Are these two dresses dated for workwear?

[CoastOfXmasPast]

I know “if you like it, wear it “ but also I was loved the era of a power Galaxy dress, and would live in them for the rest of my working life, so need some perspective.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/meera-dress/0125-5237-9045L05-ZINNIA-PINK.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Hobbs_UK_EN_BoF_Shopping_Brand&utm_id=22300217733&utm_content=agid_171138532490-ad_736662908342&network=g&device=c&targetid=pla-293946777986&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22300217733&gbraid=0AAAAADC5o-KwGWjelOitcXVX5sd7rkULg&gclid=CjwKCAiAzOXMBhASEiwAe14Sac3hzLKfFRuXOlOBqVaIJQVk1lrUH-RBsTvlRqGi-flYMFJ-RP3vIxoCkeIQAvD_BwE

https://www.hobbs.com/product/hallie-dress/0125-5635-9045L00-HYDRANGEA-BLUE.html

Both very smart. A navy blazer would finish the off.

they were acceptable for Mrs Obama
So were cardigans.

I like them and they are the sort of style I would wear/have worn as the shape suits my figure.

Fashion peaked in the 90s, it’s been downhill ever since, with some exceptions ofcourse here and there.
I recently watched a doc on YouTube : 1986, the English woman wardrobe , so fascinating! 80s get lots of hate but I think the clothes were amazing and lots still look great even now without looking dated , everyone had a distinctive style back then,

2000s-2010 is truly the worst era.

Big hair, poodle perms and huge specs.

Taken straight from my LinkedIn - I'm in the middle there with my basket of risk registers.

Not the poodle perm that can stay , but I’d gladly take the big hair and big specs over any 2016 revival dresses , and the Jean Muir Dress of course I’ll take that too! 😁

The only thing I think when I look at those dresses is that I’d be freezing! 🤣

I was in my teens in the 1980s and most women had a perm.

😂

What a lovely dig at administrators! 🙄

Im an administrator. Its sarcasm. Read the thread

Great advice!

I must say, I can't imagine ever wearing a leather dress in a boardroom meeting - all that creaking when you as much as clench/unclench a bum cheek!!!

I'm sure they have their place in other kinds of rooms though ...!!!

If you love the dresses, wear them. I think they're both lovely. I'm in a very large office and see everything from jeans & t-shirt through to wonderful dresses like this.
Now I've hit my 50s I worry less what people think and wear what brings me joy and makes me feel happy.

Those Galaxy dresses were very striking, bit too sexy for the office though!

I think it was the block colour that appealed to me the most about these two dresses, a bit of dopamine after navy / black winter. Could anyone link a few current dress options that would be appropriate for a non-lawyer, non-admin, non-fisherwoman, who despite everything that is wrong with the world and many years later wants to feel look and like Jessica from Suits?

@CoastOfXmasPast , it's still a bit early in the year for lots of choice in office-suitable smart summer dresses. There's a lot of interim navy out there!

Are there any colours you especially favour that you know suit you? Are florals totally out? Embroidery (even if just a trim/detail)? What about graphic prints? Or is it just dresses in a single colour that you'd like?

I do think the dresses you posted are rather dated, OP - it's a combination of both colour & shape (especially the blue!). But what I personally would dislike most about wearing them is that they're fully lined AND 100% polyester!! Even being sleeveless, I'd find them unbearable on a hot day! And even if there's good air con in your office, what about travel there & back?

Are all your shoes & other nude/white/black/tan/navy? As I like adding colour with my lipstick, bags/shoes, belts - sometimes a vintage Jacqmar silk scarf. I have lots of green/red/metallic footwear & bags alongside the blacks & navies!

Some dress ideas forthcoming ...

We are out there - & we are legion!!! (Just not on this weird thread ... 😁!!)

I spent a day in work repeatedly hearing "speak to the lady in the cardigan before you leave". I havent worn cardigans since. I felt so old!

I've really thought about this as I wear strong colours.
I work in fashion and beauty and I do think the dresses are dated. Most c-suite wear trousers and a jacket. Silk top.
I love a Jacky O dress but I saw myself on a podcast and it wasn't fashion forward.
I think it's the necklines. Dresses now need to be more sculptural. The Fold get it right a lot of the time.

Fwiw my late very powerful mother said Lipstick you can't wear cardigans to work, they're for secretaries!

This thread has taken me back to the outfits Gillian Anderson wore in The Fall. Those silk shirts were beautiful. One outfit in particular could be of interest to OP as its one strong colour: burgandy leather midi skirt and tonal thin knit jumper. If leather is a step too far, could be in a different material. It was on years ago, but I still think how smart she looked. Someone else who is cleverer than me needs to come along to say what would her summer outfits look like.

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/linen-waistcoat-dress-black?variant=45913437208742&currency=GBP

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/long-linen-dress-l06622747?pelement=57204201

https://kitristudio.com/products/lea-red-tie-front-waistcoat?variant=54078893687169&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18776526189&gbraid=0AAAAADNFmfPJh5R5mW9c0KgFoTu5PYNvh&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3DEQd8NRs4COwGwHM16q4q_HQGqZIudfWuuIGbSwW7bfqCGYGhLmlgaAkUpEALw_wcB