How can I dress to look more mature at work?

Question

I work in a business casual workplace, and I have a position usually held by people a few years older than me (I'm 23, my coworkers at my level are 26-30). I LOOK very young- I was recently carded for a lotto ticket, but was also told that I dress too young. I usually wear career separates (silk blouses, blazers, sweaters, slacks and skirts) from BCBG, Tahari, Benneton, Banana and H&M. I never show clevage, tummy or too much leg, and none of my clothes are too tight.

So, I'm at a loss- I've blown a ton of money on fashionable, conservative and generally well-made officewear, and I still dress too young?!

What are some options that will make me look more mature, but won't make me look dowdy?

I work in a business casual workplace, and I have a position usually held by people a few years older than me (I'm 23, my coworkers at my level are 26-30). I LOOK very young- I was recently carded for a lotto ticket, but was also told that I dress too young. I usually wear career separates (silk blouses, blazers, sweaters, slacks and skirts) from BCBG, Tahari, Benneton, Banana and H&M. I never show clevage, tummy or too much leg, and none of my clothes are too tight.

So, I'm at a loss- I've blown a ton of money on fashionable, conservative and generally well-made officewear, and I still dress too young?!

What are some options that will make me look more mature, but won't make me look dowdy?

EDIT** Also, NO ONE from the president down wears true suits, and when i asked the person who mentioned looking too young about starting to wear suits, it was a BIG no...

EDIT: Also, my shoes are gorgeous, I have been told I seem very mature and poised, and my clothing all fits- I would just like some SPECIFIC pieces that age up a wardrobe (ie the pearls answer).

Answer 1

Saying you dress too young is a euphemism for saying you don't dress appropriately. You dress fashionably instead of wearing the uniform. It's easy to know what the uniform is for a man. One of only a handful of correct suits, white (ONLY) long sleeve dress shirt (no pocket), black dress shoes of high quality and matching belt, and one of only a handful of ties. If a man isn't wearing this, he is dressed incorrectly. Any disagreement is punished severely by people in power (ie they will fire your stupid ***).

For women, it is much more nebulous but it is possible to define specifically what you must be wearing (as in you may disagree but don't be surprised if you are never promoted again).

The book on this, quite literally, was written by John T. Molloy. Buy his book. Do what he says.

Understand something. This is about networking. Networking is all about separating the 5% to 10% of people who matter from the 90% to 95% of people who don't. It is the first and most basic test as to if you belong or not. Fail it, and you won't be included in anything important....ever.

Answer 2

If you are small and look young, and you like fashionable career wear it may be hard to pull off a "professional" look because the fact that you are into fashion rather than just standard office looks may be interpreted as too trendy by some. The unfortunate truth is that probably someone who looked older could possibly wear exactly what you prefer and not be seen as dressing too young.

First, evaluate the input you got about your style. Do you feel you have to take this remark seriously, was it one time only or a repeated observation? That can help you decide if you even need to make a change, really. If you feel you do have to change something, I'd suggest not compromising on the cuts and shapes you like, but maybe toning down your colors to more darks and neutrals with smaller touches of color.

Also consider whether you can change your hairstyle to look older or slightly more conservative. And whether you are willing to do that. Much of what people focus on is your face, and hairstyle can have a lot to do with how your features are presented.

I would much rather see a young person in an office with a sense of style, so even if you have to make a few changes, don't stop being yourself.

Answer 3

It sounds like your clothes are wearing you and not the other way around. I get the feeling you are dressing way to loose and conservative. You don't even mention shoes, which are so important on the way you are perceived. Shoes and stockings are half your attire as you are seen by others.

I wear only pumps, 3 1/2 - 4" heels, and very expensive sheer stockings. I even wear them with a garter belt, but you can do hold ups if you get the sheer ones. Pantyhose are kind of old fashioned. Put some color in your hosiery, suntans, grays, black and off black, and coffee. Make sure they are good quality and sheer. Remember, you are nearly 50% legs, or should be if your skirts are tailored right. Never wear any business skirt below the knee. Straight cut 3/4 length with slits are OK for winter but generally keep to the knee or a little above.

I am a 21 year old Marketing rep for a major corporation, and have been beating the guys who average nearly 10 years older than me since I got here. You have to go for a classic and sophisticated look. Not the Country Club look, but the Uptown look if you want to succeed in business, especially the guys cuz the good ones are GQ all the way. Be a little sexier, in a very classic way, and don't forget the shoes and stockings, they are the foundation everything else is built on.

Answer 4

You don't say much about shoes or stockings. I am 17, and still in high school, but I hold down a terrific job at a law office, and even close the office two nights a week. The first thing I did since i didn't have a lot of career clothes is borrow my sisters, skirts, pumps ans sheer stockings. That alone moved me from the high school part timer to girl Friday. the older women still harass me about my clothes being a little tight, but I work directly for the managing partner now, who likes my style. He tells me its about time somebody brought some style to the office, if we want to get younger clients.

I think you need to get some heels, stockings and tighten up your clothes. Keep the tops loose, but the skirts and pants should be fitted to give off an air of sophistication. Make sure the stockings are sheer, not the cheese cloth, grannyhose kind. I wear stockings myself, their much more contemporary than pantyhose.

When you wear sexier more sophisticated clothes, you will act more mature and self confident, which will make you appear much more mature.

Answer 5

I think you need to dress a little less everything. Simpler is better. sounds like you need a taylor, because I think your clothes may be a little big. There is a spot between teen tight, and sexy and sophistacated. I am younger than you, and I am already in charge of the other AA's in my office, and I am the youngest. I have a young face, but dress like I am 30. Shirtdresses, heels, blazers, fitted slacks and always heels and stockings. I have a great tan, but it only makes the stockings look better. I usually wear loose fitting tops, and very fitted skirts no longer than my knee, usually above it. Button up shirtresses are my favorite, with a button or tow off the bottom. A young face and too conservative dress, can be a bad combination.

Answer 6

I am sorry for you. It must be your attitude if you think a string of pearls is going to fix your situation. You have loads of good advise that you are discounting, because it is not what you want to hear. That is why you come across as immature, you are!

If your clothes are fantastic, your shoes are gorgeous and you think a specific trinket like a string of pearls is going to mature you, you are lost, until you grow up. I can tell by the way you talk, you are stuck in preppy land, and your clothes are all too big and ill fitted. It's your attitude girl, grow up and learn to take advice from those who know. I have seen some very good advice here, and all you do is reply, that no, that not the problem. Why bother asking in the first place. Everything you think is right isn't, otherwise you wouldn't be in this position.

Answer 7

I am petite & very young looking as well. I work in a business casual environment with people that for the most part are 5-10 years older than me. You may want to try adding a couple of suits & dresses to your wardrobe. And you can never go wrong with pearls. They can be trendy, yet professional. And most inportantly, a great suit, a killer pair of shoes & a set of pearls will make you FEEL sophisticated & professional. If you feel it, others will too. Good Luck!!

Answer 8

We seem to be in the same situation, however I am always thought to be much older, and probably because I dress a little more more mature, and daring. Tahari is terrific, I have 4 Tahari suits myself, however I am a size 4, and I buy size 6. The jackets look better tailored but loose on the shoulders, but fitted on the waist and sleeves. I usually wear just a silk camisole under them in a nice color. I have all my skirts tailored to be bordering on tight. Two inches over the knee and fitted closely around my rear. I always wear stockings, not even pantyhose, but stockings because they are sleeker and more sophisticated. Never beige, but sun tan, off black, gray or French Coffee.

I always wear 4" pumps, no strappy sandals, but classic pumps. I have at least two dozen different shapes and colors.

It sounds like you are just a little preppy, which is never taken seriously. You are very close to classic, which is the look you should strive for. I spend $15.00 just for a pair of stockings, and use at least four pair a week, but I command attention any time I enter a room. If you wear your clothes well, shoes and stockings can be your biggest accessories. Keeping everything simple is a hallmark of the classic look. You don't give your height, but I am only 5'6" but look at least 5'8" the way I dress. The heels and stockings will keep your posture straight, and force you to move around in a authorative way.

I am always asked to attend company affairs, and go to company events and trips. I am the only female here to be given skybox tickits. Everyone comments on how well I dress, except the older women, and nobody listens to them anyway.

Answer 9

a change of hairstyle might do it...but really sweety i'll tell u my story...up until i was about 30 people thought i looked 18 and i used to hate it...now im 40 and people think im 28-30 and i love it...i seriously wouldnt worry about it and enjoy that to ur advantage..anyone that judges you for that is jealous ...but i do know the pain in the rear about carding lol....now i love to get carded heh heh :)

Answer 10

First of all, I like the skirt!!! People inform me I've nice feet but I still don't wear shorts