i have had the same problem so all i can say is i feel your pain.

we can wear anything, even jeans, but they have to be clean, and fit correctly (no muffin tops, or super low rise)I work around alot of older women, so i see christmas sweatshirts/sweater vests/sweater sets right now that would melt your eyes.

Haha my work is super cas too. We can wear jeans whenever we like as long as there are no tears!
I dunno though, I find cheap jewerlly is a good way to dress up an outfit too, or nice shoes!
Sometimes it's the little things and detail that counts

to work.. i usually wear jeans .. but i try and dress it up with shoes and a nicer shirt! ... and style my hair in a cute way!.. and then add some jewelry!... it usually works for me.. but then in the summers when im feeling a little dressier i put on a dress! or a skirt

i can wear anything. torn jeans, noone seems to mind. we dont have customers in our offices, so noone sees us! hmm, for spicing up a work wardrobe you can do many things! Stores like Forever 21, marshalls, tj maxx all have clearance sections.. yes, clearance. you can buy a nice sweater, or a really cute pair of pants, or a oh so special pair of boots really cheap, then like above, thats all you really need to look good. Add some jewelry, which can also be found really cheap. Online deals are also a way to go. Thrift shops have some good stuff too! I found this red polyester shirt with white flowers on it about 12 yrs ago, and i STILL wear it. from like the 70s!
Remember, you can look fancy, without the designer clothes, remember, its all about staples. if you have a black shirt thats just soo "you", try adding those boots and some of that there jewelry and voila!
good luck~

Slap on some eye catching accessories or you can pair a dressy bottom with a not so dressy top, and the other way around.

When in doubt, visit TLC's website and click on the What Not To Wear tab.

I understand...I'm a teacher, but at a really conservative school. I HATE wearing suits. Unless you have a meeting or an important visitor, then break out the jacket. Separates are your friends, a few classic mix and match pieces (which you can find at pretty low prices usually) are all you need for work
*Cardigans are awesome. You can wear a strappy dress (big no no at my work) with a cardigan, and still look nice and professional.
*Collared shirts give the impression of business-like demeanor, but can be paired with a skirt or casual pants and still look really classy.
* I like skirts, for some reason, they can be paired with a whole selection of tops and somehow seem more ladylike and therefore, more work appropriate (but then again, I work in a country where it's really rare to see women wearing pants at work)

Accessories are your best friend! I'm talking bracelets, earrings (keep it short and small though!), even watches. Also, funky shoes can really spice up an otherwise conservative outfit.

So go with the basics of a nice white oxford shirt and black pants. What to add? Maybe a pair of patent emerald green pumps from Urban Outfitters with a pair of silver drop earrings and silver bracelets?

Or what about adding a pair of textured tights to your work wardrobe? They can be black/brown/gray and still stand out without looking distasteful! Pair it with a pair of oxford pumps and a white shirt (see a trend?) and i'm sure it would look great.

I think the basic trick is to add one accessory that pops and another that supports that pop. That way, you're still being true to your style but not being "fringe."

Get some nicer items on sale to throw into the mix, maybe splurge on a few items that are 'you' (think some cute shoes or accessories).

I'm so lazy now-- I find it much easier to just shop the J.Crew sales. They always have suits on sale now, along with different types of sweaters and skirts, online. Their stuff is always good quality and hits the middle between professional and young, colorful and boring. Otherwise, I fill up on basics at H&M (collared shirts, knockaround cardigans). I'm also a big fan of cardigans and the new cropped jackets. I am a PhD student on a tiny "salary" so if I can do it, so can you!

I seem to want to vent here. I have to wear chinos to work. Doesn't matter what fit they are, as long as they have no outside stitching. I'm nearly 6 feet tall. WHERE THE HECK can I find khakis in a long inseam, with a bootleg fit that aren't made cheap, but are not an arm and a leg?

Accessories and hair. if your hair looks nice and you have a good necklace or earrings, that makes a huge difference.

fashion major to the rescue!!!!

first off- i hear your pain when you say you feel like you have nothing to wear, BUT the key to feeling like you have a full wardrobe is to constantly mix and match different pieces. if you watch any of those style shows (ex: what not to wear), the stylists always tell the so called "fashion victim" that it's important to invest in a few classic pieces and then mix and match with accesories. Your classic pieces do not need to come from high end department stores or boutiques. Target has some really nice clothing lines out. As a matter of fact, every few months Target features a clothing line from a famous designer. Take a saturday and go to Target. I would say buy a black knee length skirt, a pair of black or gray dress pants, and an LBD that fabsugar is always raving about. Now if you already have some of these items, thats great, so you should probably invest some of your money in a few classic button down tops, preferably short-sleeve or longer. I would stay away from the sleeveless look especially since you say you feel underdressed sometimes. Then, invest in a few belts so you can dress up your look. Combine it with some chandelier earings, maybe a few bracelets and a great purse and you're pretty much good to go. A few other stores you could try, even though they might be a little pricier than Target would be Banana Republic or J Crew. Their peices always stand the test of time and will always remain in style. As far as shoes go, payless is definetly stepping it up with their footwear. In spring of 2008 clothing designer Alice and Olivia will be debuting a footwear line with Payless. Definetly try and grab a few of those, they'll sure to be hott!

I hope this helps!!!

Shoes make all the difference. Wear taller shoes with a bit of a heel - they make your pants fall more nicely, you sound authoritative when you walk, and they improve your posture. The extra height always helps a person look more authoritative, too.

I work in an ad agency and as long as I have tall shoes with nice jeans and a top, I feel like I'm casually dressed up - better than wearing loafers or flats.

The best money I ever spent once I graduated and entered the 'work force' : a nice, well fitted denim jacket, and a great pair of wide leg black pants.

First off, the black pants can be worn two or three times a week and I promise no one will notice. And the jacket is a great thing to put over sun dresses and camisoles to cover up a little, or to make something a little more casual.

The KEY is SEPERATES. Layer them, swap them up, etc.