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 also had a disaster buy recently, bought a dress from Blue Vanilla and I kid you not I looked 6 months pregnant. I know I have a mum tum but it was so unflattering! Needless to say that was quickly returned.

I don’t get wet patches as I wear loose, cool fits/fabrics.

really, seeing stranger’s armpits is just not my favourite thing to see, men’s particularly, wet and hairy yuk, but each to their own if you want to flash yours…

if you want my opinion on what looks professional - it’s covered armpits. You wouldn’t see a man’s armpits out in the office, so why would a woman have them out?

if you’re a school teacher wear whatever you like, it’s hardly a corporate environment, but in my office it would be a no go. Particularly as the AC keeps temp at 21 degrees.

if you want to get it right in this weather, loose clothing, layers and light fabrics.

Can't see the second one, first one would be fine in my office.

I wear a lot
Of jumpsuits.

Roman online have lots of nice everyday dresses, reasonable price.

@WimbyAce I’ve had my fair share of those dresses! My old neighbour saw me and congratulated me…err no I’m just fat and the dress isn’t helping 🤦‍♀️

@cocksstrideintheevening going to try some jumpsuits in store, never worn one before so no clue which style will suit.

@SunnyDaysAndEndlessNights Didn't think of Roman, I’ve bought trousers from there before and they were great for the price point.

Watching with interest, I also have this problem OP! I have actually ordered quite a few of the linked next dresses but not found any that work yet!

www.linenme.com do lots of good quality linen dresses that doesn’t seem to crease like other linens.

Have you been into Cos, OP? I have that belted shirt dress linked to further down (although my DD did call it my burlap sack).

There are more in there, and in Other Stories and probably Arket too (although I haven't looked there).

@SybilWrites there are no Cos stores near me, burlap sack made me laugh 😂 I’ve just had a look at & other stories and there’s some really lovely dresses! I think I’ve got stuck in a rut with the same few stores.

You need a popsy!!!

Popsyclothing.co.uk

They do AMAZING prints and I promise you won't go back!

Not if she wants to look professional, she doesn't. They have their place, but not when she's having to return far saner tamer dresses for not looking smart enough.

I have this which is kind of smart (for me anyway). I didn't buy it for office wear but I think it would work. No sleeves, but not shoulders out either.

https://www.yumi.co.uk/yumi-navy-midi-shirt-dress-p21937/s110048?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=yumi-navy-linen-blend-midi-shirt-dress-colour-navy-size-8-uk-colour-navy-size-8-uk-ym3860027-b&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&gclid=CjwKCAjw-b-kBhB-EiwA4fvKrPnbTihDi5lZHlD9RDG6gXdoCwmYuNepjN_mrGPVYVbj--oOWr6MBBoCqhoQAvD_BwE

Popsy are not office appropriate and they’re all polyester anyway, OP is trying to avoid sweating to death.

I don’t get wet patches as I wear loose, cool fits/fabrics.
So do I, but people sweat differently. This obvious surely. Your sneering tone is unnecessary and judgemental.

Are people really wearing dresses that are open to mid-thigh in the office?

That calls itself linen blend but in the details it says 100% polyester.

@meganorks I like the dress barring the ruffle sleeve as they just don't suit me :(

@Discotek993 just looked at Popsy and the one cotton wrap dress is a bit busy pattern wise for work, sleeve length is good though.

@VanGoghsDog ahh its a definite no then, I'd be like a boil in the bag fish fillet

I've been pretty much living in Nobody's Child with Birkenstocks for work in the heat.

Bought this most recently in the sale & got lots of compliments:

Hi , I think fabric has a lot to do with smartness too. Jersey and t shirt material should be for comfy wear. Linen and cotton or a more structured cloth make a lot of difference to any style. They last longer too x

Who is saying you aren't smart enough?

I think shirt dresses can sometimes be a bit casual for work
Really?? But they're... like a shirt. With a proper collar and often smart buttons.
They're my top tip for looking breezy and cool but professional.

I bought a black linen, button through, slightly frilled cap sleeve, belted midi from George the other week for about £20 and wore it for a day trip to London - super hot dau, long commute, trains and tubes, busy work session - it was perfect, kept me cool, was smart enough and still looked great at the end of a very long day.

Don't wear viscose or polyester! No wonder you're roasting. 100% cotton or linen. Anything else is just nasty & sweaty.

Got a fab black belted one in river island. it has cap sleeves and comes mid shin. wore it with patent birks for a presentation yesterday and got loads of compliments. it's 100 per cent cotton too. I don't like linen for office as creases too much. also wear culottes and and white v neck t shirt with nice jewellery too