Are these tops appropriate for the office?

[Tulipdot8]

In a debate at the moment and would appreciate some opinions. This is for a corporate office in London. These two tips would be warm just on their own no shirt underneath. A bit of mid drift showing. Thank you!

I think they will do in a pinch.
Expectations of smartness have changed massively. Dd would wear similar and worse to her professional job, she is horrified at the idea that anyone would care what she wears, an outdated view.
You will be fine 🙂

One of my male colleagues once came to work in a Onesie (as in, the actual original Ski one). That raised a few eyebrows. However, nothing was said as we’re very relaxed about what people wear.

That said, your choices look a little scruffy and I work in an industry where fashion is a big player. I would think you were perhaps a little depressed, stressed or didn’t care if you wore these outfits. I wouldn’t pass comment but I would keep an eye to make sure you were ok.

Dress smartly - don’t show your stomach at work. I remember a shrunken t shirt I wore in the early 2000s in a job and being told off for it. Never did that again!

you need to dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

But I generally start smart in a new job and then take measure of how the others dress and then take it down a notch

To be honest I don’t much care about conservative dress in office environments - that time has gone.

But while I wouldn’t expect a sixth former on work experience to be as expensively dressed as a partner or head of chambers (say) I would still expect anyone selling a white collar service to be wearing new looking or well cared for clothes that appear to have been bought for that purpose.

And yes, new from Primark is probably more reliable than pre-worn from Vinted.

In the 80s we couldn't wear trousers, open toed shoes, and jumpers. Had to be a blouse with a collar.

Pretty casual where I work, no shirts etc and people wear hoodies, but no midriffs are ever on show. It's just a step too far for workplaces I think. But a vest beneath would be okay and cardi is fine

Yep

Wow it's unanimous- NO

Yes when we worked in an office most people wore jeans but tops could be T-shirts but mostly it was shirts or for women a more structured plain top.
Showing pants or stomach was frowned upon.

Hi OP, I hope you’re ok. Are you seeking advice on what you’ve got perhaps in your current wardrobe that might be ok? When you say corporate environment could you give a bit of info on the sector perhaps and if your role is client facing or internal?

You have an amazing figure!!

I would say both those tops are a bit too worn.

However with your figure I’m sure it wouldn’t take a lot to look very smart. Do you have a budget in mind then people can help? We can even find things on Vinted and places like that for you!

No don't wear those. You can do better.
If unsure of the dress code always err on the side of caution, ie smarter.

Could you wear a white shirt under these tops?

They are nice knitwear but not without something under them for wearing in the office.

I find it really hard at the minute to strike a balance between looking professional and not looking really dated. I’m not sure I manage it to be honest. Our office is a real mixture of very casual (media) and smart casual but winter is always more difficult I find. Sometimes people have commented I look too smart! I’ve always worked in media and have had some fashion disasters when I was in my early twenties!

If it’s smart casual a nice pair of jeans, cami and the navy top would be really nice I think.

No

No they look really scruffy but I think the trousers aren't helping. They look like jamma bottoms.

Why are you asking?

Sorry but they are ugly and too revealing. I have a long body (and consequently) short legs. I have a lot of trouble finding stuff long enough in the body so I don't reveal a slightly thickened midriff. I can't think of an office environment where these would be appropriate.

Fine imo if you make sure that either the trousers are definitely high waisted enough to show no skin and/or you wear a vest top under.

something like these in the olive colour could work with the cardigan and maybe a black pair with the other top: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/pleated-wide-leg-trousers-460311COL56SMA002000.html?template=shopping&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADM0H6gCpvVCFyfgwvMcfV8A_eMjm&gclid=CjwKCAiAzc2tBhA6EiwArv-i6Z-ZJ3kDRQmsz1Ez5eK4fLwnUcs8mTgOhDBVyjMs1eVrZpqobSRtGxoCu4kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@Cuppachuchu and it would have been unthinkable for the men not to wear a suit and tie, even in the summer

Clearly the OP is wearing her pj's in the pics posted. Some of these comments are so rude. The tops - cardigan is ok with a vest underneath, black top isn't workwear appropriate really. Looks a bit worn and faded. Crop tops & bellies out aren't corporate office appropriate.
I'd get a few basic neutral boat neck long/3 quarter sleeve tops with some tailored trousers. Next do really good suitable work attire and it's very reasonably priced too.

if you are remotely ambitious - charity shop them immediately.
these are both hard “No”s

if you have no interest in promotion/career progression or looking professional - then yes they are absolutely fine.

They are ugly/frumpy AND inappropriate for an office (if you put a vest or cami underneath they would be fine but still ugly).

You look like you're ready for a day on the sofa, not in the office!

No, scruffy, I’ve got smarter decorating clothes!

I like the cardi but it does look very bobbly.

Might look better with smart trousers?

Sadly I've worked in an office and people wore those exact trousers, often with the matching top and a short faux fur jacket. At least one person had the sparkly lurex version.