Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not wear a suit in financial services?

42 replies

newlycorporategirl · 05/09/2024 20:19

I'm starting a new role in financial services at a bank based in canary wharf (entry level having transitioned from a different career).

I have lots of smart dresses etc but i'm wondering if the norm is to wear a blazer/suit style outfit for the office every day or a blouse/shirt and cardigan okay?

I don't want to have to spend a fortune on new clothes but my partner thinks I may need to get some suits/blazers depending on the vibe (however they don't work in a similar industry)

YABU - suck it up and buy some blazers
YANBU - a blouse and cardigan is fine

OP posts:
PeloMom · 05/09/2024 20:52

It depends on your role. If you’re client facing/ senior people facing- you need blazers and some suits. Back office- you can get away with smart dress and cardigan

LondonQueen · 05/09/2024 20:51

When I worked in finance (I was quite senior) I wore dresses with leggings, if I wanted to smarten up for certain clients I would chuck a blazer on.

DodoTired · 05/09/2024 20:49

smart cashmere or thin merino wool cardigans over smart blouse are fine too

DreadPirateRobots · 05/09/2024 20:48

I'd go e.g. loafers/nice flats, wide legged or cigarette trousers, and a shirt or blouse. Modern, smart, without being matchy.

FaiIureToLunch · 05/09/2024 20:42

dress and a blazer

NO CARDIGAN

mynameiscalypso · 05/09/2024 20:41

I tend to see junior staff in banks/financial services wearing suits more frequently than middle/senior management.

MidnightPatrol · 05/09/2024 20:40

I wouldn’t buy anything until you see what the vibe is.

I very rarely see a woman in a suit nowadays. Not a corporate one anyway. I don’t wear them either - I look ridiculous in them.

Today I wore loafers, a pleated maxi length skirt and a blouse.

Just aim to look expensive!

AsYouWiiiiiiiiiiiiish · 05/09/2024 20:37

Smart dresses or smart dresses with a blazer are perfectly acceptable.

Imo cardigans typically aren't.

TheRozzers · 05/09/2024 20:32

I'm sure a cardigan would be okay but you might feel a bit frumpy and will look more the part in blazers. Dress for the next level up.

Zara does good value office clothes.

Smart dresses are all good.

edwinbear · 05/09/2024 20:32

I work in investment banking in the City. Please don’t go wearing a suit/blazer etc! Nobody has worn these for about 10 years. Smart dress/trousers/skirt/top is absolutely fine.

heinzseight · 05/09/2024 20:31

Okay - well we are smart casual so everyone wears jeans and trainers 😀 I think smart dresses/ blouse and trousers with cardigan will absolutely fit the bill, you don't need a blazer every day. I wouldn't spend a lot of money if you have that sort of thing already, if it was me I'd go extra smart the first week and then moderate from then on!

TikehauLilly · 05/09/2024 20:29

From what I see in the city and CW it's smart casual

I wear anything from dresses, to a blazer, to jeans, to more formal wear.

Your blouse and cardigan is fine until you settle in and figure out dress code. It will depend if you are client facing or not.

A blazer might be a good.investment to have to to hand to throw on, but don't rush out to get one.

Original poster
newlycorporategirl · 05/09/2024 20:29

heinzseight · 05/09/2024 20:25

I highly doubt you'll need to. Have they told you the dress code?

The dress code they've given is:

business-smart (no jeans or trainers)

which seems quite vague but also would suggest that I don't need to be OTT formal? Thats how im reading it.

OP posts:
GrandHighPoohbah · 05/09/2024 20:28

Could you borrow a blazer from a friend for the first day and see what the vibe is? Buy some if you think you need them after that.

Seeline · 05/09/2024 20:27

My DH is at a finance London HQ and it's still very much suits and ties.

heinzseight · 05/09/2024 20:25

I highly doubt you'll need to. Have they told you the dress code?

mynameiscalypso · 05/09/2024 20:23

Can you buy one blazer for now and then see how other people are dressed?