Advice needed... Smart/Casual

[Greedyfly]

As you may well know I have managed to bag a job (yay) and I start next week so I need to buy some clothing to wear whilst at work. The lady on the phone suggested Smart/Casual - which is often very different depending on where you work. I will be in a records depot type place (not seeing patients) and when I went for my interview everyone there was wearing cardis/checked shirts/jeans/sweat pants!

That I would not class as smart casual - would you?

What should I buy? I want to be comfy and to obviously fit in but I wonder what their definition of smart casual really is? Maybe it means tidy/non scruffy clothing that isn't offensive?

Suggestions? I don't want to buy anything too smart lol

[Bobbisox]

dress trousers and a nice clean shirt I think, perhaps a nice co-ordinated jacket when you leave the office GF

[daffy654]

I would go for a pair of plain trousers with a blouse or short sleeved top, along with a cardi in case it gets chilly.

[Greedyfly]

That's what I thought daffy. I was going to buy some black linen trousers so comfy and tidy and the odd top and some cardis as technically I won't be in an office that often. And then dress a little tidier for when I am at the hospital!?

[nelios1]

wouldn,t wear jeans

[jno]

if the people you saw are the ones you'll be working with, there's your answer. All the same, it wouldn't hurt to start out just a little bit smarter until you're sure of the lie of the land.

No, I wouldn't normally call jeans smart casual though if they were neatly pressed rather than distressed they might just be, I suppose.

[mazie]

Sweat pants to work ! I wouldn't weat jeans and certainly not sweat pants.(I wouldn't wear those at home.) Bobbi's suggestion sounds good

Morning Greedy x We're going to miss you when you start work :o(

[Greedyfly]

Thanks Guys and thanks Mazie.

I was going to steer clear of jeans (although I do live in them generally) see every job I have had I have been able to wear what I want as it is very relaxed so this is a first for me. I shall buy some nice trousers, simple tops and the odd cardi I think. I am sure they will tell me the in's and out's when I start.

[paddywak]

First of all congratulations on the job , If I was starting a new job I think I'd follow jno's advice, nice and smart to start with untill you get a feel for the job and your fellow workers and then you can think about "fitting in" remember first impressions are usually lasting impressions

[Hopkirk]

I'm glad that most jobs I have ever done have a uniform - it makes life so much easier in this area (and saves a fortune)

[4getmenot]

black trousers, buy a few vest tops, different colours then a white cardigan and a black cardigan

[LoftyLottie]

Never have liked cardigans, would prefer to see a nice modern casual jacket! Three pairs of nice casual linen type trousers, a couple of pairs of comfortable loafers and tops ranging from plain T-shirts to whatever suits you and isn't too fussy. Also agree with jno, go smartish to start with and then follow your instincts. Above all be comfortable in what you wear.

Good luck.

[4getmenot]

long boyfriend cardigans loftie

[Vagrant]

If your clothes are new(ish), clean, ironed and well fitting you can't go far wrong.
Jeans can be smart, but usually aren't.
Some people have a knack of looking immaculate whatever they wear - though I've personally never seen anyone wearing sweat pants who I'd describe as smart.

[LoftyLottie]

I think they are scruffy 4get. I just don't like cardi's, boyfriend or otherwise. I bought a couple two winters ago and haven't ever worn them!!

I just think a jacket that fits nicely even though intensely casual looks nicer.

[4getmenot]

a jackets whats worn outside isnt it? My cardigans are not scruffy :-)

[LoftyLottie]

You can have a lightweight jacket that you wear inside can't you? I am sure your cardi's aren't scruffy 4get, but I shall never like cardi's. They remind me of my RE teacher!!

[4getmenot]

I think you're thinkin bi wooly cardis x

[4getmenot]

sorry Big, I think I have a sesame seed stuck under that area of keys

[LoftyLottie]

LOL about the sesame seed!!

Perhaps it's the work cardi that does it!!

[boxtops]

LOL @ 4get! Well done greedyfly, all the ideas are good so far - you will soon get the hang of the local dress code once you've been there a few days. Personally I find I work better if I am "dressed" - on the odd occasion when I go in dressed more casually (perhaps with no meetings), my mind is less on the job in hand.