What do people wear for work meetings these days?

[Porthia]

Just that really. I have had a few meetings in person post covid but most have been online. Have a meeting in London this week and realise I have nothing suitable in my wardrobe - I’ve already worn the couple of dresses I felt comfortable in the last few times I had a meeting (with some of the same people). I have also put on a bit of weight so not a lot of my old stuff fits. I was going to buy something but I’m not really sure what people wear to meetings these days!

context : I’m around 40, work in a corporate role but no need for suits. I’m a 12 with long legs and small boobs. HELP!

Men wear the same shirts and trousers day in day out.

Wear the same few dresses again. No need to buy a new dress for every meeting.....!!!!!!!

I wear dark jeans, a nice top and trainers

Or a midi dress with converse

Trousers, top and blazer. Blazer and trousers don't need to match like a suit. Tailored items don't need to be very fitted.
Long boot cut trousers with heels feel a bit dated. Try 7/8 trousers with loafers or brogues. (This will look great with your long legs!)

I’d just get another nice smart casual dress to be honest. I find dresses are more forgiving of weight gain than skirt or trousers. I’ve seen loads of nice dresses in M&S recently that you could wear with pumps or sandals or low heeled shoes or boots. Fairly flexible.

Wear one of the dresses again. I assume my colleagues re wear clothing and don’t throw it out after it’s been worn once

Just wear the dresses again. No one will care.

In the same boat, especially with weight gain. Looks like people are selling old officewear on eBay.

I’m wearing long summer skirts in dark colours with matching collared t-shirts and have been able to get away with Nikes/Sam Smiths on feet. Will switch back to loafers. I bet brogues would look good on you! Later later I have Chelsea boots for dresses.

I’m in that weird time where it’s not cold enough for tights but too cool for bare legs.

Can you add a blazer over one of the dresses? What colour are they?

black or navy wide legged trousers, simple trainers in white or black, white tshirt tucked in and a jersey tailored blazer.

Just wear one of your dresses. Honestly, no one will notice, and if they do, so what?

I wear: shirt dresses, wide legged trousers, fitted ankle grazer trousers, t-shirts with smarter trousers, blouses with less formal, sometimes a blazer or jacket but never matching. Sometimes flats, sometimes heals, sometimes trainers.

My 'rule' is broadly one smart tailored thing, everything else softer and less structured. Otherwise I find I look a bit dated.

Why wouldn't you just wear one of the dresses you own and are comfortable with?

Do people really judge people for wearing the same clothes at work? 😕 What a waste to buy new clothes for that reason.

Totally get it! Pre Covid I would chair a monthly meeting and get a new dress each time!!

I’ve got into M and S shirt dresses with trainers (Veja) or flat sandals in the summer.. loads of colours and patterns, wear it open at the top with a vest for a more casual look… or chunky necklace?

Mango have had some nice dresses too..

would be interested to see what you choose! Xx

I go into the office a couple of days a week these days and generally wear the same type of clothes - trousers/ shirt or T-shirt/ cardigan or jacket. I probably wear the exact same outfit every Wednesday. So what? I see colleagues wearing the same blouse/ dress etc more than once.
As someone else said, men wear the same shirt/trousers combo every day. Fine for women to do likewise.

get A dress, they are flattering and I agree they are more forgiving of weight gain

Thanks is for all the advice! I’m going to have a look and see what I can find.

also, to be clear, I don’t buy a new dress for every meeting. Rather I literally have two dresses that I have worn to every meeting that I have had with these people so far over the last year (longish dresses worn with trainers). Would just like a few more options. I just can’t wear one of those same 2 outfits again!

Next have some nice stuff at the moment. I just bought a blouse to wear with stretchy forgiving black flares..it's teal blue/black and pink with a high neck line.
The woman serving me had a cream lace blouse on. Also lovely.
I don't buy satin stuff as I am always spilling stuff ... and if I'm traveling and get stressed I'm a sweaty Betty , so I find prints are best for me..

Boohoo have nice dresses that you could wear with boots or pumps. I get them for work because they are cheap and comfortable and actually look really nice.

I have a green knitted dress that works for me. always take heels in my bag, as do many other women. Also carry a shawl/pashmina in case of being next to aircon vents.

i have a couple of shirt dresses and wrap dresses from nobody’s child that are good. And a midi dress (this) from fat face that can be worn with a jumper over too. Also a couple of heat tech long sleeve tops from Uniqlo - they’re really thin but keep you warm when worn under dresses.