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Recently we attended a local concert in the park; one that I knew a plethora of people from my workplace would be attending. Since I had to stay appropriate for an audience of co-workers, yet I didn’t want to wear jeans and flip-flops, I decided to try to class this small town up a bit with a Stop Staring dress.
A bit dressy for an outdoor concert, but at least I didn’t look just like everyone else. 
I added a couple of orchids in the hair and some glass pearls from Forever 21 to complete the look.
Now that I think about it, I’ve always counteracted dress code limitations with a little extra fanciness. I lived in the Midwest for a few years and I dressed in satin and velvet (but not much black) almost every day because being Goth in the Midwest at that time was scary. It’s no fun to have nasty things shouted at you by cowboys in grungy old pickup trucks while you’re walking down the street all alone. Being asked why you are “so dressed up” is sometimes easier to handle than being asked why you worship the devil and drink the blood of babies. Especially when you are painfully shy. But that was long ago (I would handle it differently now), and I digress…
We went out for drinks with my parents after the concert. It was actually a very lovely evening, but all in all I’d rather avoid these work-heavy events in the future unless they are mandatory. Aside from a couple of co-workers that I actually consider friends, I just prefer to remain anonymous on my “off” time, I guess.
What do you wear when you’re headed to an event where you know you’ll see co-workers and maybe even your boss’s boss’s boss’s boss?
Can't beleive how ever someone could be offended by how you dress. You are always stylish!! Luckily my boss's boss doesn't bother about my appearance the only thing he cares about is if I'm doing my job well.
You look smokin! I also like to dress up a bit when I have to go somewhere where there are coworkers. It's nice to have the reputation of being "well put together."
That outfit is so elegant!I usually just go with longer skirts and anything that is not too open.I love mini skirts,but I feel weird when the outfit is too revealing.
Stop Staring certainly holds true to its name- this outfit is so beautiful I can't stop looking at it.
Love Forever 21's jewelry- so cheap and yet so versatile in its uses. Fortunately for me, my boss doesn't have a boss, has a sort of "Fuck everyone else's opinion" attitude to begin with and therefore doesn't care what I wear as long as I don't know up to work naked. (he sent me to a potential client last month to babysit the client's kids despite the fact that I had blue hair at the time and I even argued that I wasn't the best person to send to impress the client because of said blue hair)Although I also work in a law office and am trying to get a job with those lawyers. As long as I dress like a paralegal most of the time they don't seem to care when I have a neo-Victorian urge strongly hit me.
Hmmm. That's a good question ..Since I still have some time to think about what I want as a job, I would like to pick a job where I won't be judged as much. Right now I do some volunteer work here and there, so that'll look good on a resume
That dress IS divine! And I must get out to Forever 21 post-haste for some of those glass pearl bracelets! I love wearing studded wristbands and such, but I'm finding chunky beaded stretchy bracelets are just as nice for a feminine touch and less "rocker chick" in the workplace.I'm with you on the dressing up. I go to the theatre a lot, and though people are pretty casual about it 'round here, I just HAVE to dress up. I'm always amazed everyone doesn't feel this way. It takes so much fun out of it to not dress up.
You look absolutely divine! I love the flutter sleeve and the tucked neckline. Very nice. I have a question, does Stop Staring run true to size? Do they follow their measurement charts? I've read some reviews that they sometimes deviate from their size chart … do find this to be true?Usually when I am going to see co-professors and other assorted colleagues it either at a department meeting or at various conferences. We art historians tend to be pretty dressed, but very artsy– mostly tailored suits, perhaps a stylish dress or top and skirt combo … and definitely lots of strange, fun art jewelry often bought from artists here, there and everywhere. I do my KIS — keep it simple, but classic, and definitely darkly inclined.
I completely agree with you about dressing up — it is a great way to get around dress codes. And I can't believe this is a dress. I thought it was a skirt and a blouse. I am going straight to Stop Staring's wedbite — I tend to only wear dresses; so something like this would be perfect.
That's a stunning outfit. Really, I love those sleeves…We have a very specific dress code at work (right down to designers we can and can't wear) so when I hear I have to see my higher-ups, I'll dress to the business-nines. Pencil skirt, blazer, simple blouse, with nylons and black pumps. I'll break out my vintage Chanel earrings to hide my gauged ears and throw on a string of pearls. We have to look "ON" even when we're off.
Hi, new reader and just wanted to say I love your blog! My workplace isn't super strict on what we wear. We're expected to use common sense and look appropriate, but we don't have be super formal. My coworkers and boss don't care what I wear as long as I'm not coming to work in cutoffs and a tank top
I don't dress much different now than when I was a student except I don't wear jeans that often to work. I also just wanted to say that you have beautiful skin! What kind of skincare routine to you have?
linnea-maria, I wouldn't say anyone would be offended, but it just leads to so many lifestyle questions that I hate answering with co-workers.
You're lucky to have a workplace where the quality of the job done is the first concern! Mine is like that to a point, but anything different causes … distraction. 
Mary, I would say YES to Stop Staring being true to their size charts (more details in my comment on your blog). I love the artsy tailored suit look!! I feel self-conscious even wearing a blazer to work because our workplace is growing more and more casual. 
Sounds like you have other artsy types around you at work, which is very cool!Sunduri Das, thanks!! 
You are absolutely right, and I think it gives you more confidence to look the best of anyone in the room! 
CookingChinchillas, I agree!! No short skirts when co-workers might be present. That usually leads to more attention in the workplace afterwards than I am comfortable with! No pigtails, either, as they have the same effect (I learned that one the hard way)!Unlacing, I want your boss!! lol. A neo-Victorian paralegal would rock, too. 
Tenebris, sometimes it comes down to doing what you have to do to be successful (and reap the highest profits) in your chosen line. I don't really mind playing the game a bit for a paycheck, as long as the code is not ridiculously rigid.Traicetrak, cool about going to the theatre dressed up! I've found that even in L.A. people don't dress up for the theatre as much as I would expect. I show up in full-blown evening attire, with a dress touching the floor. I agree; that's half the fun of the whole experience! 
siouxsielaw, Stop Staring usually has several pieces with a peplum or some other embellishment that give the dress a two-piece look. I love their variety!!!Luna, that *is* a strict dress code. I bet that look is great on you with your hair and all!je9601, thank you! I love to hear from new readers. Thank you for your question about my skincare routine. I decided to do a post about it, so check back tomorrow!