9-To-5 Style Lessons For The Corporate Rookie
By Gabriela Rocha
ALL ILLUSTRATIONS BY SYDNEY HASS
Gabriela is a freelance writer and full-time PR professional currently residing in Washington, D.C. by way of Brooklyn. Her loves include good coffee, carbs, and vintage anything.
There’s no shame in being a corporate rookie. But, that doesn’t mean you should dress like one. Plain-Jane business suits, tame pencil skirts, and nails safely manicured in Essie’s Ballet Slippers are not the only style elements for securing your #girlboss status.
Sure, those essentials will always have a home in a working woman’s repertoire, and you probably won’t stir up any trouble sticking to them, but playing it safe does not a boss lady make. Plenty of workplaces allow casual dress on Fridays, and many of us are lucky enough to clock in at an office where a bit of sartorial self-expression is not cause for an ominous meeting invite from HR.
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From the sophisticated young professional with a soft spot for J.Crew to the fashion-forward, trend-loving recent grad, there’s room for practically every style persona in the business world. All it takes is some trial and error (learning on the job!), a savvy shopping approach, and a bit of the same confidence that landed you that gig in the first place.
So, don’t be afraid to shake things up while you hone your workplace style. You may just surprise yourself — and your colleagues — with how polished you can look, even sans a power blazer or business bob.
Ahead, you’ll find a few style lessons to help you conquer your cube, and then that corner office.
You can get away with a more relaxed look on occasion.
There will always be those days when you can’t bear the thought of squeezing into a tailored dress or toe-pinching pumps, and if your office abides by business casual rules, you’re golden. Try something like a knit sweater with slim-fit trousers and comfortable loafers or booties. Just don’t leave the house before making sure your hair and makeup are looking put-together and professional (say, sleek strands and a red lip). You can wear some of your weekend favorites, as long as you’re elevating the look in other departments; it’s all about balance.
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Look to your superiors for clear-cut style boundaries.
A good rule of thumb is to base your sartorial decisions off of what you know your supervisor would or wouldn’t wear. Once you get a feel for the overall theme in their wardrobe choices, experiment accordingly. For instance, if your boss is devoted to daily pantsuits, your workwear should also lean more conservative. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t put together an outfit using a tailored dress or skirt-and-sweater combo that you love, or even get creative with interesting jewelry or quirky nail art, or a hairstyle that’s all your own — as long as your overall look says “down to business.”
Shop during your lunch hour.
Nobody tells you just how precious your weekends will become once you embark on your first 9-to-5 journey. You’ll grow accustomed to jam-packing as much out-of-office fun as you can within those treasured (and too short) two days.
Or, maybe you’ll be the type to park on the couch and binge-watch Broad City to power up for your next five-day grind. Either way, confronting long checkout lines and ruthless crowds is going to feel less and less fun. Swing by your favorite shops during the workweek when they’re empty, or browse bookmarked e-commerce sites at your desk between bites of salad. You’ll likely be shocked at how quickly you can take up what I like to call “power shopping,” stealing yourself away from your to-do list for even a few minutes. Of course, it’s crucial to keep in mind what’s considered professional at your place of work before you choose your shipping options.
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Stilettos are not your only option.
Not every career woman can withstand the sensation of blistered heels and sore soles on the regular, and for that reason, the fashion gods created oxfords, loafers, the flatform, ankle booties, and — you get the point. There are so many alternatives to the ubiquitous office-appropriate pump, each offering its own unique and professional presence. But, if your job does call more for daily use of height-inducing footwear, don’t fret! The power of an open-toed pump paired with tights — or even a pair of fancy socks — is widely underestimated. Now, go give your tootsies some well-deserved rest.
When in doubt, wear a watch.
The undying devotion we have for our smartphones has us almost forgetting about a more old-fashioned way of telling time. And, with some companies still discouraging accessorizing past the limited threshold of understated stud earrings and relationship-status jewelry, a chic timepiece is both suitable for business and a sly way to show your sense of style. Plus, you’ll never be tempted to check Instagram in a meeting if you’ve left your phone at your desk — better safe than sorry, in that case.
Break up with fast fashion.
Not that you can’t still be friends, but now that you’ve finally nailed your first full-time gig, it’s time to get serious about your wardrobe. Stores like Zara and H&M may fill their racks with plenty of acceptable — even if of questionable quality — office-wear, and are great for when you need an on-trend ensemble in a pinch. But, if you choose to invest in a few timeless, high-quality pieces, instead, they’ll stay with you for the long-run, and might even see you to the top of your career ladder. Welcome to the wonderful world of adulthood, where your clothes don’t spontaneously come apart at the seams.
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