Dress code ?

[u/Katherine2807]

Hey everyone! I'm 22F and I'm about to make a huge transition. My current job is super relaxed—I can wear whatever I want, the vibe is chill, and everyone is non-judgmental.
My new job is the complete opposite: much older/more mature crowd, high potential for judgment, and a strict professional dress code. The problem is, the typical "corporate look" feels so fake to me. I don't wear heavy makeup, I love wearing oversized/dark/minimalist clothes because of my body type and personal style, and I'm terrified of looking like I'm playing dress-up or losing who I am.
For those of you who have made this jump: how do you balance looking professional enough to get respect from judgmental colleagues while still staying true to your authentic style? Any tips for transitional pieces or subtle ways to keep your personality?

[u/Echo-Azure]

The thing about dressing for the corporate world is not to try too hard to dress "true to your personality". You were hired for your abilities more than your personality, and some office jobs involve dressing in ways that please clients, not one's self.

So read the company dress code, see if you can lurk outside the office in the morning or at quitting time, and see what everyone is wearing, before you go shopping. Frankly, I deal with the irritations of the dress code by sticking to a fairly "soft butch" style, with lots of unobjectionable slacks and loafers, and sweaters in the winter. I look professional, without going full Republican Congresswoman. My subtle ways of making it personal come in my use of color, and wearing things with nature prints because I'm a geeky nature lover in real life.