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What kind of office clothes should I wear for a corporate reception job?

I've just got offered a job as a corporate receptionist and the interviewer said to me, "a smart and sharp image is everything". I wore a suit, blouse and trousers. Is that enough? I'd like suggestions for clothes, shoes, hair etc please

Public Comments

1. God (really?) What you chose is fine. Go round the area where you live and work and see what others are wearing. Good luck in the job.
2. Wear what is big in smart officewear. A fitted jacket, a pencil skirt and a tucked in blouse. Or opt for trousers like you say, but well hemmed and properly tailored. Yes well ironed and pristine image is everything its first impressions that count. Wear shoes you can walk in, chances are you will have to do flights of stairs and walking to the photocopier. And your hair should be clean and tidy, a modern but acceptable feminine style.
3. Generally a smart suit and blouse are typical for a reception job. For suits, stick to neutral colours such as black, navy or dark blue. Black is best as it will be cooler in summer (it will reflect heat) and warmer in winter. Avoid anything tpo showy and too fancy- it will look unprofessional. Blouses- again, stick with plain ones. Avoid anything which has frills or heavy decoration as this will look out-of-place. Also avoid anything too low-cut as cleavage is highly off-putting. In winter a long sleeved blouse is a good idea. In summer 3/4 length, short and sleeveless blouses could be worn. As for shoes, it will depend on the job you are specifically doing. Avoid high-heels if you're going to be walking about a lot, although you could wear a small heel if you really wanted. Also avoid ballet-type shoes as these can look too childish and the risk of damage to your feet is high. Also try and go for proper leather shoes, as these are very smart, but only if you really have time to polish them. In winter this could be a pair of black ankle boots, and in summer you could go for a court shoe or sandals (look at what other people wear). Hair- depends on the length. For short hair you are best off leaving it, but making sure that it is clean and tidy each day. You might also want to straighten it with a pair of ceramic straighteners, or lightly curling the ends with tongs. For long hair, it's your choice, although most companies expect that you will tie it back in some way. Either try twisting it up and clipping it with a grip, or some form of bun. This will mean you will have a clear view infront of your face and these methods are cheap and effective. Again, look at what other people are doing with their hair. Also avoid doing anything too drastic with your hair in terms of dyes and colours. Only do this if you really need to and you know it will look right, and also don't go for unusual colours such as pink. Also have a good quality bag and purse with you. Go for something in leather again if you can afford it. Make sure you have space for anything you might need, such as notebooks, a mobile, pens, lipstick etc. And CLEAN IT OUT!!! Make sure you can find things and throw away anything which is no good to you anymore. Also don't wear heavy make-up. You shouldn't need more than a bit of powder, mascara, lipstick and nail varnish at the most (assuming you're allowed to wear it) and also make sure you tidy it up during the day (during breaks for example). Try and keep a little powder compact, mascara and lipstick in your bag with you. Hope this helps!
4. I love office wear, it can be very sexy and sophisticated. A staple item to have for your office job wardrobe would be a pencil skirt in at least black, maybe a navy one or dark grey or brown. Then you can mix and match all sorts of button up shirts to wear tucked into the skirts with a classy belt. Then you can either get little jackets that match the skirts or wear a button up sweater over your "office" shirt. You'll need some black heels that aren't too high so you can wear them all day. Your hair should be out of the way, in a pony tail, or half of it pulled back out of your face. If you have glasses you'll be set. You will look very professional but not too corporate. You are after all the receptionist so you don't have to be as boring and plain as a CEO. Have fun and look sharp and classy. Goodluck hun!! =)
5. I dress casual/smart. I don't overdo my work clothes but I like to look neat and tidy... I think what you mentioned should be fine.
6. My friend just got a corprate job too. She needed a wardrobe overhaul. Look here and you won't go broke http://designerclothes.firstclassfashionista.com/