A couple weeks ago I (37/F) landed my first job in a proper office setting (after being unemployed almost a year, so yay me!). I had worked only in the industrial field so far and my work attire was basically jeans and corporate shirts paired with very stylish safety shoes LOL.
I’m in the southern hemisphere and it’s like 80°F outside but my social anxiety is already making me plan for colder weather (hoping I’ll still be employed by then). So I was wondering if you could give me some insight on incorporating handknitted items into my office attire, whether it’s specific patterns or just general recs.
I’d describe the style at work as business very casual because it’s a tech company. Most of my coworkers wear sneakers (women tend to choose ‘dressier’ ones, but guys often wear Vans and Chuck Taylors).
I was thinking of knitting myself a Lulu Slipover to use over shirts and maybe a cardi.
I read somewhere that fingering and sport yarn weight were office appropiate and more bulky yarns were not, is that really so? Are cables ok? Lace?
TIA!
Edit: Thank you everyone for your insights! I’ve decided I’ll try the Monlight Dancer cardi following @[email protected]’s suggestion for a shawl collar cardi and the Fade of Beads tee maybe? (I’ll be getting that pattern free with my ticket to an event, so I’ll probably knit it anyway even if it’s not to wear at the office lol).
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I’m confused as to why thinner knits would be more office appropriate than thicker knits. What’s the difference? I think what matters more is pattern (no explicit colorwork, no super-open lace that leaves little to the imagination, etc.). It sounds like your office is pretty casual so I’d imagine that no one will bat an eye at what you’re wearing as long as it isn’t flashing too much skin and doesn’t have swear words or whatnot on it. I have a bulky-weight sweater, the popular one with owls on it, and I’d wear it to the office in a heartbeat if I still worked in one.
Also, never underestimate the value of a good cardigan, perhaps with a shawl collar, in an office where men control the thermostat.
That last part it on point! I’ve mostly worked with guys who go in and out of the office and of course, it’s hot outside so when they come in again the turn on the AC at max and I’m freezing 🥶
There’s a couple women in my office that rock a knit shawl or poncho year round and nobody is bothered by it.
I’m not local to you (so social conventions might be different) but if the dress code is casual I think as long as you don’t go for a pattern that is actually offensive or anti-corporate you will be fine. Even advice like no bulky yarns sounds like it is rather based on traditional office dress, where you would want something that can be worn under a suit jacket.
One thing I would suggest you take into account is how easy to take it off it will be. You won’t control the thermostat so you might find yourself adding/removing layers to maintain comfort. You might also might find yourself wanting something in the summer too, if the site is air conditioned.
Generally speaking, v-neck sweaters are great to wear over button-up shirts. Cardigans in every form are great as well. Turtlenecks are always welcome as well. I have a lace blouse that I frequently wear, with something underneath of course.
As general hints: I feel like neutral colors are considered to be more office appropriate, also you should opt for full length (not cropped) and (short) sleeves.
The consideration of yarn weight might come from the presumption that oftentimes bulky weight garments are also more boxy, oversized and casual? That highly depends on the pattern and garment design. There is no right or wrong weight.
