Business professional clothing? Help!
 

I just got a new job and I'm curious if anyone could recommend how I can suddenly become familiar with what is acceptable dress for business professional, and how to assemble a wardrobe.

I usually just wear what is comfortable, typically business casual. I will be in a sales environment and I think I'll be expected to wear a suit, but I'm not sure.

Anyone have any tips? I've looked at a few guides online, but I still feel a bit overwhelmed.

You can buy separates or suits. Find things that are complimentary to each other so that you can mix an match and increase the total amount of outfits instead of having 3 outfits you can have 9.

My rule of thumb has always been dark bottoms, light tops, no strong colors or something that deviates too far to make it hard to mix match. Example, brown pants I don't buy or use because I don't have brown shoes or brown belt.

Once you have a foundation of clothing, you can then accessorize as you wish scarf, tie, pins, bracers, etc.

Does your company have an Employee Handbook? I would consult there first and see what the guidelines for appropriate dress are, based on what is laid out there.

In my handbook, we have an "acceptable" and "unacceptable" column for both guys and gals, and its broken down by clothing type.

I would say professional is another step up from Business casual, in that you will need/want to update each piece.

IE if:
Business casual was khakis' instead of jeans, Professional dress would be slacks instead of khakis.

If Business casual was a button down shirt/or polo, Professional Dress would be either adding a blazer or upgrading to a blouse.

I would start with a suit or blazer/tie for the first day, and then see how upper management interprets the dress code. My advice would be to have your business look match the job want, not the one you have. For example, I take fashion cues from the president of my company.

When you went in for interview, how did people's business look match your look?

Business professional doesn't necessarily mean all suits, but get yourself a couple. Add in a couple of pencil or A-line skirts, a couple of separate jackets, a pair or two of slacks and you can add your color with blouses and shirts. You can even use camisoles and transitional tops under a jacket for more versatility.

Like Cyn said, keep the main pieces solid or pinstriped so you an easily mix jackets and tops for more outfit possibilities.

These dress slacks look very nice, they're easy to mix and match with a blazer, a nice sweater, or a dressy blouse. They're also a bit stretchy and the MOST COMFORTABLE PANTS EVER. Seriously. Since they're Dockers, they also don't bust the budget: Dockers Store Online - Women: By Bestsellers: Metro They're a cornerstone of my "middle school teacher" wardrobe.

Thanks everyone for your tips! Almost everyone I've seen at the office was wearing a suit, so this is what I focused on when I went out shopping today. I stopped at 2 goodwills to see if I could find anything cheap. I did happen upon a nice beige wool suit for $8, also a polyester green suit. While I was there, I picked up a few blouses and knit sweaters. There was an after christmas sale at macys, so I got a nice black jacket, some shoes, and other little things like slips and camisoles. Mom sent up a nice silk suit she found somewhere around her, but it's a little too small! I guess I'll keep it just in case I ever lose weight.

I just wanted to add that make sure the clothing that you buy makes you feel confident. I always wear my best outfits for important meetings. That will help you so much. It should fit you well. No popping buttons and nothing should be hanging loosely. I buy a larger sized and have it taken in at the appropriate places. (Just a suggestion.)

Most importantly, you should be comfortable. No adjusting or tugging.

Best of luck at your new job.

This is something to stay away from.

Not necessarily. It all depends on the cut and drape.

Lirpa, find someone who has a good sense of fashion. Take them with you next time. While it's impossible to make jeans into not-jeans, things that are not necessarily "business traditional" can be turned into that with the right accessories.

can you even buy anything for $8 anymore?

i think you guys live in the 1970's.


i buy a big mac these days for $8 let alone a suit.

You were interviewed, what was the interviewer wearing? Also, do a google search on the company, you might find pictures or press releases, see what people are wearing in them.

Then, visit a men's store like Men's Wearhouse, and ask them to help you put something together that fits your budget.

Depending on where you are in Sales (what field, your position) you may want to either stick with the black, white, and navy traditional looks or you may even be expected to show a little more style. In a conservative environment You MAY be able to get away with some pastels depending on what your bosses wear and if they look good on you, but probably only on an accessory like a small scarf or hankerchief or if it's very subtle maybe your shirt (under your jacket). In a less conservative environment like for example any place dealing with art, fashion, or younger customers you could probably get away with wearing more color and wearing suits and cuts which are a little more fashionable than traditional.

You'll almost never go wrong if you wear something like these three pictures, since traditional styles are that way for a reason, but it also might not hurt you to go for something more sharp if you wear it well.

A last note: Definitely take a friend with an eye for this kind of business fashion with you if you go thrift shopping again. I hate to say it but people will absolutely judge you for what you wear. If it LOOKS like it came from a thrift store, or like its polyester, that's going to hurt you. The general rule of thumb is dress like the person whose job you want. Even if you don't want your bosses job it helps if you "fit" (but not copy) the style they set.

SirLance - you know April's a girl, right? ;)

April: I am in the middle of the same dilemma, having just accepted a new post that starts in the back end of January, and I am unsure of whether the drill is "shirt and tie" or "suited and booted". I plan to call them up the week before I start and just ask. :D

Thanks for the examples, Shadow. That helps a lot!

I ended up wearing the nicest suit jacket with a skirt on Monday. It's odd, I expected someone to say something, like, "Hey, you look nice." Hehe. I probably just looked normal to them. It all felt extremely formal to me, but I tried not to dwell on that.

After two days, I've noticed that the women always have jackets on with blouses under them. Some wear skirts, some wear pants. Some of them don't button their jackets and just leave them open. One is a lesbian and wears vests, too.

Even though the dress code says that we aren't required to wear jackets with our blouses, I haven't yet seen any of them without a suit jacket. I'll give that a try tomorrow, and just wear a cable sweater and a pair of slacks.

Dlish, didn't you know? All Goodwill stores teleport you to the 70's when you walk through the door. That's why all the cool kids go there.

Daniel--good luck at your new job! Is it chemistry-related?

[quote=purplelirpa;2856815]Thanks for the examples, Shadow. That helps a lot!

I ended up wearing the nicest suit jacket with a skirt on Monday. It's odd, I expected someone to say something, like, "Hey, you look nice." Hehe. I probably just looked normal to them. It all felt extremely formal to me, but I tried not to dwell on that.

After two days, I've noticed that the women always have jackets on with blouses under them. Some wear skirts, some wear pants. Some of them don't button their jackets and just leave them open. One is a lesbian and wears vests, too. [quote]

"Follow the host(ess)" is pretty much good advice universally.

Don't, you're new and you're not management. You don't have the official authority or the social standing to go breaking their order like that yet.