Comments on: Q&A: Youthful Wear to Work Fashion

By: Allie

Allie — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:27:54 +0000

Great post and comments! I went through the same issues, and it was even harder to figure out because my workplace had different informal dress codes for different departments. The best piece of advice I ever read was to dress at least one level above your position, supposedly helps your supervisors visualize you at promotion time. Besides that, for me anyway, I always feel more focused and productive when I’m “dressed for work”. Good luck!

By: Trisha

Trisha — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:45:49 +0000

Great tip, Tessa. Deep saturated colors and jewel tones really do make an outfit feel more mature.

By: Tessa

Tessa — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:27:50 +0000

I aim for a very conservative color palate on foundation pieces, paired with one pop of vivid color (usually a blouse or shoes). I think wearing nearly-all gray white and black or blue can be classic and classy. And you can add an extra dose of maturity by choosing deep, saturated accent colors like plum, rust, or a brick red.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:24:56 +0000

Great tips, everybody! Classic quality essentials are the way to go for your foundation pieces, especially your tailored pieces. For sweaters and blouses that are less fitted, you can often get away with less expensive pieces.

By: Janelle

Janelle — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:59:07 +0000

haha..

“I’m 23 but look no older than 18″

yup thats me too

i’m both happy and sad that my workplace is extremely casual… i have to wear white nike shox lab shoes so dressing up doesn’t really work with those.

By: Budget Babe

Budget Babe — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:34:58 +0000

I love the first blazer. When I started working in the real world, I swapped my hoodies for blazers and my style definitely got a boost ( I think!)

By: Kai

Kai — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:38:17 +0000

I love the recommendations and some of the pieces, particularly that gorgeous orange blouse, but “pants feel more business-like than a skirt”? There are few things more businesslike than a pencil skirt, and in a conservative industry a skirt suit is always more formal than a pantsuit.

By: Jolie Musick

Jolie Musick — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:47:38 +0000

For me it’s all about pencil skirts, cardigans, blouses, scarves, and a comfortable pair of my favorite heels.

By: Sal

Sal — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:01:03 +0000

Fantastic tips! I’d add that scarves and pearls are a great way to add instant sophistication - since both have a retro feel, they downplay obvious youthfulness.

By: Mel

Mel — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:38:21 +0000

As a 25yr old still just getting my start in the professional world I know exactly how you feel. My personal game plan is purchasing classic, quality essentials such as nice trousers, skirts and jackets. However, I pair them with blouses that have a little flair to them that I can wear in the office covered by a jacket or cardi but then can also be worn out at night.