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Post by shanshan310 on May 8, 2016 10:38:48 GMT 9
Hi there everyone! I guess this might be dependent on location etc but there are a lot of sales happening atm and I was looking at expanding my work wardrobe. Until this point I've mostly worked online and in places with a uniform, so I'm not sure what kind of clothing is appropriate - especially in Japan. Everything I've looked up for jet is about teaching outfits, so I'm not sure if the same rules apply for office work. Right now I only have a typical recruit suit outfit like this:  Should I stick with black skirts / work pants and white shirts? Are dresses / coloured blouses suitable as well? Thanks >< |
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Post by no yark shark on May 9, 2016 9:11:23 GMT 9
Honestly I worried a lot about what to wear before I came here and looking back it feels really silly. Dresses and colored shirts are totally fine, just make sure they're not too short and have sleeves. Honestly most of the shirts I wear to work I actually bought here. The nice thing about being a girl is that you can get away with a lot more, and you can basically ignore warm/cool biz. www2.hm.com/ja_jp/productpage.0371482001.html today I'm wearing this with black ankle pants and a black cardigan (although I already took off the cardigan because it's hot). On days that I visit preschools I can pretty much wear whatever I want, which is usually a t-shirt and jeans because I play outside with the kiddies and get really dirty. |
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Post by Ividia on May 9, 2016 9:16:29 GMT 9
It very much depends on the place you work, but I would say you can break away from the suit + white shirt route, and that maybe you should (because otherwise you kind of look like a 就活生) I only really bring out the suit jacket when I interpret for the mayor, and even then I normally keep a shirt with more pattern or colour. Some places are stricter than others, but in general, it has been less rigid than I expected so I'm sure you'll be fine!  |
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Post by snell_mouse on May 9, 2016 9:19:19 GMT 9
I can't see the picture (probably blocked on my computer) and this may depend slightly on your placement, but generally speaking I think business casual is probably fine! As long as you have a suit for formal events, you probably won't need to look as sharp for everyday work (judging by how bland everybody in 市役所 looks every day). I think the dress code is generally more flexible for women as well. I think if you stick to shirts with collars/that aren't low-cut, skirts/dresses that are around knee length or longer, no sleeveless things without a cardigan or something with sleeves on top, that should be fine! If it gives you any idea, today I am wearing black pants, a 3/4-sleeved striped shirt with a collar from Uniqlo, a red cardigan, and black shoes. You could also maybe even check out the what-are-you-wearing-today thread for 参考! |
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Post by King Quailbee on May 9, 2016 11:08:46 GMT 9
The one big thing I will have to point out is that skirt length really depends on where you are located! I wore a dress on my first day here that was slightly above the knee and I was taken to the side by my soup telling me that skirts should be longer. But then again, I do see some office workers here with skirts at that same length so BLARGH. I'm in a conservative small town with loads of judging elderly ladies!!
I definitely dressed more sharp earlier on, but as time went on, I got away with a lot more things. For instance, I own a lot of sweaters with animals on them and I wore those quite regularly (to the point that fellow co-workers said they wanted to buy some as well). I also always bring up as a reason that it's because I work with kids on those days.
I barely wear heels because of my height (I'm not that tall at 5'6", but I'm tall here). Before I left, I went to Nordstrom Rack and bought the best black suede flats. Ugh, comfy. I love. I also made sure for school visits that I bring these bright red moccassins.
Today, I am wearing corduroy navy blue pants and a plaid long sleeve shirt with red and blue and a blue cardigan.
But since you will be arriving in the summer months, look into nice flowing blouses with appropriate undershirts (and try to have your shoulders covered - if not, wear with a cardigan).
Also, have fun with color and accessories! I hate wearing 就活-like suits and it gets depressing in the office with everyone wearing similar things, so have fun! I get loads of compliments on my hair clips whenever I do (and it helps create conversation between ladies in the office, for example)
(Sorry this post is not organized at all and is kind of rambly)
[edit] I literally just had one of the ladies in the office stop by me and she poked at my bun and told me she was impressed with how I managed to pull it into a bun with my shorter hair. Hahahaha. |
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Post by dosanko on May 9, 2016 13:26:11 GMT 9
It depends on your workplace, but I'll just share what I work around with. My workplace is pretty lenient, and the ladies here wear pretty much anything so long as it doesn't show shoulders, cleavage, stomach, or panties (meaning too short of a skirt). T-shirts and jeans and formal dresses (like prom dress) and shirts that have R15/R18 words on them are also a no-no, but that's about it for me. I also change into a couple of cheap slippers I bought at a drug store when I get to work. I myself try to keep everything office-like. Nothing too casual, but I'd wear colouful blouses (chiffon/rayon ones are the best because you don't have to iron them like crazy most of the times), either button-down or not, with pencil/A-line skirts. I sometimes wear dresses too. I wear skirts that are a couple inche over the knees and no one says anything. My Korean CIR wears pretty colourful dresses (above knee length) and no one says anything. I try not to wear sleeveless shirts mostly because I myself am pretty uncomfortable showing my arms (I always wear a cardigan over anything that's sleeveless), but I remember my ex-JPA (a lady a couple years older than me) telling me that she and my pred and another lady used to sometimes wear tanktops and called themselves "Tanktoppers" hue. There are quite a few ladies in our office and that might be one of the reasons why everything is so lenient. That said, when there are visitors, we must wear a blazer jacket, no matter in summer or winter. I also have to wear proper shoes (and not slippers) if I were to walk into 知事室 office for any kind of courtesy visits, so I always keep a pair of comfy black pumps and a black blazer in my locker at work. A set of recruit suits is good to have, but definitely play around with the colours and styles if you're planning to get another set of suits! Stripes, gray, navy, colorful lining, skirt shape... lots to play around with |
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Post by Caic on May 9, 2016 13:43:49 GMT 9
Female CIRs at my office wear basically casual most of the time. We're talking jeans, jumpers, blouse/polo shirts. Only formal for interpreting or special events.
I'm sure you'll be able to get a good idea of your office's environment when you get in contact with your predecessor.
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Post by no yark shark on May 9, 2016 13:47:44 GMT 9
Female CIRs at my office wear basically casual most of the time. We're talking jeans, jumpers, blouse/polo shirts. Only formal for interpreting or special events. I'm sure you'll be able to get a good idea of your office's environment when you get in contact with your predecessor. unless they're a guy. |
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Post by Caic on May 9, 2016 13:52:24 GMT 9
Female CIRs at my office wear basically casual most of the time. We're talking jeans, jumpers, blouse/polo shirts. Only formal for interpreting or special events. I'm sure you'll be able to get a good idea of your office's environment when you get in contact with your predecessor. unless they're a guy. my pred was a girl and she was still able to give good advice. |
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Post by no yark shark on May 9, 2016 13:59:10 GMT 9
my pred was a girl and she was still able to give good advice. I mean it depends on the guy I think, but my pred was definitely 0 help. I think girls are probably more likely to notice what people are wearing? (in retrospect there were only two women in my department at the time my pred left, and one of them wears basically the same thing every day) |
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Post by songbanana on May 9, 2016 14:14:17 GMT 9
I was really concerned about work-appropriate attire when I first arrived so I understand your concern! Many others have given their experiences so for the sake of giving you lots of examples, here is mine! I live in the city so I might be able to get away with things that gossipy inaka ladies wouldn't let me live down, but it's also about your personality and how you rock it.
Definitely OK for every day: skirts/dresses just above the knee or longer, or dark pants. For tops, anything that shows no cleavage/back/shoulder and isn't too 派手 or see-through. Fabric is anything-goes. I have brightly colored shirts and cardigans but I try to pair them with neutrals. I don't wear much jewelry but delicate, non-statement pieces seem fine. Nail polish is OK at my office. Denim is だめ. In principle tights/stockings and no bare legs, but I have been routinely breaking this and no one seems to care/notice. Heels or flats are OK, but for 上履き inside the building almost anything goes (I see lots of black strappy sandals but no flip-flops, prob because of the tights). Makeup is "natural" colors.
Cool biz (my office is May-October): polo shirts with the mascot on it are OK even in neon green. I've worn floral sheer shirts with a rather conservatively-cut tank top underneath. Khaki pants are OK. I've worn green capris too. I've also cut it pretty close with the sleeves.
Hope that is helpful!
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Post by songbanana on May 9, 2016 14:55:09 GMT 9
Also if you want to look exactly like a Tokyo OL (office lady) this summer you will need these essential pieces in your wardrobe:
-a khaki trench coat with a skirt-like bottom hem (spring and fall only)
-an A-line, flowy skirt in gray or khaki, top should be tucked in
-or a straight, boxy but not body-hugging in any way black skirt left over from your 就活 suit. If you are wondering if it is pencil or A-line, then you are on the right track.
-super flowy chiffon-or-similar blouse in white, soft baby blue, coral or peachy pink, or canary yellow.
-cardigan in canary yellow, seafoam green, or another gentle pastel, or a neutral color. If you're feeling fancy maybe the buttons are shaped like hearts.
-nude tights that block UV rays and make your legs look a bit whiter than they actually are
-kitten heels in black, gray, navy (for year round), or beige/white (夏限定) maybe with a delicate bit of bordering
-makeup should be powder foundation you retouch after sweating it off in 5 seconds, sparkly beige or pink eyeshadow on the lid only blended little-to-not-at-all, and any vague pink color of lipstick (color doesn't matter as long as it's sheer and has no color payoff). Maybe some very subtle fake eyelashes if you can apply them well.
-hair should be gently curled on the bottom like a Disney princess, pinned half up or pulled back with a scrunchie or an elastic with a bow on it
-a delicate gold necklace with a tiny moon smaller than your pinky fingernail (no earrings because your ears aren't pierced you daredevil!)
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Shimanchu 2024
Well you can tell by the way I use my star I'm a woman's star, no time to star. Music loud and starring stars I been starred around, since I was star.
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Posts: 6,892
CIR Experience: ULTIMATE UNICORN (6th year)
Location: Okinawa
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Post by Shimanchu 2024 on May 10, 2016 11:46:43 GMT 9
but it's also about your personality and how you rock it.
I agree with this.
It's important to understand how concerned Japan constantly is about 外見, but also for what reasons.
I'm not a good example at all, but it is my feeling that Japan has lots of clothing rules etc, but to an extent they can be stretched as long as you make it look good and work it well.
Mostly, you need to look like you care about your appearance. Anything that looks DARASINAI is pretty much guaranteed to receive comments or suggestions
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Post by hairquestion! on May 23, 2016 10:07:44 GMT 9
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Post by snell_mouse on May 23, 2016 10:28:57 GMT 9
Hmm I think it depends on the contrast and how much exactly is highlighted. The picture you showed might be frowned upon for regular city hall workers, but if you look foreign you could probably get away with it? Might be harder to get away with if you are of Asian descent though, because people might assume you are a regular Japanese 職員 and complain if they are very petty (for example, we've gotten notices about people complaining when 公務員 have really fancy nails).
That said I wouldn't really think it would be worth cutting off/dyeing, at least until you get a better idea of what your office dress code is like.
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Post by hairquestion! on May 23, 2016 12:15:22 GMT 9
Ah, thank you for the advice snell_mouse!!! I don't want to give the wrong impression starting work off so maybe I will dye it back just to be safe... hue it's surprising people will complain about nails that much though!! haha (usually I don't paint those though!)
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Post by snell_mouse on May 23, 2016 13:04:03 GMT 9
Apparently it's because they don't approve of people using taxpayer money to get their nails done? But I feel like you should be free to do what you want with your own salary, even if it does come from taxes. -.-' Anyway at any rate it can't hurt to dye your hair back, even though I don't think it's really necessary. |
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Mumblesnore
Dead Stargod 
’Tis the season (for Eggnog)
Posts: 16,154 
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Tokyo
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Post by Mumblesnore on May 23, 2016 13:20:01 GMT 9
Apparently it's because they don't approve of people using taxpayer money to get their nails done? But I feel like you should be free to do what you want with your own salary, even if it does come from taxes. -.-' Anyway at any rate it can't hurt to dye your hair back, even though I don't think it's really necessary. Dafuq? I hope they don't have that attitude when I buy a PS4 to play Persona 5 and Final Fantasy XV. Maybe I should get it from Amazon and not from the local store so know one knows  Aaaand now i'm feeling guilty already |
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Post by snell_mouse on May 23, 2016 13:24:03 GMT 9
Don't worry, I think it's only very petty 住民 who care about that sort of thing, and probably mostly only directed towards appearance? Also I feel like in a small town they're more likely to be like "oh wow you like Japanese games?" and strike up a conversation with you about it instead or something haha. |
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Post by Caic on May 23, 2016 13:31:18 GMT 9
Don't worry, I think it's only very petty 住民 who care about that sort of thing, and probably mostly only directed towards appearance? Also I feel like in a small town they're more likely to be like "UeA HULOMU???" FTFY |
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