Late on a Friday night, I received this tweet from Domestic Outlet: “My mom offered to help build my work closet (new grad). I have 1 dress, 2 shrt slv button ups, and a bunch of knits. Advice?”
Of course I have a ton of advice [for this 30-year-old grad school grad], but I know you do, too, so I thought it’d be fun to turn this into a challenge. Based on
(1) your personal style and
(2) the information below,
what pieces should Domestic Outlet buy to begin her working life? You can either link to your ideas in the comments below or email a collage (like Polyvore) to darlene [at] hourglassy [dot] com by October 30. On November 1, I’ll post a roundup of everyone’s ideas–including recommendations to come from fellow Bosom Bloggers at The Full Figured Chest, Venusian Glow , and A SophisticatedPair! Then we’ll see which pieces Domestic Outlet chooses!
1. Budget: $300-ish
2. Job: she’s interviewing to teach K-8 or work in an office
3. Goal: Command respect but be approachable
4. Vital Stats:
- petite 28H–somewhere along the lines of 36″ bust, 26.5″ ribcage, 29″ waist and 35-37″ hips.
- Height 5’2″.
- Bottoms: sizes 2-4
- Dresses: size 4
- Shirts: wears XS/S in Express but can size up to S/M
5. Preferences:
- prints can “eat her up” but she loves pinstripes
- blues, greens and pinks, though she’s been steering away from pinks lately
- although she loves skirts, she says they’re not always practical, and high heels “are usually impractical”
6. Climate: Pacific Northwest, so always rainy
7. What’s already in her closet:
Tops
- Two Express Essential Short Sleeve shirts in white and in light blue (see photo above)
- A somewhat too-big Express Essential long sleeve shirt in deep purple
- Two plaid button-ups that a friend has tailored for me
- Lots of knit tops in V necks or ruched scoop necks, usually high enough that I don’t need to wear a cami underneath.
- V Neck tops that I *do* need to wear a cami underneath
Layers
- Brown corduroy/velour blazer that doesn’t actually match with anything else I own, but I got it out of a free bin and it fits me well.
- A variety of cardigans and sweaters: cowl neck pullover in oatmeal, plain snap front cardigan in deep purple, button up cardigan in black with silver, a drapey lavender one that works as arm coverage but nothing more
- Pashminas, scarves, shawlettes
Bottoms
- Three pairs slacks that fit okay but not great (gray, espresso/maroon pinstripe, khaki)
- Three skirts: brown corduroy A-line, black fit-flare, light pink wool A-line
Dresses
- Magenta shirtdress from Merona (Target) that fits really well, surprisingly (in small not petite) (see photo above)
- Several dresses that were good enough for work as a student teacher, but aren’t necessarily flattering (one’s an empire waist, another is kind of tight…)
Shoes
- low heels, flats, tall boots and Danskos in black
- one pair brown flat slip-ons
Are you ready, Scouts? Let’s help Domestic Outlet be the best-dressed 28H grad entering the workforce this fall!
P.S. A T. Tahari blazer that she almost purchased from Nordstrom for interviews, but as you can see, the button is too high. At least that’s my diagnosis. What are your thoughts?
There are some essential info lacking: eye and hair color. Without this info it’s hard to decide about colors ((.
Am I right about skin being almost neutral in terms of color temperature (neither warm, nor cool)?
About blazer: it’s not only button, but also too big waist and too small hips. It doesn’t fit the rise, so look is not great.
I’m so glad to hear that the blazer didn’t fit: the saleslady assured me that it looked great, but I wasn’t convinced. The photo is a little misleading because I’m wearing a sundress with pockets on the sides, creating more poof around my upper thighs but below my hips. In any case, the blazer just didn’t feel flattering, but due to lack of experience, I was not confident in my assessment.
I’m a dishwater blonde with blue eyes (but dark eyebrows). I can’t tell if I’m a warm or cool complexion, but I guess I run pink and don’t see blue in my skin. Another potentially pertinent detail: I’m 30 and a grad school grad, rather than a 23 yo college grad.
The pinkness can be misleading — I always thought that the pink meant I was cool, when I’m in fact warm with some visible capillaries.
Yep, this kind of pinkness is very common for Spring type. It’s really hard to tell from photos, if it Spring or Summer, but my best guess is True Summmer.
Man, skin tones make no sense to me. I’ve tried color matching/complementing tests from fashion sites, and all I can really say is that I look better in white than yellow…maybe. If it helps, I tan much more easily than I burn, with plenty of moles and few freckles, and I’m more Scandinavian and Italian than anything else. My mom’s a redhead, and I’m definitely not as pale as she!
If there was classic 4 season scheme then it totally makes sense to me ) Because you are somewhat in-between seasons, from what I see. You don’t have that very cool undertone as classic Summer, but you don’t have that classic Spring overall warmness either. So your colors not extremely cool or warm, they are a bit muted, more complex, they shouldn’t been too dark and you can go from low to middle level of contrast in your outfits. It’s all about using colors which correspond with your coloring, not about some stupid quizzes or names.
BTW I’ve send a letter to Darlene’s e-mail, if you have questions, ask.
I know this is old, but you mentioned it elsewhere and I just had to say – COLORING FRIEND! Because I am also blond with dark eyebrows (no, seriously, they just grow in that way, I’m pretty sure they’re actually black, as are my eyelashes) and routinely spend time going ‘… I have no idea what my skin tone is, I turn EVERYTHING pink or orange!’
(I eventually have decided that I’m kind of neutral-leaning-cool, because I can wear almost all cool colors but warm colors I have to be careful with, and when I get samples of mineral foundation from someplace that does a huge range of shades, the ‘true’ neutrals look better than the distinct cool or warm options, but not QUITE right. As soon as you add a tiny bit of coolness to it, it ends up spot-on.)
for work pants- Kohls 212 collection or JCPenney Worthington collection – both have multiple cuts of pants with different names. I don’t know if they carry petite versions though. They are very reasonably priced for pants you can wear to work and they don’t need to be dry cleaned.
Capsule collection is essential, make sure that most items go together to mix and match – especially if the budget is limited. Make sure only to buy things you know you will wear more than once. Professional chic scarves can match wardrobe items together in more ways than just the clothes and also look very professional.
Too in your face colours, especially in the reds are too in your face for interviews.
Also deciding if one is a pants or skirts/dresses type of dresser and how much effort do you want to put in deciding your outfit on work mornings. If not much, dresses with sleeves work the best or dresses that match a well fitting blazer/jacket. Good fit is essential in looking professional as well as ironed, non creased clothes.
In ones 30’ties it important also not to look like a student so work wardrobe should not be too casual. Often see graduates either being a bit too professional that it doesn’t quite look like them but an outfit straight off the mannequin doll in the store (risk with pinstripe suits etc.) or they still dress like they did when they were students. But finding ones own professional style takes time so not to worry if it takes some building 🙂
Starting with what colours suit your complexion is the key and making sure this capsule wardrobe is in place: shirt, top, trousers, jeans, skirt/shorts, blazer/jacket and a pairs of shoes that can all be mixed and matched together for a smart casual, smart business casual or smart style and with accessories some combos can be changed from evening to night.
This a colour link I found useful personally, we tend to veer towards colours that suit us and here it was easy to decide what pleases my eye to most: http://pinterest.com/eleablake/
also generally teaming an fashionable top that might generally be seen as workwear and team it with work appropriate and neat pencil skirt or nice trousers to add your own personality in the mix. Can also be achieved with accesories, good to be bold rather than too plain. Like if someone is into heart shapes this top: http://www.hm.com/fi/product/04636?article=04636-C with this skirt http://www.hm.com/fi/product/03185?article=03185-B with these shoes http://www.hm.com/fi/product/00575?article=00575-B#cm_vc=GOES_WITH_PD and this bag http://www.hm.com/fi/product/02343?article=02343-B and this belt (shirt tucked in the skirt) http://www.hm.com/fi/product/97012?article=97012-A and if feeling cold adding a grey or black or why not a colourful cashmere scarf, some leather gloves and a classic trench coat. Works with anyones fav colours and patterns as long as more edgy pieces are teamed with more classical pieces.
I can’t really contribute since I’m in the same boat right now (well, a year and half behind) but I really wanted to say that I love this sort of post!
Imogen Lamport (an Australian image consultant) has a great website with capsule wardrobes and advice. Here is a link to her professional comfortable business wear wardrobe capsule.
http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2012/09/professional-comfortable-businesswear.html
love that link Judy posted. Here’re some of my smart casual takes that apart from the maxi dress maybe would suit a teaching environment and some other workplaces, like IT departments too (I’m on Twitter @CCRTina – weekly columnist on this wonderful Hourglassy blog on tuesdays 😉 https://twitter.com/CCRTina/status/255765600243163136/photo/1/large
Wow, that’s super helpful! I do like the swirly cardigans–any advice for keeping them from being too overwhelming on a tiny frame?
I don’t like shirts with pockets on the bust when you have a bigger chest. I think it can look matronly and it overly emphasizes the chest. I highly recommend scoopneck sweaters (or any shirt with a scoopneck)(try http://www.6pm.com/rsvp-layla-red), v-necks, and jackets that button easily. Also, looser blouses, like peasant blouses. For drapey cardiagans, belt them. Since you’re shorter, I’d probably use a skinnier belt since a thicker belt might overwhelm you.
I know pockets are something to avoid, but I couldn’t find any without. Argument for ordering a Carissa Rose shirt, I guess! It didn’t seem justifiable given that Express shirts fit pretty well; I didn’t feel as if I was busty enough to need a busty cut. But things do strain.
So looser blouses, but belted I guess? Peasant blouses so easily turn into a “giant tent”, though admittedly I haven’t tried one in years.
I tend to avoid pockets, but I didn’t think these looked bad on you–I thought they looked proportional. Here’s what I learned from an image consultant about breast pockets: https://hourglassy.com/2011/06/friend-and-foe-to-buxom-side-rib-knit/
Also, peasant blouses get high marks on the approachability scale but very low marks on the command respect scale.
The lack of buttons I think helps tone them down. I’m planning on sewing the flaps down, which will help. Also, I’ve realized that the pockets usually cover the nipples: I wonder if that’s intentional.
Proportional size–oh, that makes sense now! Maybe these work because they do indeed cover the bulk of my breast. I’m going to go test out this hypothesis now. Maybe there will be a post to follow.
38FF here. What you buy depends on the level of conservativeness of your office. I work in a conservative biz casual office, meaning not suits every day, but not khakis either. Mostly dress pants or skirts, separates (jackets and pants that are not a suit), and conservative sweaters. Here’s what you need, IMO:
1 suit – Banana Republic or Ann Taylor for someone just starting out. They always have sales, the cuts and fabric are classic, and you can get a store CC for additional discounts and insider sales. Not something I would recommend if you have CC debt, but OK if you are a responsible shopper, I suppose.
2 pairs black pants – I like the gap’s perfect trousers although BR suit pants are great.
1-2 neutral colored skirts – Nordstrom’s Halogen wool seamed pencil skirt rocks (just ask the commenters on Corporette) and is under $70.
On top, I go for plain black or white tees with v-neck cardigans or jackets. I get jackets and cardigans everywhere from the Gap to TJ Maxx to Nordstrom. Look for sales, buy quality, classic pieces. Draped cardigans also look good with a well-tailored pair of pants or skirt. I don’t think the button on the pictured jacket looks too high – its just that the arms are raised. Regardless, easy fix for a tailor.
Don’t waste your time with turtlenecks, button downs, or deep v-necks. If you must wear a wrap top, wear a cardigan, although I feel those are too sexy for work at least for me.
Once you get the basic bottom pieces, you only need to replace them when they are worn, so you can shop for more fun jackets and cardis.
I also like necklaces because my palette and style are somewhat plain.
Invest in good bras. Try everything on.
This is helpful, thank you! Any resources for identifying well-made clothing? As a knitter, I’ve developed an eye for good sweaters and such, but not woven fabric.
I’ll definitely look for skirts and pants. I’m not thrilled about a suit, but the guys I know look so good in them, maybe it would be okay. Do you have opinions on color or skirt vs pants?
Best of luck to you in the job search! I just finished graduate school at age 32, and am going through a similar wardrobe renovation – most of my professional clothes are at least 5 years old, and what looked fine when in a casual school environment, does not work in an office.
32DD, 5ft tall.
Pants: Banana Republic Petites. Worth every penny, especially fully lined wool trousers. As Gap is the same parent company as Banana Republic, their pants are pretty good too, but just not as nice (ex. pants not lined, fewer belt loops and other shortcuts) as Banana Republic.
I have that same Express top, and usually am not a fan of bust pockets, but these seem not so bad.
Double-check necklines – always do the bend test. I’m a fan of sweaters, rather than button-downs, as they look more feminine on me and reduce any risks of gaps.
Watch necklace lengths – you don’t want it to be hanging too low. I like small necklaces, such as pearls or small charms. A wristwatch makes you appear dependable, and remember, you won’t be able to check your cell at work for the time. I got a stainless steel Skagen for a graduation gift, which I love!
Amen to good bras! If you haven’t, get fitted before purchasing any new tops – and be sure to wear that new bra when trying on any tops, as how a bra fits impacts how a top fits.
Shoes: I’m a fan of heeled loafers – they’re in style again this fall, so there’s lots of variety. I can’t wear higher than 2 inch heels all day, but a little lift goes a long way for how pants hang. I like Naturalizer, Franco Sarto (flats), and Aerosoles (choose carefully). Invest in shoe polish and protectant spray, especially for leather shoes – spray before you wear, especially with the rain! Taking care of your shoes will help them last longer.
This is quite informative, thanks!
As for the bras, I’ve spent the last year or two trying to find the right size after some fluctuations. So I have a ballpark but not a Perfect Bra. After all the search, I need to stop prioritizing the bra above actual clothes. What I have (mostly seamed balconettes) fit me pretty well, with a wide enough range to cover hormonal fluctuations. But I do get a good cup of change as the month goes on, which does make button-ups and other fitted non-stretchy tops difficult.
Wow, I haven’t worn a watch in a good decade. But I do have two nice watches that could be repaired and worn.
I’ve actually gotten on the minimal shoe bandwagon, and they make professional-looking shoes. However, you’re right that a little lift totally improves pant fit. Aerosoles and Naturalizers have served me well in the past, but I feel like my feet want less squish now.
Congratulations on graduation too! I hope your job search is going better than mine.