if you’re back at the office, what the heck are you wearing to work?

[Anonymous]

I’ve started to go back to the office. We’re definitely more casual than we used to be but I still need the occasional professional outfit (suit or jacket and trousers or skirt and cardigan or dress or whatever the current look is, professional being the operative word), and since everything in my closet is at least 3 years old, I’ve been looking for new clothes. I cant imagine wearing anything i’ve seen to work! Everything is floral and flowy and bright - even at the typical ‘professional’ clothes stores like Banana, Ann Taylor and MM Lafleur.

Where are you finding work clothes, or are you resigned to this new look? It hasn’t caught on at my office and I dont want to be the first…

[Anonymous]

I'm wearing exactly the same clothes I was wearing pre-pandemic. Well, I got some new underwear a few months ago. But other than that - same stuff I've had for years.

I don't like the stuff I've been seeing at Target and Old Navy. Maybe the fall stuff will be better?

[Anonymous]

I wear dresses three days a week, tailored trousers and a silk blouse the other two. I have not worn a suit except for one board presentation. Most folks are more casually dressed than I am; paper bag slacks and sleeveless vneck blouses with flats seem to be what the younger female crowd is wearing. Haven’t seen any men in suits or even with a tie since pre pandemic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear dresses three days a week, tailored trousers and a silk blouse the other two. I have not worn a suit except for one board presentation. Most folks are more casually dressed than I am; paper bag slacks and sleeveless vneck blouses with flats seem to be what the younger female crowd is wearing. Haven’t seen any men in suits or even with a tie since pre pandemic.

What are paper bag slacks?

[Anonymous]

Here you go.

https://www.loft.com/paperbag-taper-pants/590089?skuId=32892956&defaultColor=8279&prodId=590089¤cy=usd&cid=LT_GGL_NB_PLA_Bottoms_SmartShopping_New&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx4uZr4i4-AIVmYzICh1F-gT7EAQYBCABEgL2S_D_BwE&selectedColor=8279

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear dresses three days a week, tailored trousers and a silk blouse the other two. I have not worn a suit except for one board presentation. Most folks are more casually dressed than I am; paper bag slacks and sleeveless vneck blouses with flats seem to be what the younger female crowd is wearing. Haven’t seen any men in suits or even with a tie since pre pandemic.

OP here - are these clothes you had pre-pandemic, or have you found tailored pants and silk blouses that dont look like you took a wrong turn at Woodstock?

[Anonymous]

I wear dark jeans and a blouse.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes exactly what I wore pre-pandemic--trousers wtih some stretch, usually black, and in summer a shell with sweater or jacket added as needed based on building temperature and meeting schedule.

But sometimes a bit more casual this summer--lately linen pants and blouses, but "relaxed". Still, usually solid colors and often either the top or the bottom is black.

I'll likely ease back into my previous work wardrobe as the weather gets cooler.

[Anonymous]

The Hill is back to full on dressing up. Everywhere else seems to be a little more casual than pre-pandemic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wear dresses three days a week, tailored trousers and a silk blouse the other two. I have not worn a suit except for one board presentation. Most folks are more casually dressed than I am; paper bag slacks and sleeveless vneck blouses with flats seem to be what the younger female crowd is wearing. Haven’t seen any men in suits or even with a tie since pre pandemic.

OP here - are these clothes you had pre-pandemic, or have you found tailored pants and silk blouses that dont look like you took a wrong turn at Woodstock?

A mix - I also buy mostly from poshmark for more formal dresses because I can find older styles that are not so flowery. I’ve had good luck buying new with tag items. I picked up two new blouses recently from Ann Taylor that were surprisingly nice quality and fit - just a pale pink and cream. All of the trousers I have are from Talbots and are probably 5/6 years older but I had them tailored (I am too short for their regulars but hate the fit of their petite) so I plan to keep using them. There is a ton of bohemian and floral stuff out there right now but I feel like you can find some more muted items if you need to.

[Anonymous]

My office is much more casual now. I agree that it’s hard to find tops that aren’t very oversized and/or ruffly. I wear something like this with dark jeans:
https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=7599620920001&rrec=true&mlink=5050%2C12413545%2Cbrproduct1_rr_1&clink=12413545&vid=1#pdp-page-content.

Or would wear this with a cardigan (though need to refresh my cardigans/casual jackets). https://www.loft.com/floral-ruffle-mixed-media-shell/590844?skuId=33233208&defaultColor=1269&catid=catl000011&selectedColor=1269

[Anonymous]

I am not back full time but have been to a few professional events.

Things that I have changed -- I will now wear thick leggings and a tunic (mid-thigh) with a jacket (although not in summer).

I'm also wearing cropped wide leg pants.

Not wearing heels.

[Anonymous]

I'm wearing basically the same things as before, although I've gained some weight so my selection is limited. I am not buying anything new right now because the current fashions - ruffles, puffs, tiny flowers - are not flattering on me. I do like big florals but it's hard to find those without the ruffles and whatnot.

I wear flare dresses or surplice dresses or a jacket and trousers.

[Anonymous]

Here’s what I’m wearing tomorrow to my office job in local government;

White jeans with a black and white printed chiffon blouse and black espadrille wedges.

My uniform is typically colored skinny jeans or pixie pants, low wedges, a blouse and maybe an unstructured jacket.

[Anonymous]

Definitely seems like the consolation prize for people with dinosaur employers who won't let them work remotely is that office wear is decidedly more casual. I straight up wear yoga clothes in the office (leggings + tunic). Summer dresses if I want to "dress up." I ordered some washable silk pencil skirts and tops from Quince for a more business formal appearance. But let's be honest, even that is basically PJs.