted so it is not a flattering look on myself. I desperately want to look professional while also being "trendy" to a degree. (sorry for all the wording)
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loving this subject :) i work as an interior design assistant so my day is varied. One day I'll be on shoots where I need to dress more comfortably, usually jeans with a plain vest top, statement necklace, tailored blazer with pumps/boots (this is the only time I wear jeans in the work place as I find them inappropriate in the studio when meeting clients) When I am in the studio i love to wear cute tea dresses and having the weather we do in London (rain rain rain!!!) i usually team them with tights and a smart knitted cardigan. I have a thing for leather patches at the minute, particularly on blazers where they are placed on the elbow. I also find that jewellery can make a dramatic impact so I chose wisely!!! xxx
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Oh Lauren I am so happy you are doing this little series about dress coding. I feel just like Alexx Bukovac.. I am a wedding planner.. I feel like I always wear the same thing and I don't really show my innovative-creative personality! I always go to your style to inspire myself but I do have a budget and can`t really spend alot on clothes. Can't wait to see more about this!!
xoxo,
Gaby
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I seriously cannot wait for your upcoming "Dress Coding" blog series. I was hired yesterday for my first EVER office job that requires me to dress "business casual". I have been a hairstylist for 8 years, and I have no idea where to start. I was told to wear a jacket, but I thought that business casual meant business dress, but not to the extremes. I am looking forward to any tips you can give. Also, I'd love to know about some cute and appropriate shoes that won't kill my poor feet, who are very spoiled due to years of flip flop wearing. This is gonna take some work! haha ;)
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Hi lauren, If i work in a beauty (cosmetics) company, what should be my dress code be? im an industrial designer! Love your page!
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I do have a question about shoes. Can I wear flats to work or heels are always better? Sometimes at the end of the day my leg feel like they broken :)
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I'm currently student teaching at an elementary school. The teachers there are pretty casual...more casual then I prefer however comfort is extremely important when ur teaching all day long and working with children. No heels, that's for sure...I didn't realize how much walking is involved in teaching.
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