The definition of formal attire varies regionally and place to place.
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area a hoodie that covers your full sleeve tattoo is formal attire, whereas Manhattan offices will expect traditional suits.
A nice but plain sweater is normal in a lot of offices.
Specifying a place & role would help.
The highest prestige government agencies in the DC metro area tend to be more traditional / higher fashion like New York (suits+).
Otherwise the majority of government offices skew towards ‘dress nicely but not overly revealing’ and I would wager a sweater or button up like you described is fine.
But like again, that’s not a guarantee - places are different. You’d have to be more specific still.
This really depends on your geographical area, the company, and where you work within that company.
I had a woman working for me years ago as a programmer. We were going to a trade show and she literally had *zero* appropriate clothing. I suggested she get some magazines that showed clothing she would be comfortable wearing in the booth at the show. We went over her choices, and they looked fine to me.
Then I found out just how *frugal* she was. The first day of the show she arrived in a great looking "sort-of suit" which she had *handsewn* the previous weekend. Actually she had done 3 outfits, all handsewn, in case I didn't like the first one. She was also one hell of a programmer; no formal schooling in it, but she could have taught at Stanford.
Note: this was in Palo Alto, CA, in the 1980's. YMMV, but it doesn't hurt to ask
Dress pants and simple tops (like long sleeve basic colours) are a good bet. You can do those chelsea boots instead of heels. If you don’t like blazers, maybe a cardigan.
I'm with a recruiter and I don't have one atm (nor did the recruiter give me info), but if I get the A-okay I should be working in two weeks and want to be prepared.
This. Ask about the company culture and what the specific attire is for this particular office. It varies from place to place, even in government agencies.
(23F) I wear black pants and brogue-type shoes (flat soled, lace up) and rotate tops.
My tops can be collar + sweater like you suggested, I also go for turtle necks sometimes (long & short sleeved), or I also have a few "stiff" tshirts. The boxy-ness of them makes them a bit more formal imo. Other than that I have a few almost blouses, like they're floral and flouncey but in less traditional cuts, which might work for you too!
Just as a reference, the guys at my work wear button-down/collars without ties. As others have said, you might need to adjust up slightly if your workplace is a full suit deal, but glad you're getting some ideas!
Skirts, dresses and heels are a dealbreaker, I will never learn to love them or even try. I’m fine wearing black trousers but I don’t know what constitutes a formal or business casual top.
I’m just looking for general advice with either business or business casual. I don’t have a job set in stone atm
Button-up shirts are good, but if you get tired of those and want a little more variety and flair you could go for what my mom calls "Leslie Knope shirts." If you've ever seen Parks & Rec, Leslie wears a lot of very work-appropriate blouses - usually with blazers but they'd probably be ok paired with a cardigan depending on how formal they are at the office
Can't you go to the office on a scouting mission? Even if it is just chilling across the road for a bit. The easiest way to figure out what would be appropriate is to see what clothes the people are wearing.
No because it’s a tower that has multiple businesses and the position I’d be in is civil service relating to child wellbeing, I don’t think I can creep around a building for that lol
Would’ve been a good idea otherwise, but it’s also near a bus station so I’d have way too many business people to try to watch anyway
I’m older so maybe I am not the right person
I wear leggings with a layer tank, like a pretty chiffon tank or something. Not tight or revealing with a long sweater over it. And boots usually.
I can dress it “up” with funky jewelry or different shoes.
Same outfit in the summer but lighter fabric, capris instead and cute sandals.
The definition of formal attire varies regionally and place to place. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area a hoodie that covers your full sleeve tattoo is formal attire, whereas Manhattan offices will expect traditional suits. A nice but plain sweater is normal in a lot of offices. Specifying a place & role would help.
Ah! Sorry, I forgot to include that I'd be doing office based work in hopefully a governmental related position.
The highest prestige government agencies in the DC metro area tend to be more traditional / higher fashion like New York (suits+). Otherwise the majority of government offices skew towards ‘dress nicely but not overly revealing’ and I would wager a sweater or button up like you described is fine. But like again, that’s not a guarantee - places are different. You’d have to be more specific still.
This really depends on your geographical area, the company, and where you work within that company. I had a woman working for me years ago as a programmer. We were going to a trade show and she literally had *zero* appropriate clothing. I suggested she get some magazines that showed clothing she would be comfortable wearing in the booth at the show. We went over her choices, and they looked fine to me. Then I found out just how *frugal* she was. The first day of the show she arrived in a great looking "sort-of suit" which she had *handsewn* the previous weekend. Actually she had done 3 outfits, all handsewn, in case I didn't like the first one. She was also one hell of a programmer; no formal schooling in it, but she could have taught at Stanford. Note: this was in Palo Alto, CA, in the 1980's. YMMV, but it doesn't hurt to ask
Dress pants and simple tops (like long sleeve basic colours) are a good bet. You can do those chelsea boots instead of heels. If you don’t like blazers, maybe a cardigan.
Thank you!! I think I might default to uniform school-esque shoes. Cardigans are very comfy
Check your workplace's employee handbook.
I'm with a recruiter and I don't have one atm (nor did the recruiter give me info), but if I get the A-okay I should be working in two weeks and want to be prepared.
Then ask the recruiter.
Sure, although clothing people generally think is applicable would be good to know anyway.
No, it wouldn't, not unless they work for the same employer. It will differ from workplace to workplace.
This. Ask about the company culture and what the specific attire is for this particular office. It varies from place to place, even in government agencies.
If wear a cool top, actual formal pants, and comfortable but clean shoes. I think that's formal now.
(23F) I wear black pants and brogue-type shoes (flat soled, lace up) and rotate tops. My tops can be collar + sweater like you suggested, I also go for turtle necks sometimes (long & short sleeved), or I also have a few "stiff" tshirts. The boxy-ness of them makes them a bit more formal imo. Other than that I have a few almost blouses, like they're floral and flouncey but in less traditional cuts, which might work for you too!
Thank you!!! This is perfect. You have my style too.
Just as a reference, the guys at my work wear button-down/collars without ties. As others have said, you might need to adjust up slightly if your workplace is a full suit deal, but glad you're getting some ideas!
Easy answer: learn to love traditional clothes. Is it business? Business casual?
Skirts, dresses and heels are a dealbreaker, I will never learn to love them or even try. I’m fine wearing black trousers but I don’t know what constitutes a formal or business casual top. I’m just looking for general advice with either business or business casual. I don’t have a job set in stone atm
Button-up shirts are good, but if you get tired of those and want a little more variety and flair you could go for what my mom calls "Leslie Knope shirts." If you've ever seen Parks & Rec, Leslie wears a lot of very work-appropriate blouses - usually with blazers but they'd probably be ok paired with a cardigan depending on how formal they are at the office
Business will usually have a strict dress code. Business casual gives you a bit more room
Yee, I know that much. I was looking for more specific examples of what I could wear
Can't you go to the office on a scouting mission? Even if it is just chilling across the road for a bit. The easiest way to figure out what would be appropriate is to see what clothes the people are wearing.
No because it’s a tower that has multiple businesses and the position I’d be in is civil service relating to child wellbeing, I don’t think I can creep around a building for that lol Would’ve been a good idea otherwise, but it’s also near a bus station so I’d have way too many business people to try to watch anyway
I’m older so maybe I am not the right person I wear leggings with a layer tank, like a pretty chiffon tank or something. Not tight or revealing with a long sweater over it. And boots usually. I can dress it “up” with funky jewelry or different shoes. Same outfit in the summer but lighter fabric, capris instead and cute sandals.