Dress code in civil service

[CharmingScene]

Just posting in chat for traffic.

Can anyone advise on what the dress code might be for a big government department in central London?

Been working from home during pandemic and Rees-Mogg now sending us all back into the office.

I'm not in policy so not likely to be rubbing shoulders with Ministers.

(I've forgotten how to dress smartly and my wide awkward feet would really love someone to reply that smart-ish trainers and jeans might be okay...)

What do you feel comfy in, wide leg trousers, shirt and cardi look nice with trainers or brogues. Are you a dress/skirt/trousers type of person.

It depends on the office culture to be honest. I work in a large CS (non public facing) office in the North West. It used to be very much office type clothing, men in shirt and “proper” trousers women skirts/trousers - no jeans or trainers unless a “dress down” day. However since the arrival of a much younger cohort of digital employees I’ve seem people in shorts, jeans or even joggers.

We dress up if we meet customers i.e. suit or smart top, trousers/skirt. Proper shoes.

For the rest anything goes. Jeans, trainers etc OK. I would dress smartish for the first day or so though.

@BlanketsBanned Hmm definitely not a skirt type of person (unless it's long). Dresses I can do. But I'm very casual really, so worrying if I'll struggle.

@Allywill joggers would be my dream . Deffo not in first flush of youth though...

What sort of shape, height and size are you, have you set yourself a budget. What colours suit you. What are your best features.

Shape = hurtling towards menopause. Svelte is not an adjective I'd use to describe myself. Budget: Toast / White Company etc out of my league. More of a Uniqlo to Hush budget.

@Dynamicsloth This is the dream. My job doesn't involve customers so it's sounding positive....

Im in CS, none customer facing role, the only things we cant wear are: any sports wear, anything with an offence slogan on, anything not appropriate ie hot pants!

Honestly just get some nice stretchy waist, ankle grazer black cigarette trousers from M@S and a couple of nice tops to see you through the first week, then get a vibe from others.

But above all else where something you don't feel self conscious in and will tug at during the day. Life is too short!

I wear tailored trousers and a 'nice blouse' these days. I did wear nice flat shoes but have given up and wear smartish trainers (no one has commented).

Of course my 'nice blouses' tend to have mad looking animals and dinosaurs (hiding in bushes) on them... but they are used to me by now.

That sounds positive too. Would sportswear include things like Adidas / Nike trainers? (Asking for a friend )

I've had a few meetings in central government departments recently (DCMS / HO). Pretty much all the women were wearing trainers and casual clothes. Most of the men were wearing suits.

I can't remember last time I saw a man in a tie!

@KittenKong can you tell me what your smart-ish trainers are?

I do, I started off in smart black trousers and blouse.... 3 months later im in cropped jeans & trainers!.

Does happy dance

Sportswear I meant like footballl or rugby shirts

Central London Whitehall dept here - im going back after mat leave next week but when i went into the office recently for a KIT day, it was pretty much business casual. So trousers or skirt plus blouse. Then either cardi or blazer on top. I suppose i saw a few more people wearing jeans than pre-covid (dark denim, smart style) but these were non senior colleagues or those who tend not to meet with clients or ministers. I've bought a couple of smart casual dresses in black / navy from M&S and Boden to go back with, plus some plain blouses and trousers.

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499?color=BLACK
www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-belted-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60532941?color=NAVY

Oh and I've always worn trainers (usually white plimsoll style) but kept a pair of smart flats in my locker to swap into for meetings where seniors might be present.

Last lot were sketchers 'walkers'. They have different colours so they don't look too 'trainery'.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07P8WQM67/ref=yoiii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1&th=1

Thanks @BlanketsBanned and @KittenKong. Useful visuals!

I like the sound of these for days when I might need to be smarter. I'd forgotten about good ol' M&S for office basics.

Thanks @AnotherNC22

Interesting yours is still business casual. Without wishing to out yourself, is your dept what might be described as one of the old school ones (e.g. FCDO, HM Treasury type of thing?).