Ask the Edit: Back to Work Roundup

This week has been crazy.  As the pandemic is ending, working is ramping up.  We’re back to the office.  We’re back to court.  Clients want to meet.  And I am realizing how unprepared my summer work wardrobe is, and I can’t be the only one.

So let’s answer some reader questions about workwear, getting back to the office, and the like.  Here we go!

Abra:

Where does one find a classic black blazer these days?  Ideally wool or a high-quality wool blend.

SKB

One of the reason’s it is so hard to shop for work right now is that retailers that we could traditionally rely on for workwear pivoted to casual attire during the pandemic.  (I’m looking at you Ann Taylor, with your linen dresses.)  Even the brands that held onto their professional lines, some department stores are refusing to stock them because they’re concerned they won’t sell.  So for workwear basics, you need to go straight to the source.

Theory is a great workwear brand that still makes many pieces in natural fibers.  This Etiennette Blazer is a classic in 96% “good wool.”  Their blazer-section is loaded up with fabulous styles in satin, crepe, wool, and other materials you don’t see much in this age of poly-blend.  If you don’t mind a blend, this same blazer is available in the stretch knit for under-$175 dollars.

For my money their Staple Blazer is still my favorite if I’m looking for a classic, wear for years jacket.  She’s not cheap, but I wore my first Theory blazer for almost five years.  Sizes run 00-18, and the pieces can run small, so always check the reviews.

J.Crew still makes a nice blazer.  Their Regent Blazer in wool flannel was one of my top ten purchases, ever.  It also comes in seasonless stretch wool.  Both of these blazers come in petite, tall and plus.

Need something great on a budget, material be damned?  Gilt, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack are the places to go.  After last year, there are a lot of deals.

This might be a dumb message, but here it goes: I don’t own any shoes.  I seem to have nothing but slippers and flip flops now.  What do I buy for my mostly professional office?  Please don’t tell me I have to go back to high heels, I’ll just die.

Kayla

Of course, you don’t have to go back to high heels.  We’re only going back if we want to.  And who wants to right now?

I had a similar issue back in January.  I tried to wear heels to work every day, and I almost hobbled myself. My feet have tasted the good life, and they are going to demand flats from now on.

I went very simple.  I bought a good quality black flat, a good quality tan flat, and then a fun tortoise pair.  These Sam Edelman black flats are great.  This tan pair from Vionic are more of a modern loafer.  They also make the simple pointed-toe tortoise pair I bought.  Not feeling tortoise?  Go with a color like red.

Still need more comfort?  Rothy’s will get you through.  I recommend the big cat print.

Hi Abra,

One of the big takeaways from our time in isolation was that I don’t need so much makeup for every day.  I don’t wear much makeup anymore.  I only need it for work two days a week.  I’d like to say buh-bye to foundation, but I need something to just even things out.  Suggestions?

Liesl

I use Dr. Jart Tiger Grass Correcting Cream every day that I don’t wear foundation.  (I’m actually on my third jar.)  It eliminates redness, corrects tone, and gives me the natural skin-slightly better look that I want.  It’s not heavy, and it treats my acne and dark spots as well.

I should mention that some readers found the Dr. Jart made them shiny.  That’s not an issue I’ve had, but enough people mentioned that, it needs to be said.

Another great option, that Meghan at Wit & Whimsy recommends, is Erborian BB Creme and CC Creme.  Unlike the Dr. Jart, this comes in different skin tones, so you need to hunt down the right one.  But it also illuminates and brightens, or go for the water gel version for hydration and lightness.

Looking for a drugstore option?  The elf Camo Cream is highly reviewed, it’s a lighter alternative to foundation.

Hi,

I’m starting a new job next month (hybrid workplace), and I need to make a good first impression.  It’s only my second job since college, and I think I’ve forgotten how to meet new people in the pandemic.  Advice on starting over?

KL

My advice would be in two parts:

The first week, try to meet everyone and introduce yourself.  There’s a natural tendency to stick to yourself the first few weeks, but that’s when people are usually most willing to meet you and say hello.

Say yes to things.  If you can go to a happy hour (virtual or real), or join some folks for lunch, do it.  You’ll be busy and you’ll feel like you don’t have time, but this is the time to make the time.

My first real job, I didn’t spend much time getting to know people those first few weeks, and I regretted it later.  I had a much better experience at my next job when I made an effort to forge some early bonds.

Also, once you see how people are dressed and what the office culture is, make an effort to mimic that a bit.  If you show up day one in a blazer and no one else has one, don’t wear one day two.  If you usually just have a photo up on Zoom, and everyone else is camera on, be camera on.  Once you’re established you can be more yourself and buck the trends a bit, but in those early weeks, make an effort to go with the flow.

I’m sure other readers have advice as well, so I’ll let them take it away in the comments.

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