My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

Hmm I work for nhs and do line manage though middle line (I’m a B7 if that takes any difference) I suspect the dress code rules have been brought into place due to inappropriate office wear across the Trust. While I personally wouldn’t have an issue with the style or cut of a blouse, I do have an issue if undergarments are visible through the fabric. In my view, that isn’t appropriate for the workplace regardless of whether a role is public-facing or not. It is easy to argue that an office role isn't public-facing, but in all probability, staff are leaving the office or hospital building at lunch with their NHS lanyards on, meaning we are still representing the service to the public.

If, as I think you have stated, women are not allowed to wear shorts but men are, I would raise a grievance on grounds of sexual discrimination. If you don't want to stick your head over the parapet, this could even be an anonymous note to HR pointing out said sexual discrimination, and mentioning that workers are considering legal advice. Then broaden the issue to outline the manager's fucking ridiculous dress code.

@Candy24 @Ohdearnotthisagain OP has never worn shorts to work. I don’t know where this misunderstanding has come from.

You were wearing shorts to work in an office? Dear god….. the rules are for you!

ETA: Ive just looked at the photo. That vest is something I’d wear to gym or as pyjamas. Honestly it’s so sloppy, like you’ve rolled out of bed. Not work attire at all. Confirms my opinion that you are the reason the rules have been introduced.

Honestly the shirt and short pictures you have posted are not appropriate for work. I wouldn't be comfortable wearing that to work. I personally think that you could find some really nice dresses in cool material that will breathe and are also dressy enough for work.

I have never worked anywhere which had employees in shorts and a vest top. I'd say they were inappropriate for work unless you are in a cycle shop, a building site or a garden centre.

You can wear light cotton things, they are cool enough. Drink plenty of water, you'll be fine but don't dress for the beach at work.

What’s the dress code for women?

Unbelievable.

I'm waiting for the thread praising woollen jumpers and for someone to chime in saying read the room, CoL, some of us can only afford recycled bottle jumpers.

Obviously I know that, but they are dressing for their environment as is someone in shorts working in a roasting office.
My dentist also wears scrubs, but his are immaculate, I swear he gets them tailored 😅

I suspect most guys have something - something - in their wardrobe between a suit and a pair of shorts...

I worked for the Civil Service, we could wear what we wanted, I always wore shorts & vest tops in summer.

How can she actually ban anything?? Pretty sure she can’t make any decisions regarding it when it’s not already in a policy.

What industry are you in?

It highly depends. If it’s a normal office job and they’re banning skirts that’s crazy.

"Tee hee - extreme heat ". Sorry just pissed off most of Mumsnet. We had a rumour at high school that if it hit 40 degrees you would get to leave school. Never happened , but over 6 years it did hit 40 a few times. Australian obviously 😁

ETA - personal fans for the win, charge off your computer USB, tiny but cooling.

Seriously?

Sounds like the real issue is the temperature, not whether you wear a strappy top and short skirt rather than a loose fitting dress. If you're lightheaded with heat, wearing a vest instead of a light cotton blouse won't make your head not lightheaded. You're focussing on the wrong issue - ask for a fan or whatever

Lifeguard?

T-shirts. Doesn't everyone own heaps? Solves the "vest" problem which I had to ask on another thread what they were ( I was thinking a knitted jumper type garment made with no sleeves or the 3rd piece of a 3 piece suit. ). This may be a UK thing. Sorry.
OP wear a t-shirt with a long skirt; or a dress or flowy long pants etc.

Unless the dress code is uniform they pay for, she has no right to say what you wear .

Woah - that's a bit of an over simplification!

Uniqlo airi stuff is good for the heat. I’m wearing light weight culottes

however bring a thermometer to measure the
heat because if it’s 10 above outside it’s a safety issue and you shouldn’t be in at all

It’s interchangeable with dress. I often wear a frock.

You can buy linen or cotton/linen trousers etc at M&S, Next, Peacocks, even Primark. Not elitist.

This might be why:

“A frock is a term for a woman's or girl's dress. While sometimes viewed as slightly old-fashioned in the US, it remains an everyday and colloquial term across the UK”

What century do you think you are in?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frock

A waistcoat and Bermuda shorts is a cool (literally and figuratively) option. There are tons like this. I can't understand why someone would object to it. The idea of of frilly sleeves and midi skirts is totally yuk to me, I think it's so dowdy and mostly looks like a cheap wedding guest outfit

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145656895