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

A lot of people on here are bloody insufferable.

No one should EVER question ANYTHING! We must all SUFFER under bullshit nonsensical rules made up by people sitting in (air conditioned) ivory towers! If you are in any way comfortable then you’re BAD! Anyone who complains about the torturous conditions is DRAMATIC!! 🙄

The less surface area covered the better

Actually no; if you look at how people in really hot countries do it you'll find it's loose cotton clothing all the way, which wicks sweat away from the skin

I see OP now says this is what she was wearing, so since nothing else will be any more comfortable the only other thing to suggest is a portable air conditioner

There are plenty of informal workplaces, you’re free to search for whatever working environment resonates with you more.

I have always worked in a casual industry with casual dressing where short skirts or shorts are perfectly acceptable. I have always worn short skirts in summer or winter, but you knew your workplace had a dress code when you joined and it’s hot every year.

A dress will be cooler than shorts and a T-shirt, which will make you feel hot and uncomfortable if you are sitting for a long time. The dress will act as a fan every time you get up for any reason.

I think the hot weather is making everyone responding to this post into a narky typical mumsnetter. I get it OP I will absolutely be wearing shorts and a t shirt tomorrow too ✊

Linen trousers?😂

Has anyone ever actually SEEN what linen trousers look like when you've been sweating buckets and sitting down in them for hours? The creases would be of Olympic standard.

I'd say wear what you like OP, and if the Big Cheeses deign to come over from their air conditioned building and criticise your sartorial elegance, invite them to sit in your office for the rest of the day while you sit in theirs.

I am wfh in a cotton kaftan that falls to my feet, the sleeves cover roughly to my elbows. I am as cool as one is likely to be in this weather. A loose cotton dress or trousers and sleeved top are cooler by far than a tight T-shirt and shorts. You do not need to show lots of flesh to be cool, in fact, quite the opposite.
Edited to change cook to cool.

Ok so by your logic can you not buy a knee length skirt which will surely reach your mid calves? You know since you’re so petite?

Or do you want to be awkward for every sensible suggestion?

Is your dress not cotton or linen?

Do you have a union, OP?

It does seem crazy. I've told my team to do whatever they need to to stay well in the heat, wfh, use flexi or go into their closest air conditioned office where we have desks. I've cancelled meetings where I can so they can get proper breaks and basically said we're all adults so make sensible decisions based on staying as comfortable as you can. It's a few days. I'd rather support my team to stay well than build resentment and have them risk their health. Your work seems to put ridiculous rules over what outcomes they should want - a productive team with decent wellbeing.

It’s perfectly possibly to dress modestly and in keeping with professional standards in the heat. I’ve commuted in London every summer and there has regularly been days or weeks in the mid to high 30s.
A loose light weight dress to the calf will not be any warmer than shorts and a t shirt.

How are shorts, which tend to cling, going to keep you that much cooler than a cotton dress? You just seem hell bent on wearing shorts and a t shirt. Go for it then.

This is a very similar post from the end of last month on tops and shorts..

Bonkers that management are dictating this when you’re not even client facing! We were told to wear anything cool-shorts, trainers that was reasonably smart-in our school this week. I’m in a mesh top with sleeves, vest top underneath, full length black trousers. I’d probably be cooler in shorts, but I have compression stockings so bit pointless.

I work in a school and wore a sleeveless vest today. I didn’t care. Other staff did too. The heat yesterday was unbearable in a classroom full of children and my shoulders shouldn’t cause any kind of stir. They’re shoulders.

The point is the boss shouldn’t be making these daft demands though. Just because someone is a boss, doesn’t mean it’s reasonable for them to treat you however they please.

Why does a dress have to be mid calf to look professional? That doesn't make any sense. You don't have to wear mid calf length dresses in court, which I would say is the place you need to look most professional. If I were having to give evidence in court I would absolutely wear a knee length dress

Stop this now. Just stop.

In a previous office job, I was told I had to get a Dr's note to get a desk fan.
(No own-electricals permitted due to "insurance", I worked in a south facing building, no aircon, floor to ceiling "windows" which didn't open due to "security" - and they wondered why turnover was high)
My GP thought this was bizarre so questioned me about it - after I showed her a few photos of the office and the thermometer on my desk, I got a note which specified 2 fans, extra breaks if my desk temperature was over 25c, knee length shorts (not skirt, must have material between my thighs to prevent irritation) no tight clothing, and no polyester uniform, natural/breathable fabric only. She also gave me a stack of leaflets about the risks and dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Occupational Health agreed with my GP.

That was a fun conversation with upper management, but they declined the 'opportunity' to leave their modern environmentally controlled offices and try to work in mine for a few days 😂