How to look high-end at work

[Anonymous]

Don't dress slutty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People think I am Ivy educated and rich (these couldn’t be farther from the truth). I wear a ton of J Crew, Everlane, Cuyana, and Old Navy. Always loafers or oxfords shoes (leather). Basically, I keep it simple. I wear natural look makeup. I have never had a blowout. I have a simple haircut (shoulder length bob) but my hair is straight. High end and professional comes in many forms (shapes, sizes, and colors).

LOL

Do they tell you this? --> "You look like a person who is Ivy-educated and rich."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1
Then, what would you add or change about what the PP shared?

Many years ago, I was at a think tank where there were only two tiers: admin and scholars. I had to change my look over a weekend, when I realized that my look was more "admin" (whatever that meant at the time) than "scholar." I only bought a few pieces, followed the PP's general advice, and finished out my year there. The staff was amazing and resourceful. It was not an insult to be mistaken for an administrator, it's just that I would miss out on invitations to presentations or collaborative work. Once I had my sling backs and sheath dress, I started being taken a lot more seriously.

I'm now a Consultant, wearing leggings and a tunic-length t-shirt while teleworking.

Well twinset and pearls have to go. And the 3 piece suit as well, with the silk blend tops and button downs. The suit may or may not be necessary depending on what OP actually does but for most women nowadays a suit is unnecessary. An elegant dress is usually better. Button down shirts - I never ever wear these because my boobs make this look very unattractive. But of course that is body-shape dependent. As I said, it's hard to advise without knowing more about OP. But I would suggest thinking about dresses, a few separates that can be switched around and matched. These are expensive options but for an idea, look at The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/ and Cefinn https://www.cefinn.com/us/

PP, I really like the dresses at both of these sites. Any other suggestions, particularly in the $300 and less price range?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the PP who posted The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/ and Cefinn https://www.cefinn.com/us/ -- any other ideas? I particularly like The Fold & wonder what else you'd recommend. Not OP, just hijacking.

You beat me to recommending The Fold. You can find less expensive but still polished dresses at MMLaFleur. Add heels (2-3 inches max- I love LK Bennett), diamond or pearl studs, a high end but not flashy (not covered in logos) handbag.

Keep your hair and nails neat. No polish or stick to neutral colors. Natural make up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1
Then, what would you add or change about what the PP shared?

Many years ago, I was at a think tank where there were only two tiers: admin and scholars. I had to change my look over a weekend, when I realized that my look was more "admin" (whatever that meant at the time) than "scholar." I only bought a few pieces, followed the PP's general advice, and finished out my year there. The staff was amazing and resourceful. It was not an insult to be mistaken for an administrator, it's just that I would miss out on invitations to presentations or collaborative work. Once I had my sling backs and sheath dress, I started being taken a lot more seriously.

I'm now a Consultant, wearing leggings and a tunic-length t-shirt while teleworking.

Well twinset and pearls have to go. And the 3 piece suit as well, with the silk blend tops and button downs. The suit may or may not be necessary depending on what OP actually does but for most women nowadays a suit is unnecessary. An elegant dress is usually better. Button down shirts - I never ever wear these because my boobs make this look very unattractive. But of course that is body-shape dependent. As I said, it's hard to advise without knowing more about OP. But I would suggest thinking about dresses, a few separates that can be switched around and matched. These are expensive options but for an idea, look at The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/ and Cefinn https://www.cefinn.com/us/

PP, I really like the dresses at both of these sites. Any other suggestions, particularly in the $300 and less price range?

MM La Fleur has some options under $300. Of Mercer is another option you might try for less expensive dresses.

[Anonymous]

Go to Saks or Neiman Marcus and get a black and a navy suit that has a well tailored sheath dress, pants and a pencil skirt with a very classic well tailored jacket. Get 3-4 basic shells at a place like J Crew or Banana Republic. Buy diamond stud and pearl stud earrings. Join Rent the Runway unlimited to mix in high end jackets and dresses until you get a feel for what styles and brands suit you. Then meet with a stylist to work on your basics to mix RTR things with. The best dressed women in my office often have colorful designer jackets - I am guessing they rent them or buy and then consign after a season.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the PP who posted The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/ and Cefinn https://www.cefinn.com/us/ -- any other ideas? I particularly like The Fold & wonder what else you'd recommend. Not OP, just hijacking.

You beat me to recommending The Fold. You can find less expensive but still polished dresses at MMLaFleur. Add heels (2-3 inches max- I love LK Bennett), diamond or pearl studs, a high end but not flashy (not covered in logos) handbag.

Keep your hair and nails neat. No polish or stick to neutral colors. Natural make up.

I always feel like my nails look dirty when I don’t wear polish or wear clear polish. Any tips on keeping them neat and clean looking?

[Anonymous]

I spend a ton on lingerie. I like the feeling of have a good “base” to my outfits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the PP who posted The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/ and Cefinn https://www.cefinn.com/us/ -- any other ideas? I particularly like The Fold & wonder what else you'd recommend. Not OP, just hijacking.

You beat me to recommending The Fold. You can find less expensive but still polished dresses at MMLaFleur. Add heels (2-3 inches max- I love LK Bennett), diamond or pearl studs, a high end but not flashy (not covered in logos) handbag.

Keep your hair and nails neat. No polish or stick to neutral colors. Natural make up.

I'm the PP who posted The Fold and Cefinn. First, keep your eyes peeled for sales on these sites - they come up at least a couple of times a year and Cefinn is also sold at Net a Porter so goes on sale there too. I personally find LK Bennett and MMLaFleur a bit less interesting as brands but you can find some nice stuff there too so I agree that they are worth a look. If you are open to brighter colors and prints, a new brand I like is Kitri - https://kitristudio.us/ For simpler styles, Me+Em is excellent quality and you can do well in the sales there too - https://www.meandem.com/us/ . If you like that kind of style, also check out Cos (there is a store in Georgetown) https://www.cosstores.com/en_usd/index.html - I recommend going to see it rather than just looking online because I think the way they present it online looks very weird and it's much nicer in person.

As another PP posted, I also like Of Mercer, and MaxMara is always worth a look, particularly for their trousers and particularly around sale time (i.e. now).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to the PP who posted The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/ and Cefinn https://www.cefinn.com/us/ -- any other ideas? I particularly like The Fold & wonder what else you'd recommend. Not OP, just hijacking.

You beat me to recommending The Fold. You can find less expensive but still polished dresses at MMLaFleur. Add heels (2-3 inches max- I love LK Bennett), diamond or pearl studs, a high end but not flashy (not covered in logos) handbag.

Keep your hair and nails neat. No polish or stick to neutral colors. Natural make up.

I'm the PP who posted The Fold and Cefinn. First, keep your eyes peeled for sales on these sites - they come up at least a couple of times a year and Cefinn is also sold at Net a Porter so goes on sale there too. I personally find LK Bennett and MMLaFleur a bit less interesting as brands but you can find some nice stuff there too so I agree that they are worth a look. If you are open to brighter colors and prints, a new brand I like is Kitri - https://kitristudio.us/ For simpler styles, Me+Em is excellent quality and you can do well in the sales there too - https://www.meandem.com/us/ . If you like that kind of style, also check out Cos (there is a store in Georgetown) https://www.cosstores.com/en_usd/index.html - I recommend going to see it rather than just looking online because I think the way they present it online looks very weird and it's much nicer in person.

As another PP posted, I also like Of Mercer, and MaxMara is always worth a look, particularly for their trousers and particularly around sale time (i.e. now).

Edited to add, on Matches Fashion right now there are quite a few really nice Cefinn dresses on sale for around the $185 mark.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People think I am Ivy educated and rich (these couldn’t be farther from the truth). I wear a ton of J Crew, Everlane, Cuyana, and Old Navy. Always loafers or oxfords shoes (leather). Basically, I keep it simple. I wear natural look makeup. I have never had a blowout. I have a simple haircut (shoulder length bob) but my hair is straight. High end and professional comes in many forms (shapes, sizes, and colors).

This. We have several highly influential women executives including our CEO, who are unassuming and simple. In fact women who focus too much on grooming are viewed as “dolls” and not taken too seriously. Women in power actually look like they don’t care much for their appearance. They deliver what matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People think I am Ivy educated and rich (these couldn’t be farther from the truth). I wear a ton of J Crew, Everlane, Cuyana, and Old Navy. Always loafers or oxfords shoes (leather). Basically, I keep it simple. I wear natural look makeup. I have never had a blowout. I have a simple haircut (shoulder length bob) but my hair is straight. High end and professional comes in many forms (shapes, sizes, and colors).

LOL

Do they tell you this? --> "You look like a person who is Ivy-educated and rich."

No, not that exact sentence. I have had acquaintances ask if I went to Harvard or Yale. I have had former coworkers at different companies make the statements involving silver spoons, etc. When I correct them they are usually embarrassed and admit they assumed I was rich/came from money.

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom has some good look links
https://shop.nordstrom.com/look/daytime-polish/476023

https://shop.nordstrom.com/look/updated-classics/477122 (except no to these pants)

https://shop.nordstrom.com/look/summer-style/554145

https://shop.nordstrom.com/look/work-ready/555657

Any of these appeal OP?

[Anonymous]

I think all good clothing advice so nothing to add but I will stress hair! I cannot tell you how many women I see who dress but then just wash and wear hair or do a frizzy blow dry.

Hair and nails are the key and then simple classic pieces.

I have thick, coarse, curly, frizzy hair if I let it go natural.

I get compliments on it daily but it is a lot of work and a lot of money. However, the alternative is not pretty and I know it, photos prove it. So....I do it every other day but it means getting up at 5, washing it, letting it air dry 45 min, quick blow dry, then straighten with flat iron. Keratin treatments 3+ a year, salon cut every 4-6 weeks to thin out, etc.

If I’m on vacation or working on project from home I don’t do all this. If I’m in office and meeting clients/ presentations, I do ( and have my entire career.) it makes a huge difference in how polished you look.

I have highly educated, accomplished clients. We do great work together but you know what they compliment me most On —my hair and clothes! People do notice. Even in this day and age women are still held to a different standard.

My DH is getting chubby, grey hair coming in, and balding. He does dress nice but no way same issues or pressure. I eat healthy, work out every day, and maintain a professional wardrobe. It does make a difference in how one is perceived.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People think I am Ivy educated and rich (these couldn’t be farther from the truth). I wear a ton of J Crew, Everlane, Cuyana, and Old Navy. Always loafers or oxfords shoes (leather). Basically, I keep it simple. I wear natural look makeup. I have never had a blowout. I have a simple haircut (shoulder length bob) but my hair is straight. High end and professional comes in many forms (shapes, sizes, and colors).

This. We have several highly influential women executives including our CEO, who are unassuming and simple. In fact women who focus too much on grooming are viewed as “dolls” and not taken too seriously. Women in power actually look like they don’t care much for their appearance. They deliver what matters.

I cannot emphasize enough how true this is. The highest ranking women never look dolled up. Not frumpy , but not like they spent all day in the salon.