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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To wear a denim jacket for a business meeting?

17 replies

ICameOnTheJitney · 23/09/2013 17:02

To explain...I'm a writer and work from home where my uniform consists of leggings and sweatshirts . Occasionally I get some work from corporate clients and have to go in to "meet the team" which is a bit scary for me...I only meet other adults on the school run!

The last time I had a meeting like this was about 3 or 4 years ago...I work alone and do all my networking from my laptop.

Now...tomorrow is my meeting...I have a nice dress to wear which is casual/smart depending on what you wear on your feet but it needs a jacket and I don't have a suitable one!

Can I get away with a smart denim one, some nice wedges and the dress which is navy and just above/on the knee? Or should I put a cardigan on? I have nice smart black cardigans....my coats are all casual! I am hoping they'll just think I'm a batty artistic type.

OP posts:

Chocolatehunter · 23/09/2013 17:04

I wouldn't. I work in a corporate environment and although I wouldn't expect people from outside my organisation to wear formal suits etc, there is a difference between smart work wear and weekend wear and I think a denim jacket falls too far into the weekend wear.

Original poster

ICameOnTheJitney · 23/09/2013 17:05

Oh balls. I have NOTHING to wear then! What can I dooooo? I have one formal coat which swamps me and is a bit heavy for this time of year.

OP posts:

dexter73 · 23/09/2013 17:16

Put the cardigan on, the denim jacket will be too casual.

flowery · 23/09/2013 17:18

Cardigan. It's going to be warm tomorrow anyway, or it is here.

LaurieFairyCake · 23/09/2013 17:20

Cardigan is fine

specialsubject · 23/09/2013 17:33

why does it need a jacket? It will be warm tomorrow, and most offices are revoltingly overheated anyway as architects don't know about windows.

denim jacket? Not unless the meeting is with Status Quo.

SuperiorCat · 23/09/2013 17:51

Cardigan or borrow a jacket from a friend.

If you want to buy one but don't want to spend a lot, H&M have a jersey one for £14.99

CoffeeTea103 · 23/09/2013 17:52

Cardigan, denim jacket just comes across unprofessional.

whois · 23/09/2013 17:55

Cardi is totally fine. Denim is not.

Bunbaker · 23/09/2013 17:55

Denim jacket comes across as a) I couldn't care less or b) I'm a rebel.

While I am scruffy at home I wouldn't dream of looking scruffy for a business meeting, especially if I want to be taken seriously.

Orangeanddemons · 23/09/2013 17:59

I think you should dress like you. You aren't part of the team, you are a separate entity. They should be in formal, if that what their dress code dictates, but you don't have to.

Fwiw, I used to be a freelance clothing designer. I never ever worse formal wear to meet clients. I wore what felt right for me. If it is a smartish denim jacket it should be fine

monkeymamma · 23/09/2013 18:12

I have worn a denim jacket for an external meeting (actually a series of meetings at an industry event). I wore it deliberately to offset a very pretty/formal dress, and I do work in a creative industry. I also meet with a lot of freelance professionals as part of my job and I wouldn't judge a denim jacket if it was worn with a nice dress and generally smart/confident appearance. But only you know your own industry and what you look and feel good in...

peachmint · 23/09/2013 19:19

Get a nice blazer from Zara or similar?

notadoctor · 23/09/2013 19:45

I'm also a freelance writer - althought mostly working in theatre and I'd say in the creative industries, a smart denim jacket is fine. Also, even if it's a more corporate environment you're going into - you're coming in as a freelance creative so I wouldn't have thought you'd be expected to dress like the people who work there.

CharlieCoCo · 23/09/2013 20:05

bit late now probably but H and M have casual blazers for £15 (if u buy 2 u get one half price) and come in all sorts of colours. they go with anything, dresses, jeans. dress up, dress down. might b handy to get one or two.

pudseypie · 23/09/2013 21:37

Cardigan if you can't get a blazer in time. Definitely not the denim jacket, too casual.

Tavv · 23/09/2013 21:52

you're coming in as a freelance creative so I wouldn't have thought you'd be expected to dress like the people who work there.

I agree with the above, and vote for the denim. I'm sure if they visited you for a meeting, they'd turn up in suits rather than more creative outfits. Be yourself and gain more respect and interest.

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