Settle this debate: If you work in a smart/casual office, would you deem it acceptable to wear an oversized jumper over black leggings?

[AdrenalineFudge]

Just a discussion that I've had with a friend. We are disagreed on the matter. I don't see a problem, she thinks that's the sort of attire you might wear whilst lounging on the couch at home and not acceptable in the office setting I described.

No. Not in my office

Not in mine either, but the contact centre staff might (tend to be younger and more casual).

In my office yes. No one would care.

Do you think it varies depending on industry? I ask because I used to work in a creative sector so it would be common place for people to come to work with bright green hair if they so had the inclination.

No

No, not acceptable even in my casual office. We are ok with black jeans and compared to that, jumper and leggings is sloppy.

Unless you are heavily pregnant, then you are forgiven.

I think leggings work instead of tights, like under a dress, but never instead of trousers. In my workplace leggings are officially banned, precisely because too many people wore leggings and jumpers, but you get away with them under a decent length dress, not too short.

If not client facing or creative type industry. Our team secretary wears this sort of thing, (well very skinny stretch trousers not £5.99 Tesco leggings) with towering statement heels and immaculate make up and hair, it's kind of her "look" and she's quite striking.

Would be fine in the office where I worked. And yes, more creative setting so far more freedom of expression allowed.

Leggings and a knitted sweater dress, and smart boots would be fine, or dress, leggings and sandals in summer. I think on leggings as tights for outside. I am wearing leggings, a big jumper and Uggs right now - these are my "house clothes" and I'd never go anywhere besides the garden or bins like this.

YY to leggings with a dress, lots of women at work wear that. But an oversized jumper sounds too casual to me.

No. Definitely not.

This would be perfectly fine in my office.

"Do you think it varies depending on industry?"

Yes. But unless you tell us your current sector, then we don't know how relevant your current occupation is.

IME experience, leggings are too informal for an office even on casual dress down day. Though were sometimes worn by the very young or junior staff. Ditto 'oversized' - long or properly slouchy might be OK, but never something big that just looks as if you're in the wrong size, or as your DH says dressed for lounging on the couch.

I work for a charity and it really depends what you're doing that day. But if you're not doing anything client facing then no-one gives a stuff.

Leggings have no place in a professional environment, IMO.

No it sounds like something to slob about at home. Not smart casual at all!

Depends on the person and the clothes as this could look either smart or slobby imo

I work in a very casual office, and it wouldn't be frowned upon. However, PERSONALLY, I think the only place leggings have are in sportswear, and possibly as tights replacement.

The leggings need to be good quality and black, so they look like thick tights. I would only wear this outfit to the office with ankle boots or knee high boots. It would be too casual with ballet pumps. Basically I don't want to see the bottom of the leggings. The outfit needs to give the illusion of thick tights.