Work Appropriate for Who: Monica, the Marketing Assistant

Another DC friend! I met Monica back in February at a CapFABB party where I was super nervous because I basically knew no one there (correction, no one I knew personally and not just by reading there blog). Luckily I met Monica and she’s been a wonderful friend and fun blogger to read. Monica writes the lifestyle blog, Cake and Lilies, on top of her full time job and freelancing job (a workaholic after my heart).  After you learn more about her here, take some time to go check out her blog and learn about some of her favorite things.

Name
Monica

Blog
Cake & Lilies 

Age
24

Job Title
Marketing Assistant

Job Description
I work on various aspects of marketing – including social media, planning, and strategy – for my organization.

Organization Description
 Educational Non-Profit

What dress code was given to you when you began the job?
Business Casual

What do you generally wear to work?
Skirts, button downs, cropped pants, casual tops with a cardigan or blazer, simple jewelry, plus a mix of heels, flats, and boots. Whatever I wear, I make sure I’m comfortable!

Where do you like to shop for work attire?
A number of places, but my favorites are Nordstrom, J.Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers.

How have you developed your professional style?
 I’ve definitely found that my “office” style and “out of office” style aren’t much different. While I’m far more likely to wear heels in the workplace than on an average Saturday night, most pieces in my wardrobe transition well from work to play. I’ve also learned a few things about myself… for instance, I don’t enjoy wearing pencil skirts and can’t sit at my desk in a blazer all day!

In your specific office, what is one thing you would tell a woman to definitely NOT wear? 
Be wary of the unexpectedly sheer. If something is even the least bit see-through, it’s awkward for everyone…if you think someone may be able to see your undergarments, they probably can. If you’re favorite shirt is a little bit thinner-than-acceptable and you want to wear it, put on a sweater or a scarf to keep things appropriate.

What is the best “dress code” advice you have ever received?
It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed and always remember to do what feels right for you, even if that means wearing something comfortable that’s a bit less fashion-forward. People unfortunately do make snap judgements based on how you physically present yourself, so try and look pulled together.

What advice would you give to women starting in her career about dressing for her job?
When you’re an intern, you can frequently get by sprucing up some less-professional pieces for the office. For instance, I definitely wore some summery/borderline sundresses with a cardigan or blazer and flats during my first couple of internships. Depending on the office you’re in, employers often understand that interns don’t have the means to create an entire professional wardrobe for their 3-month stint. It’s always a good idea to invest in a few key pieces (like a black skirt, blazer, heels, and a few blouses), but unless you’re in a workplace where you’ve been instructed to dress a specific way, take your time building your “work wardrobe” and repurpose what you have. With that being said, always check with your hiring manager about the dress code and observe what your co-workers wear. “I didn’t know” or “I’m an intern” are no excuses for unprofessional attire. And if you have the means, remember the motto: “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” It’s cliche, but it’s true!