Rubyee

I am starting a new job on Monday. It will be the first job that I will be required to dress "Business Professional" instead of "Business Casual" for.

What is the difference? I need help knowing what kind of clothes to buy.

PS- If you have had to buy clothes like this before, is there a cheap store I can get them at?

ShaniFaye

congrats on getting the job!!!! *does the snoopy dance for rubyee*

Im pretty sure business professional is like womens business suits and business casual is things like what I call "church clothes" but not "easter" clothes simple dresses, matching top and pants outfits that kind of thing.

I've never had a bus prof job so Im not sure where to go shopping.

What were the people wearing there when you went to interview?

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maleficent

If you have time - check out websites like www.chadwicks.com -- it's fairly conservative but reasonably priced clothes..

For the short term....

Dark Skirt (knee length)
Dark trousers (dont wear on your first day until you see if other women wear trousers)
White button front blouse
Jacket that matches the skirt (generally solid color jacket and a skirt in a plaid that matches)
A sweater set or two

Hosiery is probably essential

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maleficent

From a dress for success type website:
Women can wear the following as traditional business attire:

Black or gray suit
Dark burgundy or navy suit
Contrasting jacket and skirt
Two-piece dress
Several white, off-white blouses
Solid color blouse; may be pastel
One pair gold, one pair silver earrings
Scarves that pick up colors from the suits
Black pumps; navy or taupe pumps
Neutral or taupe hosiery
Black leather handbag
All weather coat
Black, brown, or burgundy briefcase


Don't go overboard until you see how other people at the company dress...

For Shopping?
Ann Taylor Loft (Ann Taylor is usually pretty pricey, but the loft is reasonablish)
If there's a Filene's Basement or Marshall's in your area -- check them out for designer duds at discount prices

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mall of the bluffs in your town - has a Target -- at least according to their website - check them out for wardrobe basics --

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maleficent

Skirt from target

JAcket from target

BLouse from target

Something along that lines-- without seeing it in person -- it looks simple - not fussy - and would go with a lot of different pieces.

You probably have a bunch of stuff in your closet already that you could pull together to create some work ensembles--

a few simple classic pieces and lots of accessories...

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Rubyee

Wow, thanks for the help.

You definitley went the extra mile, Maleficent. I would SO hire you.

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You don't know from fun.

amonkie

A couple solids, and you can mix and match. There's a middle store inbetween the petite sophisticate/august max grouping chain that sells separates that you can coordinate. My view on it is, it might be a pinch in the beginning to spend more money than you wold normally on bus. prof clothes, but if you get things that will last and that you can mix/match, and that you LIKE to wear, it'll be money well invested, and you'll enjoy working that much more. One note to consider, from experience: If you are going to be moving around quite a bit, a good pairs of comfortable shoes are essential. Sure, those strappy sandals look so cute on the shelf, but if you're gonna be sore at the end of the day from walking around, it might be a better idea to go with some more conservative styles. DSW shoes is a big discount brand chain that sells stuff from Dillards, Macy's, etc at 40-70% off the retail prices. Some pretty nice, comfy shoes have come from there.

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lurkette

OK, since y'all seem to be on the ball with regards to work wear, I have a question for you.

I mostly work in my office by myself, and there's no dress code. I could come to work in my fricking pajamas if I felt like it. But when I go to meetings, I have to dress up a bit - somewhere between business casual and business professional. I have lots of stuff that I've collected over the years, but none of it really feels like me - it's all pretty conservative. Where can I get clothing that is both professional and a little edgy?

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Rubyee

To be truthful, Hot Topic and Torrid both have clothes that seem a little edgy, and if paired together well, can be business professional. I am looking there for clothes today- you should look too.

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You don't know from fun.

maleficent

The years I worked on wall street, boring was the mode of dress, but I never wanted to give up my individuality...

So I stuck with basic pieces - then just had a lot of fun with accessories (scarves, unique jewelry, and such)

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Blackthorn

Working in a business professional environment I don't think Hot Topic attire would pass the dress code. maleficent was spot on. I'd trust that advice

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What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?

sailor

Bingo. Its a uniform, not a method of expression. Basic clothes, then jazz it up with accessories.

Yeah, nix the Hot Topic stuff. Some of it could pass for Business Casual, but never Business Professional. If in doubt, always overdress. Itll never hurt.

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SiN

If I had to dress business professional, I would probably

start out cheap @ tjmax/marshalls

and when I was making a bit more money, I would shop at Banana, J Crew, perhaps The Limited, Express for some Editor trousers. For a bit more money, Theory has some nice pieces too.


A bit on the 'preppy' side, but still fashionable, overall.

And good 'classics' are good investments

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maleficent

TJ Maxx/Marshalls -- honestly arent cheap - they're inexpensive -

My Coach handbag I got at Marshalls for less than 1/2 of what it sells for in the Coach store (and it still in the store- -and there's nothing at all visibly wrong with the bag - -it might be a 'second" by their standards - but not to my eye)

Mashalls will have a lot of "designer" stuff- some of it one of a kind - you have to pick thru racks to find stuff - but it's got fantastic bargains.

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RainbowBright

If you have a Kohl's where you live they have very well priced women's suits and are pretty fashionable. Also Fashion Bug usually has some things that are business appropriate - they are also the kinds of things that have some character so that helps. JC Penny's is a good place to look for basics.

Cedar

I don't know where you're from, but if you live in New York or North Jersey you should check out Century 21. Their flagship store is on Cortlandt St. in Manhattan. They carry designer clothes at ridiculously low prices, and while it takes strength of spirit to shop there on a Saturday, or during the holidays, it's well worth it. The store is kind of grungy but the clothes are fantastic. I got a $300 sweater there for $99 and it was worth every penny. If you're in eastern PA you could try the Reading outlets.

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Very well then I contradict myself,
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