Long puffer coat for corporate office ?

[OneRoseBee]

I am starting a new job and sorting out my work wear. Is it ok to wear long puffer coat to business casual work setting ? The one I have is from Arket and keeps me really warm. It is surely not as smart as a nice wool coat. Also I have no idea what women wear to work as I am transitioning from years of WFH setting. Some fashion advice will be appreciated☺️

I imagine a large proportion of women wear Arket to work! So you should be fine if your clothes come from there.

Surely your coat is only to arrive at your workplace, anyway?

(Your query would be better on the Style & Beauty board, though …)

It’s it business casual it’s probably okay but I would never wear a puffer coat to work. I like to look smarter and always wear a wool coat.

Nobody really gives a stuff what coat you wear to work, unless you are in an unusually formal workplace or e.g. have to go out with clients in business dress. As long as what's underneath it meets dress code, nobody will have the slightest interest.

I wear a cycling jacket and workout leggings to the office, because I cycle. Lots of people dress practically for the commute and change, if necessary, when they arrive.

I'd wear what's warm and comfy for the journey to work!! I don't even own a wool coat, they're totally impractical in cold wet weather when you use public transport or walk to work.

Is it stylish? No. Is it warm and practical? Yes.

You’ve said yourself it’s ‘casual’, so I think it’s fine.

I work in a very corporate setting in a senior management role and always wear a puffer jacket in the winter over my suit or dress and blazer! Being warm whilst travelling into work absolutely comes first for me and I wouldn't bat an eyelid if any of my team did this as well. Once you're in the office it's off and you can look smart all throughout the day

Pretty much everyone in my office does. When it's really miserable and raining/windy, a smart wool coat isn't going to cut it!

If it's the kind of role where you will be going out to external meetings a smart coat might be good but otherwise it's fine for the office. If you've been wfh for a while you are likely to find that everything has become a bit more casual.

Is it a coat that you take off as soon as you get there? I've never worked anywhere that people bothered about what coat anyone wore. Is it a London thing?

Does anyone care, these days? I work for an investment bank in the City and wear whatever is weather appropriate on the day. This is often a bright yellow anorak which cost less than £50, but is water and wind proof. It comes off as soon as I get to the wardrobes, and goes on when I leave. Absolutely no-one gives a stuff.

No one sees you in a coat for more than about a minute so anything goes. In fact no one sees mine at all because I leave them in the car (don’t wear it while driving just bring it in case it’s needed). Whatever is suitable for your commute and works with your clothes.

M and S have a nice Superdry long not too puffy quilted coat. Have a look x

Aww thank you for all the replies you lovely ladies. I absolutely love mumsnet for this reason. I am overthinking for no reason. Makes no sense to wear wool coat and travel by train in this wet weather. Might invest in one later during spring ❤️

Haha I agree. Why did I not find that when I looked through topics 😅