Do you miss the way we used to dress before everything became so informal?

[strawberrydress]

I was at work today and thinking how much dress codes have changed. Even just five years ago I was wearing pencil skirts, blouse and heels to the office and that was a totally normal outfit. I feel like if I wore that now everyone would think it was really weird! Today I saw people wearing trainers, jeans, t-shirts. I don’t remember the last time I saw a man in a tie. Everyone was so casual.

I feel I notice the same thing everywhere - people don’t seem to dress up for things which used to be seen as quite formal events like going to the theatre or out for dinner.

I used to really enjoy clothes and thinking about what to wear but it doesn’t seem to be as much fun anymore and there aren’t many opportunities to wear nice things without looking out of place. Does anyone feel the same or is it just me?

Nothing about the way I dress has changed. I'm a secondary teacher and people in my job seem to dress pretty much as they always have done - varying levels of smart casual. Some male teachers wear suits. Hardly any women wear heels because we're on our feet most of the day. But nobody wears full-on casual clothes. Jeans and trainers aren't allowed (well, not in the UK, but they're the norm in many schools elsewhere in Europe). I don't miss heels - I think they are silly, impractical and uncomfortable.

I do not miss it in the slightest. Occasionally have to dress for clients and it's a PITA and the feet!

Nope. I like dressing casually it’s more comfy. Plus the fact I work at home most the time. Don’t see the point getting dressed up. A mum at pickup today had great big heels on today and a skirt. Looked so dated and weird. Everyone wears trainers now.

I didn’t mean this to be just about heels - I don’t miss those that much! But I do miss more “dressy” clothes.

I was just saying that to dh tonight. I really miss getting dressed up to go out for dinner.

We are going away for me and dh birthdays this weekend to a holiday home. We are planning on having a cocktail night and getting dressed up. Suits, dresses etc. Crumbs just minded I've not told people the dress code 😳

Sounds lovely!

Let’s hope you’re not the only one there who isn’t wearing leggings 😂

No tbh i dont, never suited me and felt too stifling

I love really soft, comfortable clothes, so casual suits me.

If I could go to work in jeans and sweatshirts, I’d love it.

Nope.

My employer ditched formal business wear policy about 10 years ago, and I haven't stopped being glad yet. Although now I only go into the office 1-2 days a week, so even the casual attire feels dressed up compared to my loungewear!

I love getting dressed up and going out for dinner. Rest of the time I am in shorts and blouses or tee shirts

If I'm in the office I still wear my pre covid workwear. So mainly smart dresses or pencil skirt and blouse/top and tights. Quite a few of my female colleagues still dress nicely and smart. Some don't though. I think it's more noticeable in the men if I'm honest. They used to wear suits or shirt/ tie and dress trousers. Now it's a polo shirt and jeans mostly or just plain r shirt, jeans and trainers. I've even seen shorts and jiffy bottoms!

I used to keep my heels under my desk but think they were disposed of during covid. Well I never went bk to get them. I just go in flats now but it's still smart. I very much have a cba with everything but it is nice to have a look in the mirror and think I look nice.

It actually doesn't make any difference to be honest though as we don't see clients or anything.

I miss it too, I'd always wear a nice pencil skirt and shirt with heels to work and that was only 5-6 years ago. If going out for dinner I'd wear a nice dress and heels. Now it's leggings any time any place!

I love it, our dress code at work has always been casual but I never did like dressing up for parties, theatre, dinner, I feel much more comfortable in casual clothes. My heart sinks a little whenever I see the phrase "dress code".

Young office goers were dressing like this before Covid too. I don’t think I ever saw anyone under 40 in heels and a skirt suit. Most women wore trousers / smart trainers or flat loafers if they wanted to see clients.

I do miss it. I'm quite a pronounced hourglass so only look good in fitted clothes. I wore lovely dresses with heels for work, nothing stopping me now but people would think it odd and I'd probably be uncomfortable.

However, I do think it's a step in the right direction for equality. Women have always been judged on their looks more than men, at least now there's less of an expectation for them to dress up in impractical clothes.

I totally agree. I was on an interview panel today and was shocked by what the candidates and the rest of the panel turned up in.

Everything is so samey, there’s little distinction between activities and where I am in London, and not young, I run the regular risk of looking like I tried too hard. Doesn’t have to be high and tight, it would just be nice to see some style and finery.

People have just got used to making less of an effort. Some days I like the fact I can wear whatever I like to work but I think it does make me lazy.

Yes, I miss it. Blouses, tweed or thick fabric skirts, check blazers, properly cleaned leather shoes.

Oh god op, I completely agree!

I was there right with you five years ago in pencil skirts, blouses etc and heels! Gorgeous heels!

I observed the same today in the office - everyone just looks so worn and boring. It's like making the effort had just gone by the wayside.

At my workplace we aren't allowed to wear jeans or trainers (or t-shirts really, although you might get away with a plain one worn with something more formal). Men wear ties especially if they are in meetings. Women wear flat shoes or heels, dresses, skirts or trousers and nice knitwear/blouses. I like it, I'm not an especially casual person 😂

I'm not a big fan of trainers, most of them are ugly. I don't wear heels but I do pay for comfortable but smart boots and shoes. They can elevate jeans and a jumper.

I still dress “smart” for the office - usually a dress and always make an extra effort for Trustee meetings which happen 4 times a year.

I’m just not a “casual” person dress wise - don’t own any joggers/lounge wear.

My job means I go racing a lot and racecourses still have fairly smart dress codes so I get to put my glad rags on regularly!

I always "dress up"
I wear dresses skirts blouses heels nice coat for work

Always go glamorous for nights out!

I say adopt your own style!

I was talking about this with my DH just the other day. He's a solicitor in a large law firm.

When he qualified 20 years ago, it was a suit and tie every single day. First, the tie was dropped, then 'dress down Friday' with smart chinos. Since covid, its jeans and trainers every day, and the smartest he'll get is chinos and a smart shirt.

Different firms, but a general trend. Such a shift.

I'm in HE and I'm in jeans most days!

I actually find it easier to express myself and have fun when there isn’t a strict dress code. Workwear used to be so boring. Now I think you can be free to choose something a bit more creative in more settings - pencil skirts, court shoes and blouses were just so boring. Same as going out - I used to see a lot of tight body con dresses and stilettos. Now I see a whole lot more variety and it’s just a lot more interesting IMO.

I'm a school business manager and I wear dresses every day - with flat boots though in the winter and sandals in the summer...I've not worn heels for years! I love wearing nice clothes and always make the effort if I'm leaving the house!