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Permalink Reply by Dragon Slayer Puss on January 2, 2012 at 11:18pm

I love a pencil skirt for office work. I usually pair the skirt with a nice but simple blouse or button down shirt. Sometimes I do camis and an argyle style sweater. Heels are a 3in heel or lower. Never too high because it will look inappropriate in the office, and I personally shy away from platform style heels at work. I also do slacks with nice comfy flats and similar tops. Be sure to include pearls or simple jewels. Oh yea... U can never go wrong with a crisp blazer. It goes well with skirts or trousers. Lastly I don't do too much color in the office, but that's just me. Congrats on ur new position!

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Permalink Reply by Kia Johnson on January 2, 2012 at 11:21pm

This is easy. I would say get some more slacks, knee-length dress skirts, and button down shirts. A small kitten heel, wedge or flat would be good. Macys always has good suits, Express suits are ok and if you need something for cheap I would try NY&CO. I wouldn't spend more than $20 per piece at NY&CO. Stud earrings and minimal jewelry & fragrance. I would lean more toward suits because you can wear the pieces together or separate. Good luck and Congrats!!!

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Permalink Reply by Diva706 on January 2, 2012 at 11:24pm

@Love Thanks, I actually own a pencil skirt! But it looks like I'm going to have to shop for shoes now,lol!

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Permalink Reply by Diva706 on January 2, 2012 at 11:36pm

@Kia thx doll! I never thought about Ny & co!

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Permalink Reply by PrettyPretty on January 3, 2012 at 7:12am

No,pencil skirt if you have a really curvy shape or a donkey booty (phadera voice) it can come across as to sexy.......When I had a office job I use to frequent The Loft you can't go wrong with anything in there.

Diva706 said:

@Love Thanks, I actually own a pencil skirt! But it looks like I'm going to have to shop for shoes now,lol!

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Permalink Reply by Dragon Slayer Puss on January 3, 2012 at 9:24am

I like to loft too. I also do j crew, the limited and sometimes ann taylor. They are pretty good mall chains. I have a lot of suits but I usually feel 'overdressed' for office work in them, unless it's a pant suit, and end up wearing them as separates. The donkey factor is apparent in pencil skirts but some curves u just can't hide. As long as its not too tight and the blouse is a classic cut and fits well u should be cool. Hair can help the sexy factor as well. I usually do a chignon with the skirts and long loose curls with pants. The curls always equal sexy to me so if I know my curves will be poppin I'll stay away from them, wear pearls and glasses to get my 'conservative' on lol

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Permalink Reply by Creative Bee on January 3, 2012 at 11:15am

You won't go wrong if you ask HR manager what is corporate culture and a dress code. Every company is different and has it's own standards. I assume that if you will be part of HR you'll have to be an example of a business attire to other employees. That means suits black, dark grey, navvy blue with a white or pastel color blouse. Sometimes you can wear pastel colors, it's more casual. If you wear a skirt or a dress, it should never be above your knee. Always wear pantyhose with a skirt or a dress. Blouses should never show a cleavage and should have sleeves. Your shoes should be closed toes and match your outfit, you won't go wrong with black, it matches almost everything conservative. The heel should not go above 4", 1-1.5" is perfect.  Jewelry - no more then 10 pieces and that includes buttons on the suite. I like Antonio Melani for my business attire when I have to attend business meetings. White Hhouse Black Market has very good selection what to wear for work as well. However my office is very relaxed and I'm part of creative team so I get a pass on almost anything. 

Hope this helps and Good Luck with your new job!

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Permalink Reply by Ms. Ashley Banks on January 3, 2012 at 11:34am

I was always taught to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Do you remember what the women who interviewed you were wearing? You might want to follow their lead for your first few weeks.

 

And I agree with the ladies who posted no super high heels. My boss wears floozy shoes, and I swear it takes away from her image here in the office. If you wear a pencil skirt, it can't be too tight, especially if you have a booty (I've made that mistake several times in my younger days).

 

And if you buy cheap, buy the best quality pieces you can afford. If you can buy 3 suits with pants and/or skirts that look good without the jacket, definitely invest in those. I've been able to get 3 or 4 new suits each year from a discount department store that I mix and wear with other pieces of suits or separates.

 

Also: DO NOT WEAR TENNIS SHOES. EVER. If you all have a special event that is casual, wear some cute ballet flats. I used to think the no sneakers advice was overkill, but tennis shoes can definitely send out a bad vibe. Now if you all do a lot of community events where you might go out and volunteer on behalf of your company, then maybe buy one or two cute pairs of tennis shoes that aren't too casual (Sketchers make some that almost look like ballet flats), and save those for work so they won't get beat up and discolored.

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Permalink Reply by MissBling on January 3, 2012 at 4:48pm

I also like Banana Republic for business casual attire.

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Permalink Reply by Diva706 on January 3, 2012 at 7:37pm

Thanks everyone for their advice! I found some great buys at Ann Taylor and Marshalls! Tomorrow is my first day in my new position. I will be the only black female in my dept , so i have to make sure everything is in order!

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Permalink Reply by MissBling on January 3, 2012 at 8:30pm

Good luck babes!!

Diva706 said:

Thanks everyone for their advice! I found some great buys at Ann Taylor and Marshalls! Tomorrow is my first day in my new position. I will be the only black female in my dept , so i have to make sure everything is in order!

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Permalink Reply by TheLadyJosephine on January 3, 2012 at 9:04pm

Congrats on the new job but just remember:

1)  Not too much bling jewelry.  Diamonds, gold, pearls and fur means you are making too much money even if you saved to get it.

2)  No obvious name brands.  You may have Pucci and Gucci but don't have those names written all over the bag, unless, it's Coach, that's acceptable.

3)  Make-up...go with the natural look whenever possible.  

4)  Hair....one color please or natural looking streaks.  If you do natural hair, just know secretly, you are considered a radical, LOL.

Since you are the only AA, you'll notice our "business casual" and their "business casual" are very different.  AA are seen as a little more "flashy" just because we don't rock cheap khakis and blue shirts.  This could sprout secret resentment and jealously depending on who you are working with.  What's that line from Rosewood, "he got a piano....I ain't gots no piano".  I wore my fur on a bitter cold Michigan day...mistake.  Evil side eyes and surprised looks.  

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