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Original poster

Can I wear this to work?

109 replies

ApplePayMe · 04/12/2023 22:05

Dreading my upcoming month at work. I have an important set of clients visiting my office, with the most senior person in my company & a board of directors in attendance. Office dress code is usually smart-casual though more smart for these visits.

I am not sure what to wear to make a good impression, as I have put on weight recently and feel anything that clings to my stomach or waist looks bad. I’m a petite size 12 Apple

What do you think of a dress like this, ie satin material, midi or maxi length. I would wear with opaque tights and maybe heeled boots. Could throw on a blazer or jacket on top, or a jumper if needed? Just feel it’s a more forgiving material on my arms/torso.

Can I wear this to work?
Can I wear this to work?
OP posts:
SausageMonkey2 · 04/12/2023 22:06

No. Looks like a nightie.

Changingplace · 04/12/2023 22:06

No sorry I think it looks a bit like nightwear, not suitable for work.

MissBattleaxe · 04/12/2023 22:07

Nope. Too showy. I was once interviewed by someone dressed in something similar but floral and it was way too try hard.

FadedRed · 04/12/2023 22:08

SausageMonkey2 · 04/12/2023 22:06

No. Looks like a nightie.

Well, Inthought dressing gown, but definitely not work wear.

Dotcheck · 04/12/2023 22:08

Dear God no. It looks like the first outfit in an ‘adult show’

ThanksButNoThanksImDoneNow · 04/12/2023 22:08

It looks like a robe

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 04/12/2023 22:10

No. And double No to the navy one.

Squiblet · 04/12/2023 22:12

No one will be judging you on your figure. They couldn't care less - they're there on business.

Just stick to safe, unexciting work outfits (blouses, ordinary trousers, neutral colours, maybe a jacket or a light knit) and you'll be fine.

BetsyBobbins · 04/12/2023 22:19

Good heavens, no. They're not remotely appropriate for work.

I'm an apple shape and steer clear of any fabric that is shiny or can cling to my stomach.

Trouser suits with neutral colour shirts or blouses

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 04/12/2023 22:22

OP have you ever been in a workplace?
Did you work in any workplace environment pre- COVID?
Have you ever seen any film or television programme set in an office?
Have you ever been in say a bank or an estate agent's or a travel agent's or an optician's or basically any place where goods or services are sold to the public

Because unless the answer to all those questions is "No" I can't imagine how you could think those dresses are work dresses.

Janieforever · 04/12/2023 22:24

You can’t be serious lol.

BetsyBobbins · 04/12/2023 22:26

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 04/12/2023 22:22

OP have you ever been in a workplace?
Did you work in any workplace environment pre- COVID?
Have you ever seen any film or television programme set in an office?
Have you ever been in say a bank or an estate agent's or a travel agent's or an optician's or basically any place where goods or services are sold to the public

Because unless the answer to all those questions is "No" I can't imagine how you could think those dresses are work dresses.

I'm sorry, I'm gone 😂😂😂

Original poster
ApplePayMe · 04/12/2023 22:26

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 04/12/2023 22:22

OP have you ever been in a workplace?
Did you work in any workplace environment pre- COVID?
Have you ever seen any film or television programme set in an office?
Have you ever been in say a bank or an estate agent's or a travel agent's or an optician's or basically any place where goods or services are sold to the public

Because unless the answer to all those questions is "No" I can't imagine how you could think those dresses are work dresses.

This is the style of dress the most senior women in my company wear though, which is where I’m plucking inspiration from

OP posts:
Ihatemondays1962 · 04/12/2023 22:27

Just joining the chorus of those saying definitely no.

OldTinHat · 04/12/2023 22:27

No. Sorry.

BitOutOfPractice · 04/12/2023 22:27

Not unless the meeting will happen in a cocktail bar, possibly in an episode of SATC.

I mean op I love a work dress. LOVE a work dress. But that ain’t no work dress.

BitOutOfPractice · 04/12/2023 22:28

ApplePayMe · 04/12/2023 22:26

This is the style of dress the most senior women in my company wear though, which is where I’m plucking inspiration from

Show quote history

They wear floor length low cut satin dresses? Where do you work? Abigail’s Party?

wherethewildtbingsgo · 04/12/2023 22:30

If you're keen on the flattering wrap style, how about something more like this:

www.asos.com/closet-london-petite/closet-london-petite-kimono-wrap-dress-in-black/prd/203163984#colourWayId-203163985

OnlyCorrect · 04/12/2023 22:31

They wear floor length low cut satin dresses? Where do you work? Abigail’s Party?

I'm going with 1930s silent movie boudoir themed bar

christmasdodedodedo · 04/12/2023 22:31

Oh no no no. Please don't. They're not appropriate for the office.

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 04/12/2023 22:32

wherethewildtbingsgo · 04/12/2023 22:30

If you're keen on the flattering wrap style, how about something more like this:

www.asos.com/closet-london-petite/closet-london-petite-kimono-wrap-dress-in-black/prd/203163984#colourWayId-203163985

All credit to you wherethewildtbingsgo, that's a very helpful post.

SirChenjins · 04/12/2023 22:33

If you like wrap style dresses then there are a gazillion out there that are more suited to the workplace.

Im intrigued - where do you work that women waft about in cocktail frocks and full length satin robes?!

ItAintGonnaGoDownEasyIfItAintCheezy · 04/12/2023 22:33

Horrific.

BitOutOfPractice · 04/12/2023 22:33

That is actually really nice @wherethewildtbingsgo

and much more helpful than my sarky contributions. Sorry op. 😳