what to wear: research lab at work
June 9, 2010 
7 Comments
Justine was our wallets2wear Product Giveaway winner. In addition to the bracelet that she won, we selected her fashion emergency question to solve.
Reader Question:
I’ve got a fashion emergency of sorts, it’s ongoing, so I won’t collapse from it! What would you recommend to someone who works in a lab? I’m 27 and work full-time as a chemist. Half my day is spent in a lab setting where I need to wear pants and closed toes shoes. The other 1/4 is computer work (e.g. reports and research) and the last 1/4 is spent in meetings where I need to look at least semi-professional. If it helps I’m 5′8″ and an inverted triangle. I’ve also got a full bust (34DD) but am normal sized everywhere else. Help!
Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription
This Detail Tank in yellow cotton has a scoop neckline which works well for large busted figures, and you won’t have to worry if it fits at the shoulder line since you have broad shoulders.
In order to look professional, layer it with a Splendid Open Front Cardigan in camouflage. Inverted Triangles have broad shoulders so it is important to add details to the hips. The patch pockets on this cardigan near the hem do the trick . And there are no buttons to worry about for a large busted gal.
Lighter colors are also recommended for the bottom half in order to visually expand the hips and bring proportion to the shoulders. Try the Banana Republic Martin sleek straight stretch pant. Sounds like you are standing quite a bit so a closed toe Me Too wedge is fashionable and has a lightly cushioned footbed and rubber sole. A woven bronze tote such as the Street Level 77768 will show your summer style.
Do you have a Fashion Emergency? Please contact the Wardrobe 911 ER room with your blog post question.
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Love this outfit and love the colors!
Ha! I love this question, because I also work in a research lab, but for a food/flavor company. Only problem I can’t wear those pants, what do you recomend for hourglass figure?
Ruthy, if you are an hour glass figure I would stay away from any front pockets, front pleats or darts. It adds weight where you don’t need it. These Kenneth Cole “Amanda” pants are really sleek and polished and would work well for your needs in the lab. And they are only $69.00!! Check them out:)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3035852/0~2376776~2374327~2374335~2374369?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2374369&P=1
Love the outfit! The link to the tank doesn’t work. Can you post it?
Hi Lexi — thanks for posting the error code you are receiving on the post links. We have tried to recreate the error but can’t in IE or Firefox so we’re having our web guy take a look.
The link for the tank is:
http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=50697&ensembleid=56875&colorid=888&refLink=search.aspx
I know this is an older post, but I’ve got a question about the backside area on chinos and dress pants (wool, polyester, linen etc). It seems like slacks with well defined back pockets are most flattering on me (I’m 5’4″, borderline hourglass/triangle, size 6/8). But I’m wondering, are pants with rear pockets less “professional” or “put-together” than sans-pocket slacks (or slacks with those little slit pockets)?
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
I also work in the lab
I need tips on what to wear.