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Original poster

Can I wear this dress for work?

57 replies

MamaAwayOnBusiness · 26/03/2016 21:44

I'm travelling to a conference in a couple of days and am wondering if I can get away with wearing this dress www.finerylondon.com/uk/products/brunswick-integrated-wrap-shirt-dress?taxon_id=6

It's an academic conference and sartorially people approach it differently, some wear suits, some jeans. I never dress formally so wouldn't feel comfortable in tailoring but is this too casual?

OP posts:
maidinamerica · 27/03/2016 10:05

Ladies. I don't think it matters whether we like it or not. The OP does and owns it. The question is whether she can wear it to a conference. My own view is no as it is too relaxed but I worked in professional services not academia. I think you should ask yourself if you would wear it to a 'normal' day of work and then can it stand up to being a bit smarter but not necessarily formal. I'll explain. I found when I went on Partner conferences or company away days or whatever you could look comfortable: relaxed but not like it was the weekend. So if during the week I could wear a wrap dress or wool trousers with a shirt rather than a suit, then that outfit would need a tailored jacket or a smart 'Chanel' type cardigan thing to pass at a conference. I don't think this dress (which I think is very pretty) lends itself well to being smartened up in that way. For me it's more a wear to friend's house for lunch sort of dress. And work conferences can never be confused with spending time with friends !

LuckySantangelo1 · 27/03/2016 10:13

My friend has this & its beautiful. I would wear it to a work conference but then I am quite a dressy person. Go for it I say!

JackandDiane · 27/03/2016 15:38

ROAR at South bank

Floisme · 27/03/2016 15:58

I love it and, having read the comments first, I was expecting something a lot racier. I like it when an outfit isn't quite what it first seems.

I wouldn't wear it to a corporate conference but I've been to a couple of academic work events and each time the dress 'code' was pretty um... eclectic. So based on that - very limited - experience, I think it would be fine.

happygoluckylady · 27/03/2016 21:17

I don't like it but not a fan of Finery in general unfortunately as I keep hearing great things about it.

Yseulte · 27/03/2016 21:44

I agree with the hospital gown/nurse's uniform comments. It would look fine on a beach.

Yseulte · 27/03/2016 21:47

The back rules it out for me for a work event. Also it will look very crumpled by the end of the day.

WellErrr · 27/03/2016 21:53

It looks like a cross between a cleaner's uniform or a lab assistant's.

I wouldn't.

MotherBluestocking · 27/03/2016 21:58

I like it! Appropriateness for conference depends slightly on how long your back is and how it intersects with bra strap, and mainly on your field - as a big generalisation, some disciplines dress more 'creatively' than others. I've seen all sorts, from corporate tailoring through academic boho to what could perfectly well pass as cocktail wear. Definitely with heels though - and some big silver jewellery?

Onecallaway · 27/03/2016 22:03

I am trying to like it but it looks like overalls. You might possibly get away with it if you are tall, slim and cool.

ShebaQueen · 27/03/2016 22:04

I don't think it's suitable for a work event, I understand your dilemma as I always struggle with these events - usually trying to aim for "smart casual", but I don't think this fits the bill, far safer in skirt/trousers with blouse and cardigan/jumper.

TomTomKitten · 27/03/2016 22:06

It's awful. Looks like a cross between a nurse's uniform/chambermaid outfit.

SoConfused15 · 27/03/2016 22:16

No way for a conference. (Work at RG university).

Possibly ok for work with something underneath.

Itscurtainsforyou · 27/03/2016 22:54

Lovely dress - I would wear it!

grubbyslippers · 27/03/2016 23:05

Yes it's called Brunswick so academically it's fine ;) lovely too in my opinion!

blueshoes · 27/03/2016 23:14

It is neither here nor there. The colour and fabric make it too chambermaid-like or casual. It would need a massive amount of styling on an elegant figure to look smart. But it still won't work at a conference IMO.

hollieberrie · 27/03/2016 23:26

I like it. I too am all about casual. Casual = relaxed and confident. Wear it, you'll look lovely and feel great.

SarfEast1cated · 27/03/2016 23:31

I'm with tomtomkitten I think it looks like a bit of dogs dinner tbh. You'd always be fidgetting to keep it in place too I think.

VelvetCushion · 27/03/2016 23:31

Looks like either a nurse/chamber maid/beautician, absolute no no

CustardLover · 27/03/2016 23:35

I think it's awesome and definitely would wear it.

ShowOfHands · 27/03/2016 23:38

Wear it. And then later in your hotel, you can turn down everybody's beds for them.

lamingtonnutty · 27/03/2016 23:39

It's lovely. I think it'll be fine.

BitOutOfPractice · 28/03/2016 00:12

As my mom would say, I think you'd look like a bag of rags tied up in the middle

Choceeclair123 · 28/03/2016 00:19

Colour is awful and looks like school dinner lady / hospital worker. You may get away with it if it was in black.

SecretsAndStuff21 · 28/03/2016 00:57

Looks like a hospital gown. Is this a wind up??

Very funny I must say.