A question of semantics...? Work uniform.

[AuroraTeagarden]

My employers are introducing a uniform that we have to wear soon. The uniform is 'white shirt or blouse and black trousers or skirt'

Would you consider a top like this to be an acceptable top? I have a strange shape that doesn't really suit button up shirts...

[OiWithThePoodlesAlready]

I think that would be too casual. To me a white blouse or shirt would mean they are going for a smart formal look.

[WipsGlitter]

I'd hate to wear a blouse. I find them really uncomfortable. So you have my sympathy.

[Palomb]

If you work in a hairdresser fine, if you work in an office not fine.

[carrie74]

I'd be inclined to say no, but I'd suggest checking with work, they'll be able to provide a definitive answer?

[flowery]

If they have said shirt or blouse, then no, because that top is neither.

[CardiffUniversityNetballTeam]

We have a very similar dress code in my workplace. They insist on a blouse or shirt with a collar. Scoop necks or v-necks are not acceptable, the collar is key.

[louloubelle2]

What you have linked to is a t-shirt.

I suspect they mean something tailored with a collar or high neckline, same as they will expect tailored trousers and not leggings.

If you would consider wearing it at the weekend, or with jeans, it's not what they want.

[fiorentina]

I wouldn't say that is acceptable unfortunately. It really needs to be button up from those guidelines, or potentially a shirt that only buttons part way?

[AuroraTeagarden]

Darn it. But thank you all for your input. I was tempted to email my line manager and ask her if she would consider it as an alternative but I think I'll not risk it.

We are not in an office but a public library, and we are all very used to a slightly more casual style of dress. Especially as I'm normally doing crafts or singing with children!

My shape is very 'apple' - I'm all tummy so anything that fits round my middle is like a tent on my shoulders. Any suggestions of shirts that might fit that shape and don't cost a bomb will be very welcome!

[louloubelle2]

Ive no idea about body shapes, but what about a long, untucked shirt, currently popular and called boyfriend shirts it would seem, with very slim ankle length black trousers, and brogues or loafers or ballet flats?

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Shirts-Blouses/WA629/Womens-The-Boyfriend-Shirt.html

Just thinking that would avoid having to tuck a shirt in drawing attention to your waist, but still be smart and formal.

[BrendaandEddie]

this is quite soft looking
www.marksandspencer.com/buttonsafe-pure-cotton-cutwork-shirt/p/p22371121?colour=SoftWhite

[SwedishEdith]

Have a look on Uniqlo. Lots of plain shirts, some quite drapey.

I'd get more details about what they mean though - I hate buttoned up shirts.

[BrendaandEddie]

i like a shirt and I have had success in Uniqlo

[AuroraTeagarden]

Ooh, thank you for that uniqlo suggestion. Mainly because I've found this which they call a 'blouse' haha! Looks like a t-shirt to me but if it's in the official description...

Added complications to my uniform needs are - I'm 5'4 and a size 22/24. I can't wear heeled shoes to make me seem taller and I have downward sloping shoulders which makes bra buying a bit of a chore.

I might gently query the requirement for buttons...

[AuroraTeagarden]

Oh, and I haven't ironed anything since 2007...

[BrendaandEddie]

link no work

Uniqlo sizing is small ime

[BrendaandEddie]

embrace the slow spin speed

[AuroraTeagarden]

Blouse or not-blouse...?! It's a minefield I tells ya!

[BrendaandEddie]

not

No collar

[Wewereneverbeingboring]

Not blouse...looks like a smart tee shirt.

[louloubelle2]

That uniqlo one is not a blouse as it doesn't have buttons or a collar, but the fabric, as long as its not some sort of stretch jersey, might work. The trousers would definitely have to be properly tailored to avoid it looking too casual though.

If the uniform rule is that one sentence as you wrote it into your OP, then it is definitely open to interpretation, and it wouldn't hurt to get some more details if you're really worried. On the other hand, you don't want to be held to some rigid criteria because you asked for it, when others might get away with less formal wear.

Is it more that the general "smart-casual" dress code was veering more towards jeans and scruffy casual, and they just want to smarten everyone up a bit, rather than try and make you all look too formal?

[Castrovalva]

It's an odd dress code for library. Black trousers and white shirt says waitress to me, not librarian. Especially as libraries tend to do kid friendly story sessions and stuff. Sounds a bit formal.

I'm sure our librarians have branded stuff, polo shirts and jackets that say 'Thingummy County Library Services ' on em or some such.

No help to you OP but it hope someone had a word with them about it, point out some better alternatives.

Hope you caN find somethinfpg soon.