What is appropriate clothes for office work?

Question

I started a new part-time job this week in an office (my first job in an office). The first day I wore a skirt that came just above my knees by maybe 3 or 4 inches with a sweater and today I work pants with a cami top but had a cardigan sweater on over it. At the end of the day, this woman who is training me (she's not actually my supervisor) told me I should dress more "conservatively" or maybe "look for a job at hooter". I am pretty upset about it because I didn't think I was dress slutty at all and didnt' have many "office" clothes so spent money to buy new stuff that I thought was really nice. I think she was mad cause the men in the office would stop to talk to me alot, I thougth they were just saying "hi" to me cause I'm new. I'm 19 and everyone else that works there is a lot older, mostly all marrried. The woman who said this to me is in her 40's or 50's and really heavy. Should I talk to my actualy boss or just ignore her?

Answer 1

i'll admit, it does sound like your trainer could just be jealous that the men are paying attention to you, but to be safe, i'd go with a wardrobe change. here are some suggestions:

first of all, here are some staples you should have:
1) a crisp white button-down shirt
2) a below-the-knee pencil skirt (but not too tight)
3) a pair of dress pants
4) a pair of conservative pumps (not too high heels, but high enough to wear with the pants so you won't trail the legs on the ground!)
5) a fitted blazer

with bottoms, don't go too tight or too revealing. dress pants should be loose (though not schlumpy) and long. depending on the type of skirt, skirts should be fitted but not too tight (for a pencil skirt). don't wear skirts above the knee - it could be seen as provocative and a little racy by more conservative coworkers.

shirts follow similar rules - not too tight or low-cut. for button downs (which make great office shirts), don't go past the second button from the top. these shirts also look good with a sweater-style shirt or vest over them. blazers also make them look more polished.

shoes should not be open-toed. i would suggest a simple pointed-toe pump, made of a simple material (stay away from glitzy fabrics or patent leather). follow this and try not to wear too-high heels, and your shoes will work well!

if you stay away from clothes that are too flashy or don't fit you right, you should be good. consider getting some pieces tailored to ensure that they'll fit you perfectly. good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on the type of office you're working at. But definitely you should consider wearing a longer skirt but just below the knee. A good idea can be a pencil skirt and a button front blouse with a good belt and high heels. You can wear a very fashionable wrap dress, or dress up your pants with a good fitted balzer. Try not wear jeans, camis or tops that show too much cleavage.

Look for inspiration at
www.luckymag.com
www.charlote-russe.com
www.ardenb.com
or your favorite magazine

Answer 3

Talk to your actual boss - dont complain about this woman, but simply ask about "appropriate dress wear".
Make sure the lady showing you around understands you are not fifty years old and you are not a nun, so you are not going to dress like it.

Some appropriate clothing might be:

*khaki pants and a nice top with a light sweater or jacket over it
*a short pencil skirt and a jacket/blouse

Keep in mind you are only 19 and shouldn't dress "frumpy"

Hope it helps,
Mar

Answer 4

She must be older. I work in an office. Im an executive secretary. I wear slacks and nice blouses. Some of the blouses show cleavage but I wear a seamless cami underneath. It still shows some cleavage but I cant help it my boobs are big. I look nice and not slutty. No she didnt. Go to work tomorrow in a turtle neck and skirt to the floor see what she says. Ignore her. Unless your boss says something to you dont change on her account. She is being a hater!

Answer 5

I would ask my boss what the actual dress code is. Usually business casual calls for skirts to be no more than an inch or so above the knee. You need to know little things like that so you can dress appropriately.

Answer 6

I'm sorry that I can't offer you the advice which immediately sprang to my mind...but the report monkeys are being particularly vicious with me this evening...and I do believe that it would be tempting fate to do so. Thus I will just say...you need to buy the baggy pants...and leave it at that. That way I may have a chance at winning an appeal.

Answer 7

Well, the lady shouldn't have been that rude, but I would wear: Nice pants (not jeans) a white shirt w/ a nice black jacket over it w/ black heals and your hair up in a bun...

Answer 8

Just ignore the brat but if you wanna stay outta trouble make your skirt longer.

Answer 9

i would ignore her, but if it made you feel better about the situation i would talk to the boss and ask about dress policy, and see what he says

Answer 10

I think you should ignore her (but not like dont talk to her. just try to avoide her sometimes). She's just getting in your way. If she's jealous then let her be... I think she thinks you're better than her.. you probably are. =D