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

[couldnothinkofone]

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.

The second dress would be great

I see what your friend is saying though op. I had an informal interview today, in Spain where it is 30 something degrees and said to do that I didn't think I'd bother with my suit. He told me I had to wear a suit to an interview and i thibk he is right. Similarly in my first few days in a job id wear my very smartest clothes to make a good impression then go more casual if appropriate. Not saying that is right but that is how I feel about it.

For the hard of reading among us, the OP clearly states above that although she linked to a plus size dress, she bought the same one from the non plus size range

Both too short. I like short by the way.

Before I opened the links I told myself to judge if I would wear it to see one of my clients (totally different work - but still professional role)

Straight away I thought too short.

With black opaque tights? Looks very nice .... then see what others are wearing over first couple of days and adjust style if necessary. Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.

orange
The OP has said the dress is longer on her because she's not a 5ft10/11 model.

It's the style that's the problem, not just the length - even if just above the knee on OP, it looks as if you've forgotten to put bottoms on. 100 denier tights are not the same as wearing trousers, or even leggings.

It's also way too informal and loose to be appropriate in a variety of possible settings/clients - which you cannot predict as it's your first day in the job.

Your absolute refusal to listen to your flatmate, and the majority of the posters (on a thread you started) is interesting to note, given your career choice. Your desire not to feel "masculine" in trousers should be less important than appearing professional and approachable. This dress is just casual, not smart at all, I'm afraid.

quince
I'd forgotten it's for a first day. Op you do need something smarter for a first day.

I'd wear that type of dress with thick leggings, smart boots and a blazer to work. I work in schools. But I'd not wear it for parents' evening or big meetings.

With opaque black tights or leggings would be absolutely fine :) Enjoy your first day!

Thick black tights and boots in August?!

I cant believe the way some social workers dress. There's a difference between not intimidating the clients and looking like you're off to mooch round the garden centre. As a social worker you will most likely be the lead professional working with these families- if you don't look professional or smart then how on earth are you meant to inspire confidence?

I wouldn't wear it with thick tights in August, but would in autumn.

It depends how it's styled. I wear stretchy jersey pencil style skirts to work. When worn with a chiffon blouses and Cardigan it's perfectly acceptable, but it wouldn't be with a skimpy top like I've seen people wear on nights out.

Agree the style is too informal. The length would be ok if a tailored/straight tunic style dress. But that looks too baggy and possibly a cause of embarrassment if it blows up or you bend over.

And what's with the black tights and boots in August ?

I think this is way too short and completely inappropriate. SW need to look professional and inspire confidence.
I'm shocked, like a pp, at many of the outfits I have seen SW'ers wearing. How is doing the profession any good? Is it any wonder the public are losing respect?

If it's to the knee on you then I think it would be fine. There is no need to wear trousers if that's not what you are comfortable in. But skirts/dresses should be to or on the knee in a professional environment imo.

I have a friend in a very professional job. She dresses according to her diary for the day. So, in the office, not meeting people other than colleagues, she wears dresses/tunics with opaque tights or leggings. When she's meeting bigwigs, she wears a jacket, blouse and skirt. If she's ever in doubt of how the day may go she errs towards the jacket ensemble so as not to embarrass herself or her employers.

The OP is going to be working with adults isn't she?

Must be wonderful to be a vulnerable person knowing your social worker is focussed on feeling light and girly (or whatever).

First day good impression, so no.

Too short and casual.

I'm a social worker, my rule is if I can't sit on a clients sofa or bend down to pick a child
up without tugging at my hemline I don't wear it.

Oblomov17 most clients find SW in professional dress hard to relate too. Also if you dress too smartly then their neighbours immediately know who you are which can upset the clients too. My normal dress on a day is jeans and flat shoes/trainers.

Skaros the OP said she isn't a childrens social worker. I'm an Older People's social.worker and there is no way jeans and trainers are acceptable in our team. We're expected to look professional without being oversmart.

5'7. Tall. 😂😑