This week I started a new job as an executive assistant at a rather large and successful healthcare management company. I am one of two executive assistants for the president and vice president of the company. I am enjoying it so far, and I get along with my coworker swimmingly. I hope to keep it that way! :-)
Because of this new position, I have to dress much more conservatively than any other job I have held previously. This means covering up my tattoos on my chest and arms, wearing “appropriate” makeup, having proper hair (no hair flowers!), and nothing too crazy or flashy.
“But my style demands showing off my tattoos and being flashy! Whatever shall I do?” I asked myself. I really wasn’t sure what to do about my new and sudden requirement for a change in wardrobe. I understood it, and honestly with a coworker I actually like being around so far and makes work bearable I’m willing to deal with it. I also want to keep my vintage style, however. I still want to be the vintage/pinup girl in the office if I have to not be the rockabilly side of me, at least.
I checked my wardrobe – nothing seemed to fit the bill. Too low cut (I have to practically wear turtlenecks to cover my chest tattoos!), needs longer sleeves, the print is too crazy, the skirt is too short. Whatever was I to do?
GO SHOPPING!
Yes, that was it. I need to go shopping. I need to find elements of my style that fit in with my new need for a conservative corporate wardrobe. And if any of you know me, you know I turn to the interwebs first for shopping. I rarely shop for clothes “outside” anymore, as I can never seem to find my style or anything that’s my size if I do.
My first stop? ModCloth!
On the very first page I saw this little number – the Coach Tour Dress! It has a high cowl neck collar so I can hide my tattoos, and despite it being sleeveless that can easily be remedied by wearing a cardi :-) And only $50? Yes, please!
Next is the Greeting Postcard Dress for $95. I kept scrolling in dresses because that’s what I mostly intend to wear (a vintage girl’s staple ensemble!), and I thought this was beyond adorable. I know the neckline is a little low (yes my tattoos are that high), but I can easily remedy that with buying some Cami Secrets to attach underneath and voilà – good to go! I never thought I would ever need Cami Secrets in my life though! LOL.
This California Sunset Dress hits all the right notes for me – nice bright print, cute collar, high neckline – and an affordable $90! And as you can tell, I think florals will be a big part of my attire ;-)
Yes. Yes yes yes yes. I will certainly be adding this Dance Floor Date Dress to my wardrobe! I love the 40s/50s flair of it and y’all know I love me some red. And only $60? You don’t have to ask me twice!
This Beach Home Office Top had me at hello. It just screams 1950s, right? And that collar will cover up my chest tattoos perfectly :-) Only $45! Worth every penny!
This Modern Madeline Top is just entirely too cute. I love the blue color and it should cover my tattoos. $40, you say? Sure!
This is the Partake in Peppermint Skirt for $70. I love the stripes, and I absolutely adore the now accent at the waist. Perfection!
This Binnacle of Excellence Skirt has red and blue anchors on it! I need this! It’s entirely too perfect for me. There will be $60 gone from my paycheck for this.
Okay, I think ModCloth consumed too much of my time. But they seem to have such lovely work appropriate and vintage inspired pieces!
The Erika Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing is necessary, I think. So cute and it should cover most everything if I wear the Cami Secret :-) $120.
I absolutely adore the colouring of the Birdie Dress from PUG with its rich mustard and gorgeous purple pairing. And very affordable at $118!
This Monique Dress for $92 is amazing. To me it keeps the style I love but looks completely professional at the same time. I would just need to throw a black cardigan over it to cover my arm tattoos and I would be ready to go!
OMG this Summertime Polo Top is just so freaking cute – I need this in my life! I’m going to have to have PUG take my $72 ASAP. I can’t not have this and be okay with it.
These 1940s Style Swing Trousers from Heyday are based on actual vintage patterns and come as close to the real thing as possible. They have so many colours, too! Of course I will need the basics like grey, black, et cetera – but you know I am getting them in red, pea green, blue, and more as well! Gotta still retain some personality at work, oui? ;-)
I am just embracing the reason to shop and buy new clothes for the job. I figure it’s worth it if I have a decent work environment and I make good money to find my vintage tendencies and go on trips and get more tattoos and more and more!
Do any of you have conservative corporate jobs? How do you retain your style at work?
