Is this outfit work appropriate

[khlomoney]

I have an event at work soon, it’s an all-day general leadership meeting with around 50-100 people in attendance. I’m not sure how many will attend. In my chain of command, only the big boss might go, who I’ve never met in person. The rest of the attendees are people I have never come across before but could network with. So I was thinking to go for something professional but different to be memorable/stand out.

therefore what do you think of a suit tailored like this but in this colour?

I haven’t found an exact suit I like yet but just wanted to see if I’m on the right track or if I should just wear something else?

If it were me is probably go for wide-leg trousers with heeled ankle boots, modern ballet flats or adidas trainers (spezials, samba etc) and a cashmere sweater, oversized blazer which I wouldn’t expect to actually wear much.

MN is obsessed with cashmere sweaters and blazers but honestly non jean trousers, (if trousers are your thing) a good plain jumper and flat shoes will be fine.

Having seen the explanation of what you're going to, I'm definitely in the no need to buy new. That assumes that your normal working wardrobe doesn't consist only of jogging bottoms and leggings.

Do you have children OP? If so what would you wear to go to a parents' evening? Most people usually want teachers to get a good impression of them.

I’m the only person in my team based at my office so wouldn’t know who, in my large open plan hub, is a senior leader

Regardless of what role or status your in office colleagues have is there anyone there who looks smart / catches your eye?

One of the smartest people in my open plan office is a new, very junior admin assistant. She wears things like knee length jersey or wool dresses (slightly fitted but not clingy) or similar shape lighter patterned dresses in muted colours, often has a knee length black cardigan over her dresses, or wide- legged black trousers with a loose, but not overly baggy top.

With dresses she wears flat, black loafers, with wide legged trousers, she wears trainers. She always looks smart and well dressed.

I only mentioned senior leaders because you said it's a leadership meeting. It's just a meeting for people at your level in the organisation. You would be mad to waste money buying new outfits and agonising over flats or heels for what is really just another working day. Just wear what you wear in the office. A tidy pair of trousers, a clean top or blouse and a decent cardigan, jumper or jacket. Layers are good because who knows what the temperature will be.
It's not a social event, it's not an interview, it's another routine meeting in your working day. And it's the civil service. Some of the advice here is mad.😂
You mention wanting to stand out - you'll stand out for looking and being friendly and easy to approach. If you've got something to contribute to discussions networking will be easy.

"It's not a social event, it's not an interview"

I don't agree with that.

You are meeting work people

At a work event

Some of them will be senior

Some of them will end up as future bosses, or colleagues, or subordinates

And the theme is leadership (at work)

You will make an impression (or not)

(BTW not keen on the aubergine colours)

It's just a work meeting. Op needs to look the part - professional as she would in the office. I'm only speaking from experience of climbing up to SCS level in the civil service, wearing smart, practical workwear for my entire career. 😂
What's really frustrating is that here we have women considering new clothes to buy, some rather fancy and verging on evening wear, when the men will just drag out a suit, a clean shirt and tie and they are good to go.

@payriseday As you find my thread “really frustrates” you, it might be better for you to find a thread to post on in the AIBU board instead of Style and Beauty perhaps.

I want to see all the links and recommendations people have - thank you those who have contributed in the spirit the thread was intended!

@Mariandel my office leans really casual, think jeans, trainers, shorts etc!

If you really don't have anything beyond jeans, shorts and trainers then the links to the 2 suits are as good as any of the suggestions and considerably better than the many which veered into evening wear. I don't personally like either of them - the Reiss trouser suit in aubergine is very dull, but it will fit your remit.

If you're going down that route wear them as styled with a plain jumper or a long sleeved t-shirt / plain top under them. If it's more casual than you expect then taking the jacket off tones it down. Not high heels but any flat shoe or boot.

Not a jumpsuit. The one linked is clearly a thin, floaty evening material. For other jumpsuits I think if you're wearing a jumpsuit in a formal work environment (and a colleague of mine does) it needs to be smart and tailored (hers are) and have the confidence to carry it off (she does) and be at a level where promotion isn't an issue (she's already there)

I work in public sector and no one wears suits or anything formal these days.

I'd go for this cardigan, wide leg trousers and trainers, tends to be my work look. And many will be wearing jeans

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/knitwear/product.pure-cashmere-cardigan-blue.1142075002.html

@Deargodletitgo you’d wear that cardigan as a top? Bit low cut for me. I’m not really a fan of cardigans in general, I like sweaters, sweatshirts, knit vests, hoodies and layering over shirts though

Yup, vest top underneath. Could wear a shirt under it too tho

The thing is the Reiss trouser suit or similar with a plain long sleeved top and flat shoes can't be wrong. At the very worst you'll be a bit smarter than everyone else but taking the jacket off sorts that.

If on the other hand everybody, or even the majority, have made a bit of an effort you can't upgrade jeans, trainers and a t-shirt on the day.

If you prefer a dress either of these Cos dresses will do equally well as smart, if smart is needed, but won't stick out if smart isn't needed.

Cos Corduroy dress

Cos shirt dress

I love the Reiss suit. The brown one is meh.

That's a bit rude, I've been helpful and made recommendations based on my own experience working in the same organisation. I suggest you read what I said again - I didn't say that your thread frustrated me, I was commenting on the inequality of the situation you are in. Anyway, enjoy your meeting. 😂

Gorgeous op. I like the maroon colour also

They're both "meh" and I'm struggling to see any difference between them. The Reiss trouser suit is the definition of "dull"

That's irrelevant as the question was "could I wear this to a Civil Service leadership event at a regional hub"?

To which the answer is yes- if attendees are dressed up keep the jacket on; if not take the jacket off.

Unless you're Amish, I wouldn't wear this OP.

Personally I'd recreate one of these, I don't think people tend to wear suits anymore.

Lots of people at my work wear these kind of shoe/trainers r&b

@Kellioo I love those ideas, thank you! Funnily enough I was actually looking for knit vests. I bought this top from Zara recently and was wondering if I should wear but it’s really oversized? https://www.zara.com/uk/en/contrast-knit-shirt-sweater-p02142211.html?v1=293640968&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc

@khlomoney I think that could work with fitted 3/4 trousers

I like the Reid's berry suit.

That's hideous

The Una jumpsuit looks perfect as suggested by p.p.

Honestly amazed how many women here find brown dull, drab, and meh. Brown is a far better option for most women than black.

OP, if you think you need a suit, want a suit, and would be comfortable in a suit then get one. I would be looking to jazz it up and casualise it with a knitted top underneath though, maybe even a polo. That way you can show off a far more interesting colour combination. And if you feel over dressed you can remove your jacket and pull things back. Whereas a blouse and trouser can look equally overdressed even with the jacket removed.

Asides from this, I am a personal stylist and would recommend you enlisting someone if you’re serious about your image/career. Women online will only tell you what they like. But you’re the one who has to wear it and feel good. I think you said you’re petite and half the recommendations here aren’t suitable for petite proportions.

I think a brown blazer is the actual diametric opposite of “edgy” op 😉