Modern business attire

[Air85]

I’ll be at a dinner and networking event at the House of Lords soon, and the dress code is business attire - I have no idea what to wear!

For work I tend to wear midi length bias cut skirts and a stretchy top or jumper and boots, and I don’t really think these types of outfits would be deemed business attire. Maybe I am wrong? I’m worried I’d look too casual. So I have to wear a smart jacket?

I’ve had a quick look at business wear online and what I’ve seen so far looks quite old fashioned to me, so maybe I’m looking in the wrong places?

What should I wear???

I’m an hourglass size 16 who prefers skirts and dresses to trousers, and I love square necks.

I don’t ideally want a suit, and I really don’t like traditional button up shirt/blouses.

I love golden olive, burgundy, dark pink, navy and black, as well as prints (especially leopard).

Have a look on Vinted there are some gorgeous things there

That’s great to know! I think I’ll just add a suitable jacket so I can feel a bit more elevated than usual.

Have a look at WhatEmWore on instagram. She posts lots of ideas for work wear.

I went last week , I wore brown m and s barrel legs with an orange Eribe cardigan and green Ganni boots. We were in the Cholmindley Suite. Some were in jeans and some in day dresses. the food was amazing and so much prosecco I ended up quite merry.

Look for Winser miracle dresses on Vinted.

I agree. I have something similar myself but with a sweetheart neckline. It looks lovely on.

I have big boobs but this style can work

Dress codes are a minefield. I am working with an American company next year and have been told the dress code is "elevated business casual". WTF?

Wow, that sounds great!

Oh gosh, that does sound confusing!

OP - if you're going to wear an olive green top with a burgundy skirt, & black shoes or boots, then I think it's best to top your outfit with a black jacket. I think the PP who mentioned Whistles before might not necessarily have meant unstructured as equating to loose & baggy - they could have meant unlined, less formally cut etc.

Something like this perhaps?

https://www.whistles.com/product/169036.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Whistles_UK_EN_BoF_PerformanceMax_LowCostPerformers&utm_id=23196321819&utm_content=agid_-ad_&utm_term=&utm_matchtype=&network=x&device=t&placement=&targetid=&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23205796225&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3YvXBhCDARIsAKB-ox_tKkkpeWpSakVzPGfF2gFSzfKO71KvVpKccrpkZyii2eKzryVBwJUaAm62EALw_wcB

Some nice stuff on whistles, @EleanorMc67

I always forget about them

The jacket is very similar to the M&S one I posted. Collarless must be in.

Lots of women in smart work environments wear a dress and nice shoes. No blazer needed then. Any colour is fine but here's an example: Satin Stripe Midi Shirt Dress | River Island www.riverisland.com/p/burgundy-satin-stripe-midi-shirt-dress-945352 River Island dress

I'm exactly your size and shape. I wear trousers (cigarette) a silk blouse and a jacket. However I appreciate you prefer dresses. There's a beauty on Boden. Green patterned , wrap over. Reduced to £100. Sorry I can't link. Just Google Boden green dress

I think Jersey is good on an hour glass. I have a lot of Jackie O dresses but I don't think they're that modern.

Pussy cat bows can be difficult on big boobs so leave the neck open and wear it like a loose tie. Nice long necklace. Personally I don't like statin skirts in the day but absolutely the right shape for you.

They just mean no cleavage, jeans or trainers.

It's our monthly 'Dress down Friday' in the office which basically means everyone wears whatever they like:

Tea Dress with a collar, fitted waistband and flippy skirt part in a green, tiny floral print. It buttons to the waist. Matching belt is tied into a bow.
Hair up in a messy bun with a few strands left loose.
High heels.
Black across the body bag.
Black bouclé 3/4 coat

Sorry! Posted on the wrong thread!

A Jigsaw dress would be perfect. I'd look on Vinted- I just got one for £30. You can always dress it down a bit and wear it again. Or Cos or Boden.

I used to work at The House of Lords and you are right about not wearing a full on suit. Anything stretchy jersey wouldn't do though, you need a bit of structure