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!

This is such a nasty thread, one of the woorst I have read in 15 years here. This person is getting torn to shreds. They might be loads of reasons they have such a restricted choice of tops for work right now and you lot are just making things worse.
Badly done

There's a big pile of clothes in the photo and looking at them she's clearly got other options.

Much better to ask and know that those ones aren't suitable.

Don’t be ridiculous.

The OP has posted a thread asking for opinions.

She has already said someone else (maybe a parent or sibling or friend) disagrees with her choices.

It would be cruel to send her out into the world looking shabby.

People have acknowledged that she may not have much experience, or much money. She clearly does have other clothes, so could choose something else. Or sell some of the clothes on the bed. Or even borrow something from her interlocutor.

No one has torn her to shreds. Most people have said she needs at least slightly smarter clothes - which is what she asked us to comment on.

Tops should be long enough that you can bend down or reach up without showing bare skin.

The dark top looks faded and the cardigan looks like it's been on too hot a wash.

What if you get to work and the office (or wherever) is roasting, you won't have the option to take it off.

If you're short of cash you could get away with one pair of decent black trousers from Matalan or Primark to start with, teamed with a few basic, but decent tops.

https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/black-straight-fit-trousers-long-length/14312575.html
(Although I would recommend not above ankle for work and lower heels than on the model).

Get away with yourself. Nasty? Where? There's been some blunt comments about the clothes but not one single post has torn her to shreds. Get a firm grip of yourself.

Get a grip. She asked for opinions and got them. Nothing nasty.

If this is one of the worst you’ve seen in 15 years, I’d suggest you haven’t read much aibu 😂😂

Not nasty at all. She asked for opinions on some clothes and she got them. They would have been helpful, especially as they are pretty unanimous and hopefully prevented her from wearing inappropriate clothes to work.

And if she had absolutely no other options at all to wear, which I really can't believe, then she would have just worn them, what would be the point asking anyone's opinion?

They are very casual looking, not just because there's midriff likely to show, but they are both slouchy and not tailored. Maybe they look different with tailored trousers, but in those pictures they don't look like smart office wear

I feel like it depends on the type of work you do. For example in my job it’d be an absolute no (community mental healthcare) but in many other office/work environments a little bit of midriff is totally acceptable. I think it also depends on your management your working with. Work wear rules aren’t as strict and old fashioned as they used to be 😊

Showing midriff in the office is a big no for me and both of those tops look too scruffy even if it’s a smart/casual office which most seem to be these days.

No, appropriate for indoors maybe going out but not an office at all..even the trousers aren't office appropriate lovey xx

I am afraid despite people saying she clearly doesn't mean those trousers I rather think she does.

I think you could possibly get away with both tops if you followed the trend of putting them over a crisp long line white shirt if they were ironed. If the shirt were long enough (eg. knee or just above) you could get away with smart leggings and boots. But those lounge wear style trousers aren't suitable either.

Even if an office allows jeans and t shirts they would expect you to present as clean and uncrumpled without flashing midriff.

No not appropriate for office. Wouldn't even wear it at my office and we are quite casual. Showing midriff isn't really the done thing but also they don't look smart enough sorry.

From the first photo I would have said no, but they look long enough on you that you could wear them. Ignore the comments about quality - they probably have not considered that you might not be able to replace them. Good luck with the job (if it is new).

In sorry no offence but they look dreadful on. You look like your lounging in the house I would wear that anywhere never mind to work. It’s not neat it looks like you’ve just got out of bed. And sorry for being brutally honest that’s just what it looks like.

OP, some of the replies are a bit harsh.
If you are just moving into the corporate world, it can be hard to figure out what suits for the office.

I've been in hospitality for over 20 years and I find if newer staff are sold 'office, smart' style, it can be quite open to interpretation!

I would recommend 2 x blazers/suit jackets.
3-5 blouses.
2 x pencil skirts / good fit pants - I always think slim leg look smart with a heel.

For the blouses, nothing sheer and make sure they are comfortable too.
Personally I would get 5, 1 per day and can allow you to keep up with washing.

For shoes, in my role we are required to wear a black court shoe. If you are at a desk all day, a nice high shoe is nice but if you need to walk alot, you'll be thankful for a small block heel.

Personally the jumpers you showed would not be suitable IMO. For home, absolutely. But not for the work environment I'm afraid.

Don’t suppose the OP is ever coming back …

Sorry if it’s all felt a bit brutal, @Tulipdot8 - we’ve meant well.

But she didn’t say ‘hospitality’, did she, @Hotheadedredhead? Aren’t most people assuming a corporate office in London means banking, finance, law - that sort of thing? Very different vibe and dress code; if I returned to my previous City profession I wouldn’t expect to need a pencil skirt. And though I would need shoes suitable for court they wouldn’t necessarily be ‘court shoes’.

Your suggestions sound old fashioned out of step with what I’m currently seeing. But you mention ‘pants’ rather than trousers so perhaps you’re not in the UK?

Where do you work? What type of industry?

You probably need something more corporate, unless you are in an artistic environment.

I wouldn't but someone in my office wears similar and nobody says anything.

No upper arms?? Can’t fathom that one personally 😂

These tops do look more casual than classic office wear, but personally I think the button up top would look lovely with some tailored trousers and a blazer - it’s simply a modern look.

Midriff-wise, if you’re sat at your desk most of the day and not planning on doing any Mexican waves, my workplace would have zero issues. But as some have said, it is best to err on the side of caution.

If in doubt, check your company’s workplace guidelines or ask your manager for clarification on dress code - all offices are different!