Page 17 | My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

itsjustthepricewepay · 2026-05-26T12:32:19+00:00

I could cry right now. I understand banning thin strapped vests but surely thick straps are fine? She’s also banned all shorts (including knee length) and skirts that sit at the knee. Basically we have to go down to ankle length trousers. AIBU to genuinely consider quitting my job? Her office is air conditioned but we’re in a horrible hot sun trap!

KnewYearKnewMe · 26/05/2026 17:32

@WhatAMarvelousTune - totally agree.

i wear lots of blouses, tops and tailored jumpsuits that are almost exactly that style.

not inappropriate whatsoever.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:31

Nanny0gg · 26/05/2026 17:31

Because workplace clothing has traditionally been more formal than what you'd wear at home

And you are well aware of that

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If you’re in a corporate setting sure. But it’s 2026.

OP posts:

Nanny0gg · 26/05/2026 17:31

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:00

I didn’t say I would wear the shorts to work!!!!

Not that I see an issue with it. What’s inappropriate about my thighs?

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Because workplace clothing has traditionally been more formal than what you'd wear at home

And you are well aware of that

JustaDream · 26/05/2026 17:31

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:30

It’s not worn, it’s brand fucking new. Handmade by me.

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Ok, I don't want to offend but I still don't think it looks professional as compared to some of the other examples you've been shown. It's not really relevant, I guess, since all examples have been banned. Just making a suggestion on why this might be the case. Hope you find some middle ground with the suggestions others have provided.

Thiswasanescapeplan · 26/05/2026 17:31

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:48

I’m not, I’ll admit it’s a little messy but it was my first attempt at a top, and at bias binding. I think in general I’ve decided tops aren’t worth the time as the cotton jersey is so expensive, but im still proud of it!

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Ignore the pp, op.

I didn't think this was a thread on sewing, that was my point.

And if you were simultaneously working in an NHS office and on the GB 🪡🐝 in a heatwave I'd be very impressed.

....maybe the pp is your manager, posting on MN from her AC palace of refreshing luxury

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:30

JustaDream · 26/05/2026 17:29

Without wishing to seem anything but helpful, the top you've shown looks a bit worn and not very professional at all. I'm not saying you're the reason the dress code was updated, but I can see it from the point of management. Individual interpretation is tricky so it's up to management to make things very clear for all in pursuit of fairness.

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It’s not worn, it’s brand fucking new. Handmade by me.

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JustaDream · 26/05/2026 17:29

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:34

I don’t agree that they always look awful. I have a lovely vest that is basically a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off

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Without wishing to seem anything but helpful, the top you've shown looks a bit worn and not very professional at all. I'm not saying you're the reason the dress code was updated, but I can see it from the point of management. Individual interpretation is tricky so it's up to management to make things very clear for all in pursuit of fairness.

CoyGoldenKoi · 26/05/2026 17:28

If it's NHS, I'm super failing to see the issue.

You print out a (dated) copy of the dress code policy.

You wear whatever you like, within the bounds of the stated policy.

If anyone, such as your manager, complains, you point them to the policy, state that you're complying with that, and ask them what issue they have with your dress code compliant outfit.

You did seem to post bullet points from it earlier, so you presumably are aware of it and what it says.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:28

polarbert · 26/05/2026 17:26

So any clothing which leaves you with bare shoulders is beachwear? I genuinely don't understand why bare shoulders, specifically, are inappropriate.

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I’m also confused because a lot of dresses I have could probably be worn to the beach and to the office. As could the kaftans suggested by a lot of people on this thread

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Lightuptheroom · 26/05/2026 17:27

Doesn't your office have air conditioning or fans?
(Probably missed the point of the thread completely)
I've read your dress code, appropriate length literally means not so short your backside is showing. Pretty sure that she's not going to measure the length of your skirt! As for dress codes in general, I work for a local authority and our dress code is 'dress for your day' which is actually much easier to interpret. As for shoes, find something lightweight unless she's somehow demanding you wear lace ups !
If your manager is really that bad about what you wear, it may be worth a conversation with their line manager as to their interpretation of the dress code.

Oncemorewithsome · 26/05/2026 17:27

I think I would ignore entirely the clothing edict and make a formal complaint labelled health and safety re: the unsafe temperature of the office. Get all colleagues to sign (harder to then pick you off).

polarbert · 26/05/2026 17:26

ThisOneLife · 26/05/2026 17:04

If it’s suitable for beachwear it’s not sufficiently professional for work.

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So any clothing which leaves you with bare shoulders is beachwear? I genuinely don't understand why bare shoulders, specifically, are inappropriate.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:25

NameChangeMay2026 · 26/05/2026 17:23

I hope everyone realises that with vest tops comes....SIDE BOOB!!! 😮

And glimpses of bra! 🤣

If one wears a bra. But many don't these days, and with low-cut armholes, people flash their boobs from the side, not just side boob! "needs smelling salts"

I love getting my boobs out to be honest. I think my cleavage looks great and I wish I had the confidence to do it more in my everyday life

OP posts:

cinquanta · 26/05/2026 17:24

Just go in in your knickers.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:24

LadyTakingTea · 26/05/2026 17:24

That outfit you're wearing and that you say is the same one that you're wearing in work today-apart from swapping the shorts out for trousers....would you have worn it to an interview for the post you're in?

If yes and your boss would still have given you the job, then she has nothing to complain about. If no, then you shouldn't be wearing it now.

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I wore a sleeveless knee length dress for the interview!

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LadyTakingTea · 26/05/2026 17:24

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 15:57

Why would I be doing that?

im sat here fucking boiling. It’s hot, all I want tomorrow is to wear a skirt and maybe some sandals, and my manager has said no. I’m fuming

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That outfit you're wearing and that you say is the same one that you're wearing in work today-apart from swapping the shorts out for trousers....would you have worn it to an interview for the post you're in?

If yes and your boss would still have given you the job, then she has nothing to complain about. If no, then you shouldn't be wearing it now.

TorturedParentsDepartment · 26/05/2026 17:24

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:35

😀😀😀

I mean the t shirt wouldn't get the OP through the preliminary rounds of the Great British Sewing Bee.

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As a side note - my now ex-senior manager made it through most of the selection rounds on that.

I did at one point have to explain why there was a sewing machine in our work office cupboard

AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 17:24

Leopardprintbikini · 26/05/2026 16:50

You wore that to work? The neck is all stretched out, it looks like it's been through the wash with dark clothes, and it needs ironing. Even the most casual of workplaces like CEX for example would have a word. K

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I work in the NHS. Nobody where I work would be having a word about that top, I can assure you.

NameChangeMay2026 · 26/05/2026 17:23

I hope everyone realises that with vest tops comes....SIDE BOOB!!! 😮

And glimpses of bra! 🤣

If one wears a bra. But many don't these days, and with low-cut armholes, people flash their boobs from the side, not just side boob! "needs smelling salts"

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:22

Nanny0gg · 26/05/2026 17:18

Has your manager got a manager?

And is it written that your manager can unilaterally decide the dress code?

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Not that I can see. They might do but I think that that manager is the big boss.

OP posts:

LatteLady · 26/05/2026 17:22

Union and HR, would be the way to go... comments about lengths of dresses, skirts and trousers sound inappropriate in your circumstances.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:21

NameChangeMay2026 · 26/05/2026 17:21

Not just yours, men's too. Other people's armpit hair is not nice to look at and it also releases smells.

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So you think women should be shaving their bodies because it’s “not nice to look at”?

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AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 17:21

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:41

The OP asked twice about the top being fine and what was wrong with it. If you ask for an opinion expect an honest answer. It's kind and helpful.

Perfectly fine for the corner shop, leisure and bedtime. Not the office.

Edited

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Disingenuous. You know very well the question was about heat and arms being exposed in an office environment. It wasn’t about how nice the top is.

NameChangeMay2026 · 26/05/2026 17:21

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 14:09

Why is my armpit hair inappropriate?

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Not just yours, men's too. Other people's armpit hair is not nice to look at and it also releases smells.

Nanny0gg · 26/05/2026 17:18

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 15:57

Why would I be doing that?

im sat here fucking boiling. It’s hot, all I want tomorrow is to wear a skirt and maybe some sandals, and my manager has said no. I’m fuming

Show quote history

Has your manager got a manager?

And is it written that your manager can unilaterally decide the dress code?