What to wear to the office in this heat - a smart maxi dress?

[Stressedout65]

I'd like to start off by saying that I'm very overweight, but working on it. My fat ankles & feet get quite swollen in the heat so I cannot show them off to the world.
I love wearing maxi dresses & lace up pumps as they're so comfortable. Our office is smart casual, pretty informal but not scruffy, with a dress down Friday. Would you wear a maxi dress to work? I'm worried about appearing too beachy or looking like I'm ready for a night out or going to be a bridesmaid. I have found a couple of dresses that are a cross between the two, so maybe I could get away with them?
Last summer we did have a middle aged lady working for us who would wear shoulderless tops which made her look like she was ready to hit the clubs & no one said anything! She was good at her job & respected though. I am too, but just obese & don't know what to wear

The Dove Dresses by Dancing Leopard are great for an office environment. Really flattering regardless of size too.

@UnshakenNeedsStirring - I’m after it in a 14 too!

However, I’m very much a 16. If you’re actually a 14 it might be worth keeping an eye out for a 12 too.

Thank you all for your comments. You've given me the confidence to wear a dress to work! My staple uniform all year round is black, navy or grey trousers & a nice top. I've kept dresses & pumps/trainers for when I'm not at work, & I'd forgotten all about skirts as I've not worn one for years. Credit card is ready, online shops here I come!

I have the hush one, I was a bit dubious over the print on the hanger but loved it as soon as I tried it on(size 14!), although I'm yet to wear it for some reason. I keep looking at the green star version, didn't realise it came it so many patterns - including long sleeve!

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-london-navy-pocket-maxi-dress-157506-p

Whether or not you are working on loosing weight is up to you - you are as entitled to find comfortable clothes for work as the next person.

I see lots of maxi dresses in my (informal but not super scruffy) industry. I don’t think people look like they are heading to a beach or wedding, as long as sleeves are involved. Try and avoid prints that scream beach.

look out for cotton or some other stay cool material - you want to avoid the synthetics so beloved of Evans and Asos like a rash. If you can afford it seasalt usually have a lot, and Zara, New Look, River Island, M and S (up to about 24) or even yours and Simply Be (for beyond 24) have some non-synthetic options.

M and S do a lot of nice generous sized cotton shirts, which you could team with wide cotton or linen/cotton mix trousers (again avoid synthetics). Seasalt, Lucy and Yak, M and S are all good sources for these.

My stalking has paid off… just had an email from John Lewis to say they had the coral and teal Kensington in a 14.
4 left!

Do you really need to work in an office all the time? You'd have saved a lot by working part of the week at home. Or do you have a boss stuck in the last century?

Go for it! I'm sure you'll look lovely and you'll feel comfortable rather than hot and sweaty.

@NorthFaceofthelaundrypile there must have been a bit of a delivery - I just popped back to say Hush's own website now has the teal and coral in a 12 which it hasn't lately. My will was weakened by a Friday evening beer and I've gone and bought one ...