Start ups are known to be a whole different animal than any other workplace. We hear about fooseball tables in the offices, hoodie sweatshirts, tech nerds and office spaces that look more like Romper Room. Certainly, not all start ups are the same and not all start up style is the same either, but there are some similarities.
Start up style tends to be more relaxed, casual and in some cases funkier. Being part of start up means pushing boundaries and this often reflective in how someone dresses. Start up style isn’t typically stuffy, traditional or overly regulated.
Sounds like a dream, right? You would think. However, having worked with many clients who begin work for start ups, this level of freedom can actually be really overwhelming. Humans don’t respond to unlimited choices making this free for all of start up style confusing.
Start Up Style: Work Looks that Work in a Start Up Workplace
Let’s see if I can help you navigate the path of start up style with some outfit ideas and suggestions. Below I have put together five workplace looks for a start up environment for inspiration.
Outfit #1
An outfit like this wouldn’t work in a hoodie culture workplace but in a professional start up environment, this look puts a creative spin on a more classic look. I styled this Hobbs jumpsuit with a white blazer from Veronica Beard. I finished the outfit with a pair of colorblocked pumps from Boden, crossover threader earrings and a gold double band ring.
Outfit #2
There is a big difference between sloppy and being casual and it is way too easy in some start up environments to slip into sloppiness. Dressing casually is a huge part of most start up dress codes and wherever you work, neatness should not be lost. Think casual and confident.
A start up environment is also an environment that embraces creative touches so don’t be afraid to add them.
I styled this grey Cos cardigan and simple tank from Halogen and comfortable pull-on pants from Misook. I finished the outfit with gold loafers from Rebecca Minkoff and reading glasses from Peepers.
Outfit #3
These start up work environments demand a lot of bandwidth making dresses a preference of many women because they’re just easy and effortless. I styled this bold dress by Rachel Comey with a bright pair of red platform sandals from Patricia Green. I finished the outfit with a black bracelet from Lizzy Fortunato and drop earrings from Macy’s.
Outfit #4
Jeans and a functional blouse is a start up style no brainer. Jeans are casual and an eyecatching blouse and make the jeans look finished and polished without a lot of effort. I styled this snake print tie neck blouse from 7 for All Mankind with dark denim jeans from AG. I finished the look with navy booties from Marc Fisher and hoop earrings from Halogen.
Outfit #5
I created this last look for a funkier more alternative or creative start up environment. I styled this Vince skirt with an ivory cashmere wrap sweater from Everlane, a pair of wedge sneakers from Linea Paolo and stone drop earrings from Isabel Marant.
When it comes to start up style, think comfort, creativity and non-conformity. I hope these looks give you some ideas.
