In 2019 my body began a major shift and I was panicked about dressing myself. I didn't have money for new clothes. My friends came to the rescue going through their closets searching for anything that was remotely my size. We cobbled together a professional wardrobe, but I remember being very angry that one employee who outranked me by several steps on the corporate latter wore the same two pair of jeans rolled at the ankle, loafers worn sock-less for all the years I'd been there. How was it that he could wear this very casual denim uniform daily while I was scrambling to look a certain professional way, complete with heels? When the pandemic hit I threw out everything and for the first year wore nothing but flared yoga pants. Five identical pair. I still get resentful thinking about the double standard.
thanks for sharing the links -- FYI the Old Navy pixie blazer is on sale now for $39.99 -- a sensible versatile stylish "professional" piece! I got the high-waisted pixie straight angle pant as well (sale price $28), can't beat that for a pulled-together look. Size availability looked good up to size 30 in the pant, in various colors.
A tip from the 90s when nothing really fit is to use accessories to express personal style. It’s cheaper usually and more flexible. For me, I like rings, scarves, pins, stickers, makeup and purses/bags. I’ve also seen people use belts, shoes, socks, eyeglasses, and hair clips/ties to express themselves. Even underwear that no one sees can make you feel different and that’s what matters.
I just found some plus size tank tops with built in bras that are loose and flowy. I have been wearing them everywhere because I hate bras, but need some support. I have a lot of other tanks and normally need to wear a bra and sweater to cover up the falling straps and places where the bra shows. I just figured out that I can layer the new flowy camis under the tanks and not need a bra or sweater. Game changer! No one knows but it feels like I can be more me while also keeping cool. Because it’s just not ok with my personal style for my bra to show. Now it’s not the same as full on professional wear but it fits the bill for my work environment.
Eyeglasses. Definitely. Since the first thing people see on me is my face (or at least that's the first thing I want them to see), it's extremely important that my eyewear reflect my personality. It means that I spend an obscene amount of money for them, but oh so worth it.
Great picks! FWIW for anyone as obsessed with those Marine Layer pants as I am - I’ve found the brand runs small. I’m doing mostly 16s these days and their xl is too small for me, for bottoms anyway.
So far mostly just exploring my thoughts and feelings! It’s complicated by the fact that I do love a blazer (altho currently don’t have any that fit), and that I work for the US Federal government on a program that serves people with low incomes. Despite our constituency, leadership loves a white supremisicst dress code and video-on policy. I’ve pointed this contradiction out to folks, which usually just makes them quiet down and go back to their desk to send out the policy via email rather than saying it out loud at a meeting.
This is a contradiciton that I've run into a few times actually. Sometimes the reverse is true, and sometimes someone in an opressed or low income group wants to see the person they're meeting with dressed professionally as a sign of respect. Tough line to walk and totally depends on your actual constituency. Also, rock a blazer (that fits) if that's what you love!
In 2019 my body began a major shift and I was panicked about dressing myself. I didn't have money for new clothes. My friends came to the rescue going through their closets searching for anything that was remotely my size. We cobbled together a professional wardrobe, but I remember being very angry that one employee who outranked me by several steps on the corporate latter wore the same two pair of jeans rolled at the ankle, loafers worn sock-less for all the years I'd been there. How was it that he could wear this very casual denim uniform daily while I was scrambling to look a certain professional way, complete with heels? When the pandemic hit I threw out everything and for the first year wore nothing but flared yoga pants. Five identical pair. I still get resentful thinking about the double standard.
Let me guess, he was a white man. 🙄
And you win the prize.
thanks for sharing the links -- FYI the Old Navy pixie blazer is on sale now for $39.99 -- a sensible versatile stylish "professional" piece! I got the high-waisted pixie straight angle pant as well (sale price $28), can't beat that for a pulled-together look. Size availability looked good up to size 30 in the pant, in various colors.
good to know!!
A tip from the 90s when nothing really fit is to use accessories to express personal style. It’s cheaper usually and more flexible. For me, I like rings, scarves, pins, stickers, makeup and purses/bags. I’ve also seen people use belts, shoes, socks, eyeglasses, and hair clips/ties to express themselves. Even underwear that no one sees can make you feel different and that’s what matters.
I just found some plus size tank tops with built in bras that are loose and flowy. I have been wearing them everywhere because I hate bras, but need some support. I have a lot of other tanks and normally need to wear a bra and sweater to cover up the falling straps and places where the bra shows. I just figured out that I can layer the new flowy camis under the tanks and not need a bra or sweater. Game changer! No one knows but it feels like I can be more me while also keeping cool. Because it’s just not ok with my personal style for my bra to show. Now it’s not the same as full on professional wear but it fits the bill for my work environment.
That's great news! I really need to look into something like that because I am just hating wearing a bra right now. And yes to the cute accessories!
Eyeglasses. Definitely. Since the first thing people see on me is my face (or at least that's the first thing I want them to see), it's extremely important that my eyewear reflect my personality. It means that I spend an obscene amount of money for them, but oh so worth it.
Great picks! FWIW for anyone as obsessed with those Marine Layer pants as I am - I’ve found the brand runs small. I’m doing mostly 16s these days and their xl is too small for me, for bottoms anyway.
ah, really good to know! thank you!
Thanks for this. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, as I return to the office.
How are you approaching it?
So far mostly just exploring my thoughts and feelings! It’s complicated by the fact that I do love a blazer (altho currently don’t have any that fit), and that I work for the US Federal government on a program that serves people with low incomes. Despite our constituency, leadership loves a white supremisicst dress code and video-on policy. I’ve pointed this contradiction out to folks, which usually just makes them quiet down and go back to their desk to send out the policy via email rather than saying it out loud at a meeting.
This is a contradiciton that I've run into a few times actually. Sometimes the reverse is true, and sometimes someone in an opressed or low income group wants to see the person they're meeting with dressed professionally as a sign of respect. Tough line to walk and totally depends on your actual constituency. Also, rock a blazer (that fits) if that's what you love!