Today’s interview is with a blogger who’s blog is actually centered around her work clothing! I’m constantly pinning Briana’s outfits to my pinterest board and then searching for the amazing pieces she posts online. The best part? Her style is incredibly affordable! She’s also who I have to blame thank for introducing me to Halogen. Now let’s just hope her job sends her to DC so I can finally meet her in person one day!
Name
Briana
28
Job Title
Partner Marketing Manager
Organization Description
I work for a Seattle-based, early-stage tech company that sells Operational Intelligence to enterprise customers.
What dress code was given to you when you began the job?
I was employee #8, so we didn’t really have a dress code when I first started. I wore jeans most days, dressed up if I was meeting with customers or partners, and typically was two to three levels dressier than the rest of the team at that stage (developers wearing cargo shorts & t-shirts). Today, we have hundreds of employees and still no official dress code, as we are a laid-back, Seattle-based company. That said, if I showed up in shorts, I’d likely get judged and feel pretty uncomfortable, but jeans and business casual are totally appropriate.
What do you generally wear to work?
I spend most of my days trying to avoid jeans, just on principle. Lots of dresses with tights + boots in the fall and winter, ankle slacks or summer dresses in the summer with a tank + cardigan and flats. That said, I wear jeans at least once a week, although often dressed up with some nice heels or flats and a blouse + blazer.
Where do you like to shop for work attire?
Oh gosh. Nordstrom, Nordstrom, Nordstrom. And then a bit of LOFT, J. Crew, Banana Republic, etc on the side. And of course Target. Can’t get dressed without a little bit of Target in my life.
How have you developed your professional style?
When I first got this job over 5 years ago, my mom took me shopping, and we struggled through a day of trying on “adult clothes” like slacks, suits, shift dresses, and pumps with short heels. We bought a few key pieces and I worked on integrating them into my wardrobe, and it has grown from there. I follow other blogs where people dress similarly to me (such as Franish, The Style Files, and Dash Dot Dotty), and I do my best to maintain some pinboards of inspiration (see them here). I now know what I like, what’s comfortable, and when to wear each type of outfit, which gives me the opportunity to be more creative and flexible within those boundaries.
In your specific office, what is one thing you would tell a woman to definitely NOT wear?
Besides the obvious ones, I would stay away from skirts or dresses that are too short. We hire lots of young, recent college graduates, and my advice to them is always about length – especially with high heels. Oh – and no bra straps. If I can see your bra straps with what you’re wearing, you need to either get a different bra, or get a different shirt.
What is the best “dress code” advice you have ever received?
Be comfortable. If you’re tugging at your outfit, pulling up your strapless bra, or otherwise having to adjust all day long, don’t wear it.
What advice would you give to women starting in her career about dressing for her job?
Look around, and then try to be the second best dressed. It’s okay if a few people are dressed nicer than you, but don’t wear scrubby clothes just because someone else in your office does. Aim high and find your comfort zone, but try to push yourself out of it every once in a while.
Anything else you would like to add?
It can be really tough to get dressed in offices without dress codes, so ask around during your first couple of weeks of work. Pay attention to what people are wearing, ask if certain things would be appropriate, and spend the time on a little bit of shopping. We recently hired an intern on the team and she asked me during the first week what I’d recommend she wear, and she was able to add a few pieces to her college wardrobe to make some really great work outfits integrating the things she already had.
