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This is an old thread but if anyone's still here please can I have your thoughts I have a vac scheme in London in July and I have no idea what to wear. This is my first formal work experience where I have to go into the office so I don't really know what is expected of me. And because of COVID all the open days I've been to have been online so I never had to worry about what to wear but I think I do need to start planning now for the vac scheme.TOPSI think I have enough cigarette trousers but I don't know what tops to pair them with. I find that I look very uptight/overly serious with black trousers + white blouse + black blazer. Will a flowy/semi formal top (e.g. from UNIQLO) tucked into cigarette trousers be good enough? Or would that be more of smth that you would only wear on casual friday? Also, I have no clue what firms mean when they say casual friday haha. What's acceptable/not acceptable for casual friday?DRESSESAny suggestions for where to find affordable business dresses would be greatly appreciated!BAGSThis may sound stupid but I don't own a proper handbag lol. Never felt the need to buy one as well because the only bag I ever use at uni is my black canvas backpack. Will I look stupid going into the office with a backpack and no proper handbag? I'd imagine looking quite stupid with a giant backpack if I were out for drinks for a social with the other vac schemers/trainees - so I am thinking of investing in a proper handbag - any suggestions to find an affordable bag that is of decent quality? SHOESI'm quite short but not a fan of wearing heels. Would chunky-soled shoes like these be too informal? I'm struggling to find the right pair of black brogues that are formal enough to wear day-to-day in the office. Are there any alternatives if I want to add a bit of height but don't feel like wearing heels? For flats, would simple black leather pumps be okay? If I do decide to wear heels, would it be weird to wear trainers on the tube and only change into heels when you get to your desk at the office?
This is an old thread but if anyone's still here please can I have your thoughts I have a vac scheme in London in July and I have no idea what to wear. This is my first formal work experience where I have to go into the office so I don't really know what is expected of me. And because of COVID all the open days I've been to have been online so I never had to worry about what to wear but I think I do need to start planning now for the vac scheme.
TOPS
I think I have enough cigarette trousers but I don't know what tops to pair them with. I find that I look very uptight/overly serious with black trousers + white blouse + black blazer. Will a flowy/semi formal top (e.g. from UNIQLO) tucked into cigarette trousers be good enough? Or would that be more of smth that you would only wear on casual friday?
Also, I have no clue what firms mean when they say casual friday haha. What's acceptable/not acceptable for casual friday?
DRESSES
Any suggestions for where to find affordable business dresses would be greatly appreciated!
BAGS
This may sound stupid but I don't own a proper handbag lol. Never felt the need to buy one as well because the only bag I ever use at uni is my black canvas backpack. Will I look stupid going into the office with a backpack and no proper handbag? I'd imagine looking quite stupid with a giant backpack if I were out for drinks for a social with the other vac schemers/trainees - so I am thinking of investing in a proper handbag - any suggestions to find an affordable bag that is of decent quality?
SHOES
I'm quite short but not a fan of wearing heels. Would chunky-soled shoes like these be too informal? I'm struggling to find the right pair of black brogues that are formal enough to wear day-to-day in the office. Are there any alternatives if I want to add a bit of height but don't feel like wearing heels? For flats, would simple black leather pumps be okay? If I do decide to wear heels, would it be weird to wear trainers on the tube and only change into heels when you get to your desk at the office?
