Post-Graduate Diaries: Workwear, But Make It Make Sense
Dear Post-Grads,
Business professional, smart casual, business casual, and “dress for your day,” these terms get thrown around in handbooks and conversations as if everyone already knows what they mean. The truth is, they mean something slightly different everywhere you go. My goal here is to break them down so you know exactly what to expect (and what to wear).
It’s important to know that none of these dress codes restrict you to a white button down and a black blazer. In fact, unless you’re working in a very conservative environment or are committed to a uniform, there are always ways to showcase your personal style at work. My style involves a lot of color, fun textures, and funky beaded jewelry (when the outfit allows). Workwear doesn’t have to be boring, it should still feel like a representation of you.
Understanding the Jargon
When you start a new job, you don’t have much to go off of aside from any vague descriptions from fellow employees or the handbook. While handbooks give the technical definition of what is considered “acceptable” and what is not, the true understanding comes from paying attention to what everyone else is wearing around you.
Business professional is the most formal type of dress code, you’ll want to look polished and put together. Think heels, boots, or loafers, a suit, a skirt and blazer combo, or a structured dress.
Business casual still leans professional, just with more flexibility. You can usually skip the blazer and incorporate one more relaxed piece like a cardigan or sweater. It’s still styled intentionally, just less rigid.
For smart casual, the lines blur a little more. This dress code is notably more casual than the previous two mentioned above. Some workplaces (not all) allow jeans paired with a polished top, or a simple t-shirt styled with more formal pants or a skirt. Footwear is often more relaxed too, clean sneakers are typically in the cards here.
Finally there’s dress for your day, which is less about following one dress code and more about being practical. You’ll want to look at your schedule each day and plan accordingly. If you have lots of client meetings or presentations, it’s likely best to lean toward business professional or business casual. A quieter day with internal work or no meetings? smart casual will fit the bill. It’s all about matching your outfit to what your day actually looks like. When in doubt, it’s usually safer to start a little more polished and adjust over time once you get a better feel for the workplace.
Hot take: you should always wear business professional to an interview unless you’re explicitly told otherwise.
If they tell you something different, like “wear jeans,” then please take a hint and wear jeans. Some people think it’s a test and show up in business professional anyway in order to “impress”, but what’s actually happening is they’re seeing if you can follow directions, and by showing up not how they’ve asked, even if you look nice, you’ve just blown the interview before saying a word.
Where to Find Work Clothes
For a long time, I just wore what was “work appropriate” even if it was boring, didn’t fit my style, or feel like me at all. Unflattering t-shirt dresses and uncomfortable dress pants were my usual. Where to find your ideal work wardrobe will depend on personal style and budget.
Here are some of my favorites:
J. Crew Outlet: J. Crew has some really great staples and high quality cashmere pieces. If you’re looking to save a bit on their price tag, they have outlet stores that sell the same or similar styles at a more affordable price point. I’ve had especially good luck with work dresses here.
Madewell: As a mid-size lady, Madewell has become my holy grail for work pants and shoes! Once you find your size, you’re good to go. It’s one of the few places I’m confident ordering online because I trust their sizing so much. If you want to do invest a bit for closet basics that will look great and last a long time, this is the place for you. They have a nice mix of pieces that can be worn in and out of the office, with a great variety of work pants that feel elevated and fun without being too formal.
Nuuly Rental: If you’re interested in making a statement with unique vibrant patterns and textures, I recommend checking out a Nuuly subscription. It’s a great way to get new, high impact pieces month over month without having lots of recognizable wardrobe pieces. My personal favorite finds from Nuuly are the statement blazers. That said, in the wise words of Lizzie McGuire, if anyone calls you out for being an outfit repeater, remember, they’re an outfit rememberer, which is just as pathetic!
H&M: Ideal for building a polished wardrobe on a budget. I’ve found so many beautiful neutral colored layering tops and elevated basics here for under $30. My biggest tip, always check fabric details and care instructions. Some items lean toward synthetic textures, while I prefer things that feel soft that I can stick in the wash without worry, so make sure they match the comfort you need and maintenance that works best for you. I would not consider H&M a place to invest in high quality basics, but it’s great if you’re looking for style on a budget.
If you’re in college and need an outfit for an interview, I recommend checking out your college or university’s career center. Nowadays, career centers are stepping up their game and some have boutiques or closets you can browse for free. Otherwise, of course I also always recommend Goodwill or thrifting local, just make sure that you begin your search for a interview outfit as soon as you start applying to make sure you have ample time to find the fit that feels comfortable and true to you.