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Dress Code Personal Style

Have a passion for fashion but a dress code to adhere to? Vent your frustration, give tips, ideas, and advice, and get sartorial inspiration from the stylishly office-bound.

Network Leader: Leigh K.
 
Heather Gaona I'm just returning to Civilian life after 8 years in the Army... and need help with the clothes! I was fashion-challenged before wearing a uniform every day. I work in a lab, so practical clothing is a must. At some point in any day I could be crawling under an instrument or climbing a step ladder. Jeans are widely accepted, but I worry I’ll look unprofessional. My biggest challenge is tops: I tend to prefer tshirts. I welcome your suggestions!

44 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Regina Richardson: NY&Company has some really nice shawl-like cardigans, and cardigan/shell combos, as do many of the clothing stores right now. Easy-care, wash ...MoreNY&Company has some really nice shawl-like cardigans, and cardigan/shell combos, as do many of the clothing stores right now. Easy-care, wash and go... :)
11 weeks ago
kathy mcafee: Heather, I recommend that you invest in working with an image consultant. Hire a qualified one to come and do a closet audit in your home. ...MoreHeather, I recommend that you invest in working with an image consultant. Hire a qualified one to come and do a closet audit in your home. Leverage their expertise to figure out what to keep, what to tailor and what to give away. AND....get their input on what wardrobe items you need to access in your new job/career path. Your professional image is part of your visual communication. I like to think we should all strive to present our best selves (authentic and polished). Good luck in your career transition. - Kathy
11 weeks ago
 
Sara Gallagher She pulled her looks together at the last minute and became the first project runway contestant to lose her money while shopping for fabric. Michael Kors admitted that her competitor's final collection was substantially stronger. So how did Anya score the $100,000 win? And what can she teach us about workplace competition? http://gearsandshifts.com/2011/10/what-project-runway-winner-anya-ayoung...

14 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

 
Anoop Kansupada I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I am hoping to do some market research for a fashion based company that I am working on. If you have a couple minutes I would really appreciate if you could fill out this survey about Fashion and Technology. https://aytm.com/r2b1cd9 Thanks in advance.

16 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

 
Elysa Rice Part 2 in month long series: 10 Ways to be Beautiful without Spending a Penny http://bit.ly/fk0CiM this post was written by Janet of Slice of Pink - one of my fav pink blogs

62 weeks ago from Young Professional Women (YPW) and Dress Code Personal Style

Becky Benishek: Everybody needs to read this. You want to get away from people judging others on appearances--and the wrong kind of appearances-- it starts with you.
62 weeks ago
 
MissCheska What are your favorite fashion blogs? I'm looking specifically for career wardrobe ideas-- any recommendations? TIA! :)

28 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

MissCheska: Thanks for the blog suggestions, Rebecca and Leona! :) Had fun browsing and reading posts.
28 weeks ago
Jill Gerhardstein: Hi, a little late, but hopefully still helpful:
More
Hi, a little late, but hopefully still helpful:
http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/
http://corporette.com/
http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

27 weeks ago
 
MissCheska Hello all! New to BC and this group, and need advice! I'm a first-year middle school teacher at an all-girls school and am trying to build up a professional wardrobe. My wardrobe challenge: I'm 26 yo, 4'8" tall and look quite young, which translates to often being mistaken as one of my students by everyone. How do I best create a wardrobe that allows me to look my adult age, exudes professionalism, but also doesn't make me look like an old-school marm? TIA!

30 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

MissCheska: Wow, thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions!

@Kelly, I haven't thought about getting a "professional haircut"; what a great idea! ...More
Wow, thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions!

@Kelly, I haven't thought about getting a "professional haircut"; what a great idea! I've mostly kept my hair in a long-layered bob for easy low maintenance, but maybe adding low lights/high lights will add some oomph into it.

I went through my closet briefly after reading the replies, and what I've noticed is that I have a lot of the basics (blazers, trousers, pencil skirts, button down shirts) but they all seem to look like a "uniform". My accessories are almost nonexistent, they mostly consist of a watch and earring studs! I'd like to inject more color and style, so I do appreciate your suggestions and I'll definitely check out those forums/blogs!


30 weeks ago
Leona: I used to feel like my clothes were a "uniform" too and I was such a minimalist with accessories - but things like scarves, belts, pins, head ...MoreI used to feel like my clothes were a "uniform" too and I was such a minimalist with accessories - but things like scarves, belts, pins, head bands, jewelry, etc help differentiate things. Also, try reading blogs which have done 30x30 clothing challenges (30 outfits with 30 clothing pieces). Kendi Everyday is not a petite blogger, but she's got an easygoing yet polished style that I love and she's done the 30x30 challenge.
30 weeks ago
 
Joel I wear a business casual outfit only because I have to and I don't have the cahonas to dress like a rock star.

44 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

 
Ann Ellingham Crutchfield I wear skirts and dresses more than slacks. I like the look AND find it near impossible to find slacks that fit right...the waist is always way to big. Am I showing my age by not wearing slacks more? Do I need to try harder to find some that fit?

63 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

JRandom42: @Edward, at 6 ft and 200 lbs, my wife has similar problems finding clothes that fit anyway, let alone businesswear. She's been reduced to making ...More@Edward, at 6 ft and 200 lbs, my wife has similar problems finding clothes that fit anyway, let alone businesswear. She's been reduced to making nearly all of her own clothes.
50 weeks ago
Justine Smith: You always look your best when you wear clothes that fit well and you feel comfortable. I don't think dresses vs slacks make you look younger or ...MoreYou always look your best when you wear clothes that fit well and you feel comfortable. I don't think dresses vs slacks make you look younger or older. Both are determined by how you style your outfit. If you want pants that fit (as with most clothes) the best path is to go to a good department store and find some nice slacks and have them altered to fit your body. The investment will be worth every penny.
49 weeks ago
 
Steven Swernofsky I'm thinking this group is for women only. When I go to court, there is one dress code and one dress code only. (Just take a guess, gals.) When I give presentations, I can dress how I want. But there is still only one dress code and one dress code only for presenting to investors or CEO's. It sucks, but those are the rules.

60 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Sam Rye: I think you've got to qualify it with two things;
1. Something that makes the person you're pitching to comfortable
2. Something that you feel ...More
I think you've got to qualify it with two things;
1. Something that makes the person you're pitching to comfortable
2. Something that you feel comfortable in

If you're not comfortable in your clothing, that'll come across in your body language very quickly. If you're slightly less smartly dressed, but more confident in your clothes - you're more likely to make an impact.

60 weeks ago
Steven Swernofsky: Hi Juliana,

Thanks for noticing details I didn't (and will probably continue to fail to). I've been in court for 25 years and there is still one ...More
Hi Juliana,

Thanks for noticing details I didn't (and will probably continue to fail to). I've been in court for 25 years and there is still one dress code, at least for guys: wear a suit, or wear a suit, or (third option) wear a suit.

Yes, there are quite a few variants. I've seen people who look like a million bucks and I've seen people who look like bums trying to look clean-shaven. OK, fine. You're right.

I've also seen that, at least in court, what you wear will get you by for about 15 seconds, maybe 30. After that, you'd better have something meaningful to say, or you're toast. I know a guy who dresses like he stepped out of a model magazine. He's a total dork, and he sounds it, and he loses all his cases. (But his clients look like supermodels. Oh, well.) A clever 25 y.o. with good preparation will tear him to pieces. *I* can tear him to pieces, and that's even extemporaneously. I also know a guy who looks like the worst zhlub you'll ever see on the street. He looks like he could panhandle for more than he makes in court. But don't try to fool anyone when you're up against him. You'll be chewed up and spit out (and ruled against).

OK, there are variants. And definitely wear what is "you". As Sam Rye puts it, you'll be uncomfortable otherwise, and it will show. And it will affect your ability to perform well. But at least in court, wear a suit.

My dress code advice for pitching to CEO's and investors is more nuanced. But it boils down to this. There's a type of clothing style people you're talking to all wear. Wear that. Or else. Sure, vary it so you feel comfortable. Dress just a bit better than your audience. Look at the details (something I personally often forget). But, no, you can't wear golf clothes in court, or jeans, or a sweater, or even a tweed jacket (unless you're an expert witness, for the latter).

Sorry to sound so defensive. BTW, I had a client show up in my office wearing a ragged T-shirt and jeans. One of my paralegals was about to through him out, when I noticed whom he was. He was on the Board of Netscape. Oops.

Cheers,
Steve

60 weeks ago
 
Meghan Skiff Hi friends. Haven't commented in a while and am going through withdrawal. Winter is here, so we all have the fabulous responsibility of staying stylish and warm. Ear muffs are back in style, how do we feel about this? I'm digging the (faux) fur ones. :)

60 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Rebecca Thorman: Always yes to ear muffs! I love the ones that go around the back of your head so they're sort of invisible, but I love that they are coming back ...MoreAlways yes to ear muffs! I love the ones that go around the back of your head so they're sort of invisible, but I love that they are coming back in style because they are so cute!!
60 weeks ago
Meghan Skiff: Me too, Rebecca! The ones that go around the back of your head are much better for keeping the hair style in tact.
60 weeks ago
 
Kelly Seiler I'm "visiting" a company next Wednesday. It is scheduled for 4 hours and they asked me to put together a short presentation so people will get to know me a little better. I'm assuming this is an unofficial interview of sorts, but it's not advertised as an interview and they don't actually have a position for me (however they might make one). So, what do I wear??

62 weeks ago from Salary - Negotiating & More and Dress Code Personal Style

Lucas Starbuck: You never know who you might happen to be introduced to, even though its informational-only.. the President might happen to be in the office.. and ...MoreYou never know who you might happen to be introduced to, even though its informational-only.. the President might happen to be in the office.. and you're in jeans = that sucks.
62 weeks ago
voleine: Yes, always look professional. I hire people as part of my job and I absolutely hate it when people under dress. It just shows a lack of ...MoreYes, always look professional. I hire people as part of my job and I absolutely hate it when people under dress. It just shows a lack of professionalism. Even if it's not an "interview" it is an interview.
62 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek If image is everything, how does your common sense stack up when it comes to how you present yourself? Join the conversation for Personal Expression in the Office | 11/30 12 PM CT | Twitter #careerchat | http://tweetchat.com/room/careerchat

62 weeks ago from myFootpath and Dress Code Personal Style

 
Becky Benishek Today's Twitter #careerchat is on How to Dress for Success, or What NOT to Wear, when you're going to an interview, to the job, or checking out a networking event. Take just an online hour of your time and help us wrestle through wardrobe woes. Everyone is welcome! 12 PM CT to 1 PM CT (always on Tuesdays).

64 weeks ago from myFootpath, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Dress Code Personal Style1 more

 
Tyler Durbin Here's a pretty good article about the versatility of a Tweed Jacket for Men. I always thought they were a bit out-dated but I'm seeing more and more people wearing them today. I'm considering getting on...it would be clutch for going from office to happy hour in the winter! http://genyjourney.com/2010/10/28/looking-fly-on-a-dime-tweed-it-up/

67 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

 
Elysa Rice will you be dressing up for halloween at work? my friend's office is doing a $350 cash prize to best costume. that's a lot of pressure! how about your company? perhaps those of us who are location independent need to have a skype halloween contest :)

67 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style, Work/Life Blur, JobSTART 101, Slash Jobs and Company Culture3 more

Elysa Rice: Leslie - the retro versions of their current gear sounds like a unique idea!
Bryon - I like the team theme idea that seems like a way to get ...More
Leslie - the retro versions of their current gear sounds like a unique idea!
Bryon - I like the team theme idea that seems like a way to get everyone participate. who picks the themes?
Scott - my cousins build a haunted house in their neighborhood as well, but they are always "actors" as part of their scary entertainment

67 weeks ago
Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: A Halloween outfit contest sounds so much fun! I'm not sure if I'd get any work done if I had to come in all dressed up :)
67 weeks ago
 
Elysa Rice Have you heard about Movember: Changing the Face of Men’s Health http://bit.ly/buSVEY << video intro explains it but short version is men in November grow a mustache and join teams to raise money & awareness for cancer that affect men. The team in Dallas has 11 guys (more welcome to join). Will you be Movembering? *women can join as promoters of the team

67 weeks ago from Young Professional Men (YPM), Dress Code Personal Style, Power Couples, Personal Development and Dallas Texas3 more

Rebecca Thorman: Ryan - you should check with your girlfriend first.

Elysa - My sister just sent me some info on Movemeber this morning. Her husband is doing it. ...More
Ryan - you should check with your girlfriend first.

Elysa - My sister just sent me some info on Movemeber this morning. Her husband is doing it. And they live all the way in England!

67 weeks ago
Elysa Rice: haha Rebecca I had the same thought (wonder what Rebecca will say about that) when I saw Ryan's comment :) mustaches are sooooo scratchy. But Ryan ...Morehaha Rebecca I had the same thought (wonder what Rebecca will say about that) when I saw Ryan's comment :) mustaches are sooooo scratchy. But Ryan I think you should go for it

Movember is world wide the stats I have are for US but I know it has spread quickly. That reminds me I should email my college roomie in England and see if her hubby wants to join.

67 weeks ago
 
Harriet May So, my boyfriend and I are attending my friend's Halloween party next Saturday. He's coming straight from work, so he'll be basically in a suit. He is reluctant to dress up as it is, and I want something easy and cheap. My idea so far is to go as Jackie O. and JFK, in which case I'd just stick a "campaign badge" on him, but he doesn't like that idea because he "doesn't look like JFK" (so what? It's just a bit of fun). Any other ideas? What is everyone else dressing up as for Halloween?

68 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

JRandom42: Dressing up again as Master Chief John-117 from "Halo" Or I might be a StarFleet science officer. Or I could go as an Imperial Storm Trooper with ...MoreDressing up again as Master Chief John-117 from "Halo" Or I might be a StarFleet science officer. Or I could go as an Imperial Storm Trooper with my Windows unit insignia! :)
67 weeks ago
Leslie Juvin Acker: Nerd alert! :)
67 weeks ago
 
Tony Forte Any dress sock enthusiast out there? Or accessory fanatics? What brand of socks or accessories do you prefer?

76 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Michael Scott: I am a budding dress sock lover. I have some polo dress socks which are killer. I'm a fan of argyle as well. Dress socks are quite possibly the ...MoreI am a budding dress sock lover. I have some polo dress socks which are killer. I'm a fan of argyle as well. Dress socks are quite possibly the best way to set yourself above the rest.
69 weeks ago
Jessica Bahr: Golden Toe socks, I swear by them. They are amazing. Even after thirty washes they still feel wonderful.
69 weeks ago
 
Julia Kious Zabell Just because it's a Friday, some Marilyn for you.... "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." Marilyn Monroe

70 weeks ago from Personal Development, Young Professional Women (YPW), Dress Code Personal Style and Personal Branding2 more

Danielle Albright: Aw, I love Marilyn.. That quote definitely fits me!
70 weeks ago
Kate Davids: I think this is definitely a quote to live by, not just from the first person, either. I think that if you can't handle another person at his or ...MoreI think this is definitely a quote to live by, not just from the first person, either. I think that if you can't handle another person at his or her worst, you don't deserve to be with them at their best. That said, being polite is still good.
70 weeks ago
 
Shayna How do you save money while shopping? Do you buy less expensive clothes, bargain hunt? I enjoy bargain hunting for the ooh la la outfit at a price I can afford, and lately have been using Ebates (http://tinyurl.com/22sw6u6) to get discount codes and cash back

73 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Trish Cardona: checking out hautelook right now -- really good stuff!! =)
72 weeks ago
Danielle Albright: I really love using the customer appreciation cards to my advantage. So many of them give free stuff for different qualifications. It's just ...MoreI really love using the customer appreciation cards to my advantage. So many of them give free stuff for different qualifications. It's just important to remember to pull them out when you're actually in the store before heading to the check out line!
72 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Sometimes, I don't want to go to work because of all the hub-bub of getting ready. I get tired of putting on make-up, blow-drying, finding something to wear each morning. And when I don't feel like I have any cute outfits left, all I want to do is work from home. I noticed that this week, I did good. I felt like I looked good each day, by mixing some older favorites in with my new clothes. But do you guys feel this way? How do you avoid it beyond just continually buying new clothes?

77 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Kelly Seiler: I focus on keeping my hair low maintenance. I don't even own a blow dryer! The right hair cut makes a HUGE difference with no styling. My hair ...MoreI focus on keeping my hair low maintenance. I don't even own a blow dryer! The right hair cut makes a HUGE difference with no styling. My hair is naturally a bit wavy to a lot wavy depending on the length, layers, and cut. Also, I wash my hair every other day to keep it from drying out (unless I do a super sweaty workout). Another trick when washing is to focus on getting the shampoo to the roots and light on the ends.

Makeup wise I save the "real" makeup for going out. For work I mostly opt out. I keep a cover up stick that matches my skin tone for blemishes in my purse and some "lip shimmer". That's it for makeup for work. I usually put it on in the parking lot ;) I keep my eyebrows shaped to help pull things together - bonus: don't need to do this in the mornings!!

Clothing is definitely the hardest part. I have a major hourglass figure, so only certain styles are flattering. I have a very critical eye for patterns and color, so things must match. Although I don't agree with some of the "rules" like no brown belt with black pants. One brown item looks funky, but if you have several brown accessories (shoes, jewelry, belt) it is a nice coordinated look. I keep my closet organized by type of clothes (pants, button up shirts, prof shirts, casual shirts, skirts, sweaters, dresses) which helps with finding things. Also, I make sure everything on the hanger is facing the same way and keep the extra hangars out of the mix.

My biggest hurdle in the mornings: breakfast. If I eat carbs in the morning (cereal, bagel, muffin) I'm hungry all morning, but getting some protein requires either more planning ahead or spending time in the morning.

76 weeks ago
Elisabeth Ericson: Kelly, I've had similar issues with breakfast. What I've been doing lately is eat a slice of whole grain bread with cheese spread (Alouette or ...MoreKelly, I've had similar issues with breakfast. What I've been doing lately is eat a slice of whole grain bread with cheese spread (Alouette or similar, the garlic-herb kind) before I leave for work, then eat a yogurt cup (I like Liberté Mediterranean) while checking email at my desk. I tend to get bored with breakfasts after eating the same thing for a while, so who knows how long this will last, but at least it gets me to lunch without feeling too hungry.
76 weeks ago
 
Tony Forte Style is surely a part of one's personal brand. Dressing in the office, can be both fun and stylishly impactful, but, it's all about the accessories. Here's a good read about a proven accessory winner; Dress Socks. http://www.urbanprofessor.com/2010/08/26/kick-socks/ What are some of your favorite dress accessories? www.urbanprofessor.com

76 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style, I am Gen Y, Young Professional Men (YPM), Entry-Level Young Professionals and Interns3 more

Trish Cardona: Yes, yes! I agree 100%!!!

Style is not you, but it is a part of you. It's the part you want to project to the world, or sometimes it can be ...More
Yes, yes! I agree 100%!!!

Style is not you, but it is a part of you. It's the part you want to project to the world, or sometimes it can be just a metaphor for how you're feeling right now or where you're at in your life.

Most of all, style is fun - it's about expressing yourself, motivating yourself, inspiring yourself! And sometimes, it's the little things that count (even if you're the only one who gets to see it) like romantic undies or cool socks!

Thanks, Tony!

76 weeks ago
Dave Ellis: As John Dryden said... "Aspects are within us. And who appears most kingly IS king."

Although I also like Mark Twain's take on this subject. ...More
As John Dryden said... "Aspects are within us. And who appears most kingly IS king."

Although I also like Mark Twain's take on this subject. "Clothes most definitely DO make the man. Naked people have far less credibility in business."

74 weeks ago
 
Cary Thomson I've recently started biking to work which I love but it's causing me some hair related issues. I normally wash and dry my hair at home then hop into the shower with a shower cap on once I get to work. This seems a little ridiculous but my hair is too short to put up but too long to be left to it's on devices. Does any one have any suggestions on how to resolve my hair dilemma?

76 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Agnese Azena: Hi Cary,
I'm not good with hair products, but am starting to discover their potential - ask someone in your vicinity (I usually turn to my ...More
Hi Cary,
I'm not good with hair products, but am starting to discover their potential - ask someone in your vicinity (I usually turn to my hairdresser for advice)! Otherwise, try sticking different (small) accesories into your hair, maybe adding short braids for variation?
Are you trying to grow your hair out? If yes, that means it'll probably reach a more convenient length within a few months (a little length makes a big difference!).
Good luck!

75 weeks ago
 
Jessica Greekwood Interview today and I'm, of course, not sure what to wear. I know I need to wear a suit but I only have one suit. If I wear that on the first interview, what will I wear if asked back for a second interview? Perhaps I should invest in another suit, but the whole idea of wearing one color from head to toe freeks me out. Not to mention, you can't possibly stand out to your potential employer. Can I mix and match as long as I wear a suit jacket and look great? What are the rules here?

81 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Stevie Wilson: I have the same issue . today big interview with 2 people.. and it's blazing hot in LA and I am wearing great pants but a jacket or sweater is ...More I have the same issue . today big interview with 2 people.. and it's blazing hot in LA and I am wearing great pants but a jacket or sweater is too much given the weather. It's all sort of odd--because being a fashionista, I have tons of great clothes but nothing too serious..
76 weeks ago
Raquel Elle Bell: Wear the bottom half of the suit and change up the top. Pick something cute and creative and pair it with some nice accessories.
76 weeks ago
 
Christie Scott I don't HAVE to adhere to a dress code, BUT, in the professional world, there are "understandings" about how a successful entrepreneur "should" dress. I LOVE fashion, shoes and jewelry, love to dress up, but I also love that on a daily basis, I don't have to dress up. I would probably need to step up my daily wear, though, I have become quite busy and henceforth, shall I say lazy? :-) What about you?

76 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Danielle Albright: I envy any woman who actually wants to wear heels and put on the whole polished look! I adore fashion but when it comes to reality for me, I never ...MoreI envy any woman who actually wants to wear heels and put on the whole polished look! I adore fashion but when it comes to reality for me, I never leave my yoga mat flip flops, my un-straightened hair.. and worst of all, no make up lately! My problem is totally a mix of laziness and comfort. I hope whenever I eventually need to get into gear for dressing up, I can snap to it though!
76 weeks ago
loretta lin: oh course it does depend on the time of month as i do have different pants and tops that i wear to not seem so uncomfortable...i get terribly ...Moreoh course it does depend on the time of month as i do have different pants and tops that i wear to not seem so uncomfortable...i get terribly bloated during that time of the month...

in regards to shoes i wear them high because i sit at my desk all day and when i do trade shows i opt for flats but recently the dansko patent clogs have been looking very yummy... then sometimes i think dansko clogs really has it come to that where comfort trumps all?

76 weeks ago
 

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