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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is an okay work outfit for a social worker

171 replies

couldnothinkofone · 31/07/2017 23:30

m.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/dark-grey-drawstring-waist-shirt-dress_504395403

^ that's it

I hate trousers with a passion (find them so uncomfortable and I feel masculine wearing them!

So dresses and skirts only for me.

To work I always wear a dress like in the link with black tights and heeled black boots. Simple but in my opinion smart casual.

I work with adults.

My flat mate has said she thinks it's fine for day to day at work but it's my first day tomorrow and I need to make a good impression so I should go in a smarter outfit. She suggested putting up
With black trousers and a nice blouse just for tomorrow.

AIBU to think that dress, black tights, and black heeled ankle boots are fine for my first day on the job?

I'm a size 12 and tall so things tend to look neat and tidy on me.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 31/07/2017 23:49

I'm only 24 by the way. If that changes anything.

Why would it? Confused

Original poster
couldnothinkofone · 31/07/2017 23:52

Well most people would presume I was older than 24 and might think I should be wearing something that would be unsuitable for someone my age.

OP posts:
Original poster
couldnothinkofone · 31/07/2017 23:52

The dress is from the plus size range but I bought the 'normal sized' version which has now
Sold out.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 31/07/2017 23:53

What makes you think people would assume you were older?

Verbena37 · 31/07/2017 23:55

If it's knee length on you then it's fine with tights and boots.

Liadain · 31/07/2017 23:55

The dress is fine, as you're 24 I do think it is actually better to dress up a little - I have a young face and this is always what I did Grin Helps get rid of the "ah sure you're just out of college" attitude.

As a teacher, I always dress a little more formally when meeting new parents. I'd apply the same principles here.

Cinderllaspinkdresswasthebest · 31/07/2017 23:55

I'm only 24 by the way. If that changes anything

It makes no matter what age you are - both of the dresses look lovely and certainly don't shout out 'young' to me - I've a 24 year old son and 'shock horror' like to dress in fashion - Without leggings/trousers whatever age they are not appropriate in a professional workplace setting and you would be sent home with a copy to re-read of the Trust's policy i.e dress code.

MaryShelley1818 · 31/07/2017 23:56

I work in Social Work, it's absolutely fine. I wear a mixture of dresses (with leggings mostly but just cos I'm plus size!) and jeans. I don't own a suit and only go smarter if in court.
Smart office wear would not be appropriate in my job and my clients definitely would be less comfortable.

ThinkOfTheHorses · 31/07/2017 23:57

Get a suit skirt and a nice shirt ?
There are plenty of professional and comfortable skirts and dresses

ziggzagg · 31/07/2017 23:58

OP I'm a Social Worker and I would wear both dresses with tights and boots. They are more than appropriate for work. Good luck on your first day!

splendidglenda · 31/07/2017 23:59

Way too short

Original poster
couldnothinkofone · 01/08/2017 00:01

A suit skirt and shirt would be far too formal. Except in court.

OP posts:
LockedOutOfMN · 01/08/2017 00:03

I think the dress is too short for work and would be too informal with leggings underneath.

I think your flatmate is correct about your first day in a new job.

BuzzKillington · 01/08/2017 00:05

I think they're ok.

2nd dress is rather unflattering.

elephantoverthehill · 01/08/2017 00:06

Have you looked at your local weather forecast for tomorrow Op? That always helps me to decide.

newdaylight · 01/08/2017 00:06

I didn't mention it work in social work, people wear dresses of similar length all the time. It's just normal work wear.

GriefLeavesItsMark · 01/08/2017 00:08

Our social workers almost always wear black trousers and jersey tops with low heeled black boots, or back leggings with tunic tops (and shoulder length, centre parting hair). Although we do have a couple that dress like mad hippies, but that tends to be the men.

Cinderllaspinkdresswasthebest · 01/08/2017 00:09

aah you see I think this is at the other end of the spectrum - as a social worker putting people at ease should be the main aim - somebody in 'an official' suit could cause people to 'clam up' faced with 'official'

On the same page, someone turning up with inappropriate dress like (IMO) those linked could lead to a lack of confidence in credibility of the SW.

Beeziekn33ze · 01/08/2017 00:11

I'd wear black leggings with either dress, opaque black tights would be fine too. I think they look shorter in the pix because the models are either bare legged or wearing flesh coloured fine denier tights. If leggings are banned well-fitting ones with ankle boots would look like thick tights anyway
Why buy a 'smart' (boring?!) outfit for one day? Why buy trousers you'll never wear?

Original poster
couldnothinkofone · 01/08/2017 00:16

I think leggings would be too casual but I wear 100
Denier black tights. They look almost identical to leggings but just that little bit smarter.

The dresses are knee length on me. The length is no issue.
For various reasons the dresses look shorter on the model, I'm going to presume they're very tall.

OP posts:
Original poster
couldnothinkofone · 01/08/2017 00:20

Just checked and the model is 5ft10. Which explains why the dress looks so short.

OP posts:
MsLexicon · 01/08/2017 00:21

No, it looks like a shirt and you have forgotten the trousers... also you said you were a 12 but this is Plus Size.
I am totally confused.
Anyway I would not wear that to work and I am an adult art teacher! the youngsters wear these with bare legs as in the pic. Looks nice out shopping I daresay.

GirlOnATrainToShite · 01/08/2017 00:22

Social workers I work with usually look dreadfulwear leggings under dresses etc, now those "pantaloon" style trousers are in a lot wear them which look noceceso in summer.

Don't want to look too smart as creates massive barrier with clients and some of the houses you visit won't be the best.

One lady I work with, a manager, always wears head to toe Karen Millen type styles and looks amazing.

WhataHexIgotinto · 01/08/2017 00:23

Too short. Fine if you don't want to look too professional.

Tessliketrees · 01/08/2017 00:24

I'm a front line social worker and work with adults and I that's fine with tights and ankle boots. I'd wear it.

I don't work with any social workers who would wear a suit skirt and blouse except senior management.

FraggleRock77

I find your comment utterly baffling. I used to work in mental health and never heard of such a thing. The more I am thinking about it the less sense it makes, unless I have misunderstood?