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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:
MadamVastra · 05/12/2023 01:49

Ah op I hope you find something great and your meeting go well 😊

MatineeLaughs · 05/12/2023 02:27

I wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the red one with black tights and boots, possibly a blazer or some sort of black jacket.

The navy one looks like a nightie.

novocaine4thesoul · 05/12/2023 03:03

No sorry. Looks like a silky dressing gown. And, before you say that we are all piling on and being negative (and it is great that some other posters have put some suggestions your way), but you did ask in AIBU ! And although some posters have been a bit sarcastic and humorous in their responses, none have been cruel, and most have just been honest. I assume you wanted an honest response rather than people justifying your choice ? Mind, if everyone else is wearing it in your office, and you think it is right for you, then go for it.

WandaWonder · 05/12/2023 04:07

If you were advertising perfume I would say go for it - or milk tray but otherwise no

ElOlEm · 05/12/2023 06:01

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TempleMeads · 05/12/2023 06:07

ApplePayMe · 04/12/2023 22:36

Thank you for being one of the only posters on this thread that gave advice and didn’t jump on the pile on.

Show quote history

I like that one too, OP, I think the more structured fabric along with the length makes it more office wear.

ithinkthatmaybeimdreaming · 05/12/2023 06:20

In my entire life I have never seen any woman in a workplace wear anything remotely like those dresses.

I would have thought that wearing a dress like either or those - especially the navy one - would draw far more strange looks than your figure will.

3luckystars · 05/12/2023 06:22

Sorry if this sounds boring but I think Next have lovely work wear.
All the best.

FizzyLaser · 05/12/2023 06:24

I wore a festive kind of satin midi skirt today to work because it’s Christmas with an knitted jumper and boots but never a satin dress

FizzyLaser · 05/12/2023 06:25

NutellaNut · 04/12/2023 23:55

I’m wondering what kind office you work in that this might be considered appropriate. It looks like a glamorous dressing gown to me.

Lol

EmmaGrundyForPM · 05/12/2023 06:27

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But you can bet your bottom dollar the men won't be wasting time worrying about what to wear. A white shirt and black trousers may be boring, but it's a "safe" outfit.

OP If you're an apple shape then a dress and jacket may be a better bet than trousers. But I would keep it low key .

WhereAreWeNow · 05/12/2023 06:30

Personally I wouldn't wear satin to work. It's too dressy and eveningwear for me.
Could you find something in a similar wrap style if that suits you but in a different fabric?

WandaWonder · 05/12/2023 06:32

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You mean like men wear?

redxlondon · 05/12/2023 06:35

Absolutely not suitable for work, you need something more, just a little bit more even, structured.

Pipsquiggle · 05/12/2023 06:36

@ApplePayMe
It would be good to know which sector you're in. Is it more glam than business? Or edgy?

Personally in a tricky, need to get the right tone clothes wise moment, I opt for John Lewis. There's enough brands to have a choice but nothing too 'out there'

I have just looked at 'work wear' on their app. There are plenty of options

AreolaGrande · 05/12/2023 06:36

Do you work at the Playboy Mansion OP?

If so, have at it.

Margotshypotheticaldog · 05/12/2023 06:39

I think where you work is hugely relevant op? As in sector, but slso possibly geographical location.

starfishmummy · 05/12/2023 06:47

BitOutOfPractice · 04/12/2023 22:28

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

Show quote history

I was assuming a brothel Grin

ElOlEm · 05/12/2023 06:52

Trust me, in business men buy expensive suits that look good, to show off and create an impression, not a plain black suit from Matalan.

NotFastButFurious · 05/12/2023 06:55

I wouldn’t wear that long one to the office Xmas party, let alone the office!

FormerlySpeckledyHen · 05/12/2023 06:55

I’d love to see a jumper thrown on one of those dresses 😳

FizzyLaser · 05/12/2023 06:57

ElOlEm · 05/12/2023 06:52

Trust me, in business men buy expensive suits that look good, to show off and create an impression, not a plain black suit from Matalan.

But also not as satin dressing gown

unless Troy hawke

ActDottie · 05/12/2023 06:59

No way is it a work dress and I’m normally quite open minded about work wear. It looks like a nightie and the slit is inappropriate.

honeylulu · 05/12/2023 07:02

The ASOS one is lovely, similar in style but less of a dressing gown vibe.

Would you consider shirt dresses? I'm bulky around the waist/tummy at the moment and wear these a lot (another lawyer!) They are quite smart/ casual and the belt tends to be quite high so doesn't dig into my actual waist and looks quite flattering.

Satin is lovely but a bit much for all over unless it's an evening dress. A satin shirt or skirt can look nice though I agree.

Lifestooshort71 · 05/12/2023 07:06

If you like the idea of satin, what about a loose satin shirt over straight black trousers and an oversize-ish blazer? All-over satin is more an evening look tbh.