Work appropriate

[Leafytrees]

Does anyone else struggle with what's work appropriate?

I'm petite so swamped by a lot of things and prefer clothes to be more fitted. I worry that I'll be seen as trying to look attractive rather than professional at work. I see lots of people wearing whatever they like and obviously not worrying - above the knee hemlines, bodycon, etc. Am I being paranoid? DH says I'm being silly and should wear whatever I like rather than looking for bag-like dresses and oversized jumpers. I wish to be taken seriously at work. I don't feel like what I wear should matter to anyone but me but obviously believe the opposite on some level.

No, I don't. But I do see a lot of other people struggling!

You can look attractive without looking unprofessional. Too tight/short/low is the wrong look IMHO.

It's in the detail really isn't it? So fitted crew neck jumper and wide leg trousers - lovely. Fitted v-neck jumper showing cleavage, mini skirt, bare legs and heels - probably not. Bodycon isn't really in style anywhere at the moment as far as I know, so would avoid that anyway. Above the knee hemlines fine for me as long as I'm wearing with black tights.

I went through a phase of wearing whatever I liked, I'm very busty so a cami top and cardi can look indecent on me. Sometimes the fabric was see-through and I didn't realise as my house is darker. Nobody said anything but I cringe so much when I remember.
The women I worked with had varying styles some definitely inappropriate. I think the best bet is to dress modestly and conservatively at work, not trendy or loud. Slouchy sweaters can look lazy. Having a uniform definitely helps so figure out a look and wear it in different colours.
I wouldn't consult DH for fashion advice. He loves revealing tight clothes and works with mainly men in uniform so....!
Some workplaces have a policy on clothes, but generally wear smart clothes that cover your tights and hide cleavage, nothing sexy or revealing nothing with logos or messages.

Thanks everyone. I definitely never show cleavage and would always wear a high neck with a skirt, etc. @weightbegone your post about the dark house made me laugh and cringe for you but you've got the nail on the head when you said a cami top and cardi can look indecent on you. Because of the way I look, I feel like even a skirt with a high neck, slouchy jumper looks quite provocative. It's annoying as that's absolutely not what I'm going for, sometimes it's just nice to wear a skirt iyswim?

I wear a lot of knee length fit and flare dresses, with 3/4 length sleeves, black tights. Not too high a neckline bht no cleavage on show. It's a bit of a uniform really.

I prefer more fitted clothing at work - I actually think it looks more professional than slouchy knits etc (although I love them the rest of the time). Obviously boobs out is not a great look but I certainly don't give a second thought about wearing a skirt or a fitted top to work - most of my colleagues are the same. But I work in an office where there are all sorts of people and styles and where people are generally respected for their expertise than what they look like.