How to werk the workplace without buying a new outfit.
Entry Date: 23 July, 2020
TAGS: #workfits #ootd #capitalistcuck
I live on the corner of a busy scramble crosswalk in the middle of the city.
On Friday nights I perch myself behind a wooden table, glass in hand, and watch.
I hear them before I see them. They come in waves and they’re always shouting. Young boys and girls come trotting down my road pissed and ready for a good time. It’s lovely hearing the street come alive, and stay alive ‘til 4am.
As I sit on my perch however, I spy a troubling scene: everyone looks the bloody same. A sea of tiny tops and big bottoms. A stampede of dirty AF1s. Oh, and don’t think I don’t see you boys wearing light jeans or a tan chino variant—I like your chain…<3
But it’s like watching myself through a time machine. Except I dress better now.
It’s taken me five years to slowly cultivate a closet and a decent fashion sense. When I first left school I spent my fun bucks (deducted from wages and studylink = 40 dollars a week) on club clothes. Well with nowhere to go, all dressed up, and with no money, I have no choice but to wear these heaux fits to work.
While there’s no obvious metric for what is ‘too casual’ at work, there is a generous middle ground when it comes to dressing for work. Some experts say, dress as smartly as you would if you were going out on a date.
Having just finished half a year in the office I would say I need a date with a mirror. Lol. But as more of the younger generation begins to enter the workforce, and many larger corporations start relaxing their formal dress codes, the days of wearing the same navy suit to work are rapidly fading. And I say good riddance!
The casualisation of dress standards, could be a roll over from working at home but most argue it could be related to our casual Kiwi attitude.
Either way, what we’re finding is that both the younger and older generations of workers are turning up to the office wearing something comfortable and full of personality.
Everyone knows ‘dress for success’. And we’ve all heard of ‘dress to impress’. But when we talk about success and clothing, rarely do we ever ask, “is it comfortable though?”
Everyone imagines their dream job fitting and suiting them perfectly. Shouldn’t that expectation also include the clothes we wear to that job?
Dressing formally is said to maintain standards of professionalism, make you more likely to inspire respect and also makes colleagues feel more comfortable. But how does it make YOU feel?
As somebody constantly walking between two worlds, I don’t know if I start with the reality that different cultures, of a non-Western denomination, hold a different standard of professional wear. Or lead in with the fact that young and old people have different ideas surrounding success.
Because sometimes, success in today’s eyes looks like a mould-free rental and affording the weekly shop.
But chances are, if you look around your office right now you’ll see t-shirts, sneakers, chinos, and maybe even a few pairs of jeans.
I feel lucky to be working in a pretty lax workplace, I wear what I want and creativity is often encouraged. I was growled at for wearing a crop top once, but otherwise I receive a lot of compliments!
I wear really casual clothing like graphic tees and hoodies, which may come across unprofessional. However, In the same breath I could also speak to the lack of a ‘high fashion’ corporate culture in New Zealand.
Our casual Kiwi culture could never tolerate a high fashion environment. Our need to feel and be more authentic overrides our want to look fashionable. And I think that’s mana.
There’s an obvious rise in the ‘office sneaker’. And an even steeper decline of the tan office stocking. This indicates that comfort is in and corporate (attire) is out! So, as we all start applying for internships I think we should also start thinking about what we wear to the office.
Well, if you are one of the select few successful enough to see yourself at the foot of a monitor trying to remember your generic name@company.com email. Congratulations. How is it? Is the kitchen nice?
If you begin your workday staring at your wardrobe in despair and at your wallet with pure hopelessness, here are some tips on how to repurpose your 9pm fit into your 9am fit. My clothes have not only danced over sticky bar floors but have also waltzed themselves into many board meetings so you know I practise what I’m preaching.
HOW TO TURN YOUR CLUB FITS INTO WORK WEAR
CROP TOPS: Your tiny tops deserve to be seen all year round! Try pairing it with a nice button up or a turtle neck to add some spice to an otherwise boring outfit.
MINI SKIRTS: Whether it’s maxi or midi, the right skirt can make a statement without you even saying a word. And a mini skirt says two! Making this garment more office friendly can be done easily by pairing your mini with some chunky footwear or tights (the more colourful the better!) Extra points if you’re brave enough to layer your skirts over a trouser or maxi. (You’re a big time hautie aren’t ya?)
SEE-THROUGH TOPS: Look through the weird stares and bring your sheer tops to work. While risqué on their own, they elevate sleeveless dresses and bring an edge to a pants suit moment. Just be sure you’re layering properly underneath.
And if all else fails just remember. Style comes from within you, not within your closet.
