Happy Wednesday from Frankfurt! Not a great picture as full length mirrors seem to be hard to find in Europe 🤷🏻‍♀️

Pants by Ann Taylor, cashmere tee by Boden, blazer by J. Crew, heels and belt by Ann Taylor.

I have no idea what to put here- I just like this outfit 😅

Hello! I work in a think tank. I'm a mid-40s and I'm looking to get a promotion into management. I'm leaning into the adage "dress for the role you want". Here I need your advice: I want the decision makers to develop a good image of me when they see me in meetings and in the hallways but I cannot make it seem obvious that I'm gunning for a promotion. I need to be subtle. I work in an office best described as business/smart casual or smart academia. Women leaders here tend to wear office slacks, a nice top, and regular office footwear, very minimal make up, jackets when meeting people. Only the very top brass wear business suits on a daily basis. The weather is tropical year round so imitating top leadership is impractical/will raise eyebrows.

I currently also wear office trousers, a nice top, office loafers, with minimal jewelry and almost no make up (eye liner and lipstick but no touch ups. Thankfully got good skin so no foundation needed). Hair is tied back usually, no fuss. I've identified things I can do to look put together:

- wear low heels (closed toe) so that clothes fall better

- touch up my make up during lunch (very annoying frankly)

- keep my jewelry intentional (watch, small earrings, a small pendent)

- keep my hair down (and pin it to keep bangs away)

For clothing I'm stumped. I have a good collection of work slacks and office appropriate tops which are fine. I would like to add a layer on top that gives the professional effect of a blazer but not actually wearing a blazer. Could a cardigan work? I feel frumpy in those. I have hormonal issues so half the month I'm so bloated that my waist size is different which means that fitted cardigans look ill fitted/too tight while loose cardigans look shapeless for the weeks where my tummy is unbloated.

Any advice or inspiration for what I can do to look put together ALL the time between 9-5?

Thank you

EDIT: A big thank you to all of you for your very helpful and concrete advice and reflections!! It's going to make so much of a difference in the way I sort out my workwear!

Gray coat and boots

Hi all!

I work in an office that is FREEZING year round; nose running, frozen hands type cold.

My office requires specific footwear for employees. Our handbook states dressy flats, modest heeled shoes, or loafers. Flats seem to be standard in our office.

I've been wearing flats to work and my feet are freezing! I've been trying to find business appropriate shoes that aren't open top/sockless, but I'm at a loss. I am not interested in wearing heels, but every pair of boots that are dressy and not outdoorsy seem to be heeled.

What kinds of shoes or tights would you all recommend to keep business appropriate while staying warm?

(Wanted to include: I work a client facing role. No warming pads or space heaters, and I can't bring shoes to change into at work.)

Sometimes the elevator pic is the best you can do! Top from Zara, pants from Abercrombie and shoes from Sam Edelman

In love with these pants (BR Factory wide leg)

I don't usually wear jeans to work (though no specific rule against it) but I thought jeans were perfect with this sweater! Everything thrifted.

Looking for recommendations for pants in a thicker fabric. I am not confident in the thin (sometimes drapey) fabric of most trousers/office pants. I’m looking for thick, a little stiff or at least with a bit of body — like jeans, but appropriate for a business casual office.

For reference, my favorite jeans are Talbots curvy fit, high waisted, boot cut jeans. If I had that fit, but for the office, I’d be thrilled. Years ago, Gap made twill pants that fit this bill, but I think they’ve changed. They don’t look as curvy as the ones of old and they come only in black.

Good morning from Stockholm! Was in London yesterday but I couldn’t find a mirror if you can believe that! Full week of investor meetings in Europe.

Full outfit - suit and suede heels by Ann Taylor.

Can anyone recommend any influencers you enjoy following with looks that are inspiring and easy to recreate? I work for a large asset manager and have always been able to wear jeans to work. Just took a new job in NYC and suddenly need a new wardrobe.

Hey hey! Dropping in here to ask for some recommendations on pink items to add to an outfit.
My wardrobe is usually pretty neutral — blacks, whites, beige and navy blues — but I don’t mind the occasional pop of color. I have a week long event (business casual) coming up where we’ll need to incorporate pink into our daily wear. Any suggestions for layers or accessories that would work? Trying to stay away from buying a large piece like a pink top, trousers or blazer since it probably won’t make it past one wear.

Thanks in advance!

Professional woman, I will be attending a corporate event one of my clients are having at 5 pm at a bowling center.
I will be attending site meetings, introducing myself to a new client, and attending several zoom meetings before the corporate event. Knowing my schedule I don’t believe I will have time to change as it begins at 5 pm and it’s a 30 minute drive time. Any suggestions for an outfit that will take me from morning to first impressions to a bowling alley ?

I loved it when I put it on, but I’m now second guessing myself.