I keep getting it wrong - summer workwear

[Purplepeopleeaterz]

I've now bought and returned twelve dresses that are cool in our roasting office as they just aren't smart enough garghhh.

This and similar are the ones I kept and the no print looks so much better on me though I love a print! I wear point toe ballet flats which seem to work with everything it's definitely the dresses I have picked that are wrong.

Has anybody any ideas so I don't have to send the lady in the post office into a meltdown?

Sleeveless shirt dress

Another shirt dress

I'm mainly wearing Jolie moi jumpsuits from silkfred. Perfect for work and so comfy.

Next have some stunning work appropriate summer dresses. A minute pf some lovely print and non prints dresses.

https://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/use-casual?dp=a&dndl=1&gbraid=0AAAAADm5UWl3-jvhlZJUO8GcazJUOS2o&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Y7dqIHIIwIV2e3tCh0CYQBPEAAYAiAAEgKs5DDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&p=1#1558

@welshweasel I hadn't thought of a jumpsuit! Will have a look, we have a large toilet so no issues getting it off when needed.

@justanothermanicmonday1 Jersey dresses cling in the wrong places but there are some I had a quick look at that look great thanks

Is it because they are sleeveless that they don't look smart enough on? Maybe something similar with a capped sleeve or a floaty sleeve? I don't need smart officewear for work, so I may be way off but what about this?

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-mara-print-wrap-dress-blue-black/p110137072

https://www.warehousefashion.com/slinky-rib-twist-front-zip-midi-dress/BWW03995-119-30.html?istCompanyId=9875fbb9-8403-4ba5-a198-ed8f594c95e5&istFeedId=da0f5c51-3435-4ead-bbfe-845651be6b20&istItemId=rxwxaqlir&istBid=t&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkLCkBhA9EiwAka9QRtr_jJPraKQWu-1KukIY4iJuM5gW_q6CdfhzwRKKi2H0OQJH0DZRHxoCntMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

or

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls195330/R92240#R92240

I think you need a bit of sleeve to look smarter. I bought a few things from yumi after it was recommended on here and a couple of the dresses are really cool and floaty.

Boden shirt dresses are lovely. A colleague wore this one and she looked lovely

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/printed-midi-shirt-dress-french-navy-cube-small/sty-d0721-nav?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2bKhmOvI_wIVAgSLCh0J5wopEAQYASABEgKD0_D_BwE

I second Yumi. Beautiful lined cool summer dresses. I have a strappy one I wear for work with a thin pointelle short sleeved cardi over.
I also love Sainsburys TU for summer work dresses.

I think shirt dresses can sometimes be a bit casual for work. What about some wafty wide leg trousers?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-irish-linen-printed-midi-shift-dress/p/clp60593531#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r1c2

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-tie-dye-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp22560891#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r6c2

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-v-neck-midi-column-dress/p/clp60583097#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r17c1

The black next shirt dress is gorgeous.

I bought a navy linen dress from COS last year, which was perfect for work.
It is similar to this, but does not have a belt:
www.cos.com/de_de/women/womenswear/dresses/product.belted-linen-shirt-dress-blue.1178909001.html

No specific recommendations, but seconding the PP who suggested cap sleeves. You could also get a long-sleeved loose-fit shirt dress where you can roll the sleeves up and button them into place IYSWIM (not sure if I’ve described this well!)

Natural fabrics will keep you cooler than synthetics, so make sure you check the fabric composition of anything you order before you buy - ideally linen, cotton, or a blend.

Finally, check out cooling underwear from Uniqlo. Their Airism range is amazing for keeping you cool and also works as a gentle shaper for any lumps and bumps. Feels weird to add a layer when hot, but it really works.

I was going to suggest M&S - they have a lot of shirt dresses, which is my default for office dresses. I also get dresses wrong for work, as tend to buy ones that are more suitable for a summer holiday. I avoid jersey - it sags in the heat and I don't find it looks smart - I prefer linen. Cos is also a good option for shirt dresses - love the navy one linked above.

I’ve found recently in my office that all my smarter knee length work dresses which I stupidly ditched over lockdown due to WFH would’ve been perfect in this heat.

I do have 2 smart work dresses but one Next I don’t like very much and the other (H&M) is man made fabrics and I think has 2 layers. Both are smart though.

How about something like this.

Tea Dress

Wouldn’t dream of going sleeveless in the office. I don’t think armpits should be on show at work. Get longer sleeves and your selections would be fine.

@Dumbphone - I don’t agree. I’m a teacher and I wear smart sleeveless dresses and tops in the summer. What’s your beef with armpits?

This has been my best buy so far this year. I wasn't sure when I first saw it but it is lovely and cool and so comfortable. I got it when they had 20% off so even better! Matalan midi dress

https://www.next.co.uk/g7670s4/u96652#u96652

I have this one and can recommend - very light fabric and feels work appropriate, I ran a conference in it the other day in 28c heat and survived!

Are you ok with dirty great sweat patches showing? Because that's what I would have if my armpits couldn't breathe.

Thank you all so much, I’ve been looking at your suggestions and love them all! Going to order some now, unfortunately the warehouse dress isn’t in my size.

Armpits aren’t an issue in my workplace but understand some sleeveless dresses won’t look particularly smart. The next ones I bought do but they might be an exception to the rule?

@ihaveayod love this one! Have ordered and it’ll be delivered tomorrow so thank you.

@ShangPie cooling underwear is on the list! My HRT patch started lifting yesterday it was so hot 🥵

@FelicityFlops love the linen shirt dress, my longer sleeved ones aren’t natural fabrics so too hot even with sleeves rolled up.

@WimbyAce that’s a reality pretty dress, have ordered.

@ShadowPuppets I have been debating the shirt dress, I’m often wandering round outside between buildings & it looks nice & cool.

@babbscrabbs going into M&S next week so will try these on, they look great.

@RandomnMe will try this one too, never bought anything from Boden what’s the sizing like?

@ilovesushi gorgeous colour and in the sale too! Thank you.

The 2 you've linked look great. I would avoid linen though, as it gets so creased.

Navy, black, neutrals are always going to look smart. Avoid jersey.

Linen blend seems to work well, I bought this and it doesn’t crease Apricot dress

Got both colours and the navy looks great, the stone not so much. Since peri menopause hit anything jersey is not my friend!