Anonymous wrote:I think dresses are a nice way to do this - pants can be expensive and if your shape/size changes they're not as forgiving, where dresses can accomodate.

A nicer t-shirt dress with sleeves and not tight can be dressed with a belt, boots, ballet flats, jewelry:

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-tencel-muscle-tee-dress-black?collection=womens-dresses

I have this dress in a blue/white stripe from last year and it's a good piece as well - a little tenty but I promise is pretty chic on:
https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-oxford-short-sleeve-shirt-dress-black?collection=womens-dresses

I tried this on in-store and was surprised how thick and work-appropriate it is: https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-dream-shift-dress-earth-brown?collection=womens-dresses

Would also get some sweaters from Quince (saw they just released a nicer/thicker cashmere)

Thieve look pretty casual to me and don’t really convey “promote me to upper management”. The last one is better but it looks really short in this picture — wouldn’t wear something that short in a professional environment with a lot of men. My rule of thumb for work is that a dress hem should definitely be closer to your knees than to your crotch. Preferably within a couple inches of your knees.

Anonymous wrote:DP, but another thing to consider when working with a lot of men is that they likely aren't paying close attention to the details. As long as your overall look is put-together, professional, and not otherwise too memorable, you can get a lot of runway out of a few basics. I have 2-3 colors of the same dresses that I like in not-loud colors (black, navy, jewel tones) and I cycle through those, changing up my accessories for variety (sweaters or blazers are another option). I've found Boden and Ann Taylor to be good for this.

This 100%. You could wear the same black pants every day and they would not notice because they have a closet full of identical pants. The big question is if you are more comfortable in pants or skirts. I personally prefer pants as my legs get cold plus then I don’t have to worry about whether my legs look good (men will notice if you have spider veins, scars, blotchy legs but will never notice if you wear pants every day).
I would get 3 pairs of dress pants in black/navy/charcoal from BR, j crew, Ann Taylor or Talbots — whatever fits you best. Just basic dress pants in a straight leg or slightly wide leg.
Nocer quality white tee from j crew, Biden or lands end to wear under blazers.
A blazer — j crew has fine ones if you don’t want to shop around.
A couple nicer button downs in no iron cotton or silk — something like a light blue or dove grey or blush pink is easy to wear frequently. I like bright colors but if you wear plum or emerald or bright red very often, people will notice it more.

DP, but another thing to consider when working with a lot of men is that they likely aren't paying close attention to the details. As long as your overall look is put-together, professional, and not otherwise too memorable, you can get a lot of runway out of a few basics. I have 2-3 colors of the same dresses that I like in not-loud colors (black, navy, jewel tones) and I cycle through those, changing up my accessories for variety (sweaters or blazers are another option). I've found Boden and Ann Taylor to be good for this.

I think dresses are a nice way to do this - pants can be expensive and if your shape/size changes they're not as forgiving, where dresses can accomodate.

A nicer t-shirt dress with sleeves and not tight can be dressed with a belt, boots, ballet flats, jewelry:

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-tencel-muscle-tee-dress-black?collection=womens-dresses

I have this dress in a blue/white stripe from last year and it's a good piece as well - a little tenty but I promise is pretty chic on:
https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-oxford-short-sleeve-shirt-dress-black?collection=womens-dresses

I tried this on in-store and was surprised how thick and work-appropriate it is: https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-dream-shift-dress-earth-brown?collection=womens-dresses

Would also get some sweaters from Quince (saw they just released a nicer/thicker cashmere)

You mentioned lots of men so I don't know if you're concerned about not being taken seriously if you dress feminine? If that's a concern in your organizational culture, disregard this, and I'm sorry. If not, I'm your size and I find it easier to just wear a lot of dresses. I have multiple black sheath dresses I wear with jackets or cardigans so I guess that's my capsule. Also like print wrap dresses for more casual days. I mostly pick things up secondhand, but in terms of brands, petites from Boden, Ann Taylor, and Talbots seem to work well.

JCrew petite. Stick to neutral colors for mix and match. Don’t be swayed by color of the year pop of color BS for basics.

I like the extra petite blog for buying help. The key is you want a capsule wardrobe to start. My uniform is pants and a sweater, or a striped shirt and blazer. Save up for good bags and shoes.

The realreal and fashionphile. Quality brands for a fraction of price.

https://www.therealreal.com/shop/women/clothing/pants?price_to=100&clothing_size%5B%5D=24&condition%5B%5D=20&condition%5B%5D=19

Banana Republic Factory, J Crew and J Crew Factory and Loft. Even H&M. I got a nice cropped trench there for under $40 on sale.

Get some black trousers, a few nice blouses and cardigans, and loafers.

At that price point I would probably take a look at Quince.

Help me put one together. I’m 5’2, 125 lbs, work in a business casual environment with a lot of men and want to be seen as rising to senior management in the next few years. I don’t have a lot of money, so individual pieces I’d like to be under $100 if possible, though I could save up for a nice item. I have 2 suits which I never ever wear since I’ve started.