New Clothes Help
 

I need some ideas of what to wear to work. I got a job, and the dress code is business casual. When I went for the interview, they showed me around and there was a couple of people wearing jeans and they sayed it wasnt appropiate, and that what I was wearing was. But I wasnt comfortable. I was wearing a white 3/4 button up shirt, black pants, red patent leather heels (love those have just about every color) and some cute red earrings. My feet usually start hurting when I have to walk alot in those heels, I usually just wear them to like teenage parties. But are flats okay? Most of the women were in heels, but they do have fancy flats. I also wore a body slimmer, so I could be a little sucked in. I wear probaly a size 15, but some clothes are size 13. I fit into both. It just really depends on the brand, and Im a XL shirt, but Large shirts are okay to. It really all just depends on the brand. I know old navy has okay clothes, but I hate the way they fit. There pants are usually to tight on my waist, but huge in the legs. So I have no idea where to go, and what to get when I get there :dizzy:

I don't have any advice about where to go for clothes, but flats are okay for business casual. I dress business casual for work and I'd DIE if I had to wear heels all day.

I wouldn't consider Old Navy stuff to be business casual. You can get some nice outfits at Kohl's and Target pretty reasonably priced. I wear flats to work all the time and we have a business casual dress code with Fridays being dress down Fridays.

Business casual usual means khakis, slacks, or knee to calf-length skirts (no jeans, no shorts, no cropped pants, and no mini-skirts). Button-down shirts (of any sleeve-length) are always appropriate. You may also be able able to wear higher quality knit shirts or sweaters, like a good twin-set (but nothing that looks too much like a t-shirt and nothing that is too baggy or too tight). Once you've worked there for a month or so, you'll probably have a better idea of what is acceptable. Also, when in doubt, dress up. It's generally better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. There is a saying--dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Landsend and L.L. Bean are both great sources of business casual wear. Check out the Landsend Overstocks for some especially good deals. So long as you stay away from the jeans and casual t-shirts, it would be hard to go wrong. You can also get Landsend at Sears.

They make lovely button down shirts now ... fitted with shaping, slacks, flats ... sounds just right!

Isn't there a What Not To Wear marathon on this weekend? They talk about business casual a lot.

I think you can definitely wear flats. They're very stylish now, so there are a lot of more dressy options out there. Here's a couple cute ones from Lord and Taylor in patent leather:
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/gifts/O...ID=2009888&c=1
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/gifts/O...ID=2013434&c=1

Buy a couple pairs of slacks, maybe black and grey, and then pair them with different button downs (make sure they fit well at the bust), or blouses. Mix knit tops with jackets or cardigans. Just start out with basic pieces, and once you've been there a few weeks, you'll have a better feel for it.

I agree with Susan- What Not to Wear is a great resource for business casual looks- that's a great show if you're looking for tips. Good luck with your new job! :)