To think that “professional” standards shouldn’t apply during periods of extreme weather?

Indeed, it’s amazing that some women seem to advocate for modesty rules that require arms and legs to be covered.

If you are public sector you must have a union. I’d genuinely get them involved on this.

Cover up arms and legs?! I don’t think the Taliban rules need apply! Why are bare arms in a short top or legs visible in just above the knee shorts or skirt unprofessional? Are clavicles and ankles ok?!

Glad I wfh! OP - wear what makes you keep comfortable, not like you are going to wear a bikini top and micro shorts!

I so agree about linen trousers or linen anything come to that. Someone at the Linen Marketing Board has done an excellent job of convincing everyone that linen is something other than a bastard fabric which grimly holds on to every last millimetre of sweat in the folds of its million and one creases, leaving the wearer feeling unpleasantly damp and looking like a bag of rags. If linen is so good at keeping us cool why isn't used for exercise clothes? The fact that it isn't tells you everything you need to know!

I ought?

I don’t think anything mid thigh is going to be terribly professional-skirt, dress or shorts. Something smart and just below the knee (dress or skirt) is fine.

It does seem bizarre that your office is so particular about women’s dresses being calf length, yet men can wear shorts?! I think if men can wear them, women should be able to as well-but not mid thigh.

Wow, they really enjoy treating you like school children, don't they?!

I used to work in the Middle East where it would be upwards of 40 degrees in summer. Still had to dress professional and wear a suit jacket. While I understand it’s uncomfortable in this heat realistically it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a longer dress/ skirt and shirt or shorts and tshirt you will still feel hot.

I’m with you OP, it doesn’t make a massive difference but we’ve had an internal communication that says if you’re in the office this week to dress comfortably. We’re usually smart/casual but for now flip flops and vest tops are in!

I wore loose linen trousers and a similar top today, looked professional, and was perfectly cool.

Their lack of budget should not be your problem. The money will be there somewhere, they just don't want to spend it on that.

I think the main issue is your office would still be a horrible work environment even if you were naked. My child's school has only stayed open because they have air conditioning.

Totally agree.

I have 4 loose, calf length, linen dresses that I used to wear to work in hot weather and they are fabulously cool.

I'm retired now, so today I've been wearing a loose, thin white cotton nightdress all day, and hoping no-one comes to the door!

Why should professional standards apply if op has no client contact? Just...why? Especially if those professional standards are incompatible with the heat.

I wear casual clothes to work unless I have client meetings and nobody gives a shit.

Today the office was sweltering. It’s been 35° minimum all day, but in the office it’s been closer to 40°. We’ve all been unable to function.

That's appalling but to be honest I doubt wearing shorts etc. is going to make very much difference.

I think you should focus on getting them to do something about it, if not now, for next time - hire an aircon unit for example - rather than giving them the excuse of 'well, we did something about it - we let you wear shorts'.

Professional standards should always apply. And shorts and a T shirt are in fact no cooler than a below the knee dress/skirt, or pair of light trousers.

Could you ask to work in the air conditioned office, hot desk style (pun not intended)?

You can pick up some really inexpensive cotton or linen trousers or a knee length skirt that will be one plenty of summer

So wear a knee length skirt. Unless you’re choosing boiled wool, I’m not quite sure how a pair of shorts and then you cooler than a skirt

You’re not choosing shorts that are up to your bum are you? Smart tailored shorts I don’t cooler to wear than a lightweight skirt

But that requires you to have the right clothes - smart linen trousers and shirts, silk vests etc. not everyone has them, in the UK it's rarely hot enough to need a "hot weather smart wardrobe".

Occasionally a bit of leeway is needed.

A local secondary school has completely foregone uniform for the kids and told parents "teachers may be dressed more casually than usual, we believe everyone works better when comfortable".

OP I’m with you all the way. Plus your employers have a duty of care under health and safety laws and one of the stipulations is to relax formal dress codes. Quote them the 1974 health and safety at work act. if they start moaning

Drinking 3 litres of water is probably what’s made you feel light headed and sick. You’ll have diluted your blood’s sodium levels and need to drinks some electrolytes. Too much plain water is dangerous.

Get a grip, plenty of workplaces have uniforms.

You need to speak to your union to negotiate better working conditions than that. If you haven't got a union - time to join one.