My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

[itsjustthepricewepay]

I could cry right now.

I understand banning thin strapped vests but surely thick straps are fine? She’s also banned all shorts (including knee length) and skirts that sit at the knee. Basically we have to go down to ankle length trousers.

AIBU to genuinely consider quitting my job? Her office is air conditioned but we’re in a horrible hot sun trap!

So any clothing which leaves you with bare shoulders is beachwear? I genuinely don't understand why bare shoulders, specifically, are inappropriate.

I think I would ignore entirely the clothing edict and make a formal complaint labelled health and safety re: the unsafe temperature of the office. Get all colleagues to sign (harder to then pick you off).

Doesn't your office have air conditioning or fans?
(Probably missed the point of the thread completely)
I've read your dress code, appropriate length literally means not so short your backside is showing. Pretty sure that she's not going to measure the length of your skirt! As for dress codes in general, I work for a local authority and our dress code is 'dress for your day' which is actually much easier to interpret. As for shoes, find something lightweight unless she's somehow demanding you wear lace ups !
If your manager is really that bad about what you wear, it may be worth a conversation with their line manager as to their interpretation of the dress code.

I’m also confused because a lot of dresses I have could probably be worn to the beach and to the office. As could the kaftans suggested by a lot of people on this thread

If it's NHS, I'm super failing to see the issue.

You print out a (dated) copy of the dress code policy.

You wear whatever you like, within the bounds of the stated policy.

If anyone, such as your manager, complains, you point them to the policy, state that you're complying with that, and ask them what issue they have with your dress code compliant outfit.

You did seem to post bullet points from it earlier, so you presumably are aware of it and what it says.

Without wishing to seem anything but helpful, the top you've shown looks a bit worn and not very professional at all. I'm not saying you're the reason the dress code was updated, but I can see it from the point of management. Individual interpretation is tricky so it's up to management to make things very clear for all in pursuit of fairness.

It’s not worn, it’s brand fucking new. Handmade by me.

Ignore the pp, op.

I didn't think this was a thread on sewing, that was my point.

And if you were simultaneously working in an NHS office and on the GB 🪡🐝 in a heatwave I'd be very impressed.

....maybe the pp is your manager, posting on MN from her AC palace of refreshing luxury

Ok, I don't want to offend but I still don't think it looks professional as compared to some of the other examples you've been shown. It's not really relevant, I guess, since all examples have been banned. Just making a suggestion on why this might be the case. Hope you find some middle ground with the suggestions others have provided.

Because workplace clothing has traditionally been more formal than what you'd wear at home

And you are well aware of that

If you’re in a corporate setting sure. But it’s 2026.

@WhatAMarvelousTune - totally agree.

i wear lots of blouses, tops and tailored jumpsuits that are almost exactly that style.

not inappropriate whatsoever.

Really? It’s a bit crass. 🤮

The thing about shorts is that if women wear dresses or skirts why should men wear trousers. As long as they’re smart. This man at my work will wear his cycling gear in the office.

Individual interpretation is tricky so it's up to management to make things very clear for all in pursuit of fairness.

This is the point.

I think no shorts, no skirts just covering a bum, and no tops that are sleeveless is reasonable. And the no sleeveless tops will cover men's 'string vests' showing acres of chest, hairy shoulders and hairy pits (which some men may think are suitable for work.)

These issues arise because some people don't have good judgement.

It's probably because people have turned up in very in appropriate clothes at some point that this has been put in place.

As long as he gets his work done who cares?

How does what your manager is saying compare to the organisation’s policy?

It's called 'standards'.

It's a dress code and means people look professional.

Wear whatever you like in your own time.

Business dress is the norm in many professions.
There are degrees of formality and yours is at the very bottom line of restrictions.

It doesn’t matter what year it is. It’s called dressing appropriately and professionally.

Turn up in a burqa

I agree with the vest.

But decent tailored shorts or skirts that are knee-length onwards are fine (not skirts which are short enough to show your bum).

Do looks matter more than getting the work done, and well?

What’s more important?

My husband is wearing those pyjamas right now. He got them from John Lewis.

It's a traditional pyjama look I think.

You say you have made the top-well done- and it's "brand fucking new." That bit surprised me as it has acquired that greyness that white items get when they been through the washing machine with other colours once too often and it does look very crumpled. The right edge on the sleeve is all to cock.

It's great that you can sew but it looks to me a bit sleuthry, as my mother would say.

I wouldn't present myself like that but it's not a crime to be crumpled.

What you look like at work does matter yes. It should reflect the organisation you work for.
Vests and shorts are too informal. The knee length skirt rule is ludicrous. And I would go back to her on that.

Someone should sabotage her air conditioning so she has to share the heat and then see what she says (10 degrees more than outside though really? That would make it 45 degrees in London, I think that’s enough to kill you?)