Quote:
Originally Posted by LAblondeGPhi
I agree that the transition is a harsh one for women. Most casual wear for women under 30 is far too tight and short to be worn to the office. There are very, very few stores that provide decent quality (read: minimal polyester, well-constructed, will last a little while) and a design aesthetic that young women can love. I think Banana Republic comes closest, but most women don't start to appreciate that style until their mid-20's.
I was a major offender of work fashion in my first job: I was looking for cheap pieces just to build up my wardrobe, because I had almost nothing that was work appropriate when I started. I wound up buying a lot of crappy pants, skirts (none of which matched anything) and button-down blouses that lost their shape relatively quickly and looked sloppy within 6 months.
My concern with H&M is that you need to exercise VERY good judgement when picking pieces. These are all in their "wear to the office" section, and I consider them all no-nos for any moderately conservative office:
That skirt is too short and the zippers could really go either way.
This dress!! The second you sit down, you're going to fully expose yourself! You might as well keep a large file folder in your lap at all times.
She looks like she's in a sexy librarian strip show. That skirt needs at least 5 more inches of fabric.
Also... I'm a stickler for matching fabrics. Just because two "work" pieces are black does NOT mean that you can wear them together as a suit. They actually have to BE THE SAME FABRIC.
/end rant |
I can admit I am not as conservative as you are, and that is fine! That's why there are so many different stores and styles! Keeps us from dressing like clones. Banana Republic is just flat out expensive for most people. (I just found a version of the top skirt at Banana Republic for $70 bucks, while it's $30 at H&M.) I do shop at their outlet on an occassion, especially when they have sales.
We all have to watch where and what we buy because we cannot tell how something looks until we try it on anyway. The average catalog model is around 5'8" and very slender. The middle dress may hit the knee on someone who is 5'3" and may be an acceptable choice for them. I am 5'9" so there are dresses that are flat out inappropriate for me. All of my "business appropriate" skirts sit slightly above my knee. I am conscious of the fit/material (especially having a curvier derriere and thighs) but I do not plan on being a slave to the knee length rule. Some items are tighter on me, but may be much looser on a woman who does not have curves. I do agree that on THAT particular person, those items might appear to be too short for the office.
I am blessed to work on a college campus where we just aren't moderately conservative. Generally, the campus is business casual (unless you are talking the higher administration folks) and some folks wear jeans. I only do the suit/dress pants thing when our students have presentations or we have meetings/interviews to conduct.