Do you think this is a dress suitable for work?

[trolleycoin]

To put into context, its head office tomorrow. Lots of the women wear dresses, but I've always been a trousers and top kind of person or a trouser suit, and usually end up looking like I'm going to a funeral. I don't want to be the woman in black anymore, not in the middle of summer anyway!

Shift dresses are lovely but don't suit me as I need something to skim the tum (hence preferred trousers and tops).

I've got this dress from Dorothy Perkins. DH said I looked very nice and DS (2) asked if I was a ballerina, but that's all I've got to go on. Opinions on whether this looks ok for work? I was thinking with closed toe, low heels.

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-203543/floral-dresses-2897373/ivory-rose-midi-dress-3143258?bi=1&ps=20

[purpleroses]

I think it looks lovely - I'd wear that to work certainly.

[Jacksterbear]

I think it's lovely, and yes, suitable for work? assuming no suit dresscode.

[Jacksterbear]

(Sorry ignore the random ?)

[snowgirl1]

Yes, I'd say it's suitable for work.

[ContinentalKat]

It looks great!

[trolleycoin]

Only a sensible dress code, nothing saying suits. To be honest I was surprised at some of the dresses worn, but maybe I'm not brave enough to carry them off!

[HelpMeGetOutOfHere]

Yes. I'd wear it to work. Smart shoes or sandals and a little cardi in case the air con is on too high.

[46direct]

I really like this and want to buy it! How does sizing go versus for example Next?
Also can someone please let me know a cardigan for it (link?)
I have an air con office ...

[IceNoSlice]

TBH I wouldn't wear that to my work. It is a lovely dress but my work has quite a formal dress code - suits - and most of my colleagues are male so overall the atmosphere is quite conservative clothes-wise.

You could perhaps wear a jacket or blazer over it to make it more formal but it is so hot that is tricky.

But you know your workplace, and of you feel it is appropriate, go for it!

[eurochick]

I'd wear it to the office but not to a client meeting. It doesn't quite project the "stern lawyer" image I go for in front of clients!

[OnlyLovers]

My work is quite casual but I wouldn't wear this. I wear a lot of dresses but stick to plain colours or simple prints. I think it looks more like something you'd wear to a picnic or a summer pub outing.

Well, I might wear it with a plain cardigan over the top but I guess at the moment it's too hot for that.

But as someone else says, it's your workplace so you know better than any of us.

[DikTrom]

I would wear it to work but not Head Office I would think (a little too short for a more formal occasion IMO).

Nice dress though.

[Frontier]

I like it and there are people who would wear it to work at our place but I wouldn't. Maybe I'm old (fashioned) but I think shoulders need to be covered to look professional.

[whereisshe]

I wouldn't wear it to work as it doesn't have sleeves. My office (which is head office) is quite conservative although not overly formal.

[upupupandaway]

I think it is lovely, I have one similar from a charity shop and I always get loads of compliments when I wear it. I don't think you need a stuffy grey/charcoal dress to look professional.
It is conservative in that it doesn't show of the bosom or too much leg but it is a very flattering style. Go for it.

[trolleycoin]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I don't think I'm brave enough to go for it, at least not head office anyway, I think I'd love it more for work if it had some sleeves.

As an indication, the women in SMT wear dresses, including patterned ones, but a bit more fitted and showing more cleavage than this one actually. I've only seen them in ones with sleeves (cap sleeves or 3/4 length).

46direct I like the sizing of it - good fit on the bust, not gaping or showing any cleavage and skims the belly. I'm 5"1 and its just below knee (size 16).

[upupupandaway]

Nah, who needs a dullard, inject some colour into the office, it won't go unnoticed. Be an individual not just another anonymous person.

[Frontier]

upup, it's not the colour/print that makes it unsuitable IMO ( I agree with you about injecting colour) it's the lack of sleeves and amount of bare skin.

[nicelyneurotic]

I think it's fine. There's a real mix in my office from suits to jeans (no shorts) but I've noticed lots of pretty dresses and stroppy tops in this heat.

I'd say go for it and have confidence in yourself.

I agree it's difficult to know where the invisible line is for workwear.

[psychicpaper]

I work at head office

It would fit right in there at the moment

[EdithDickie]

I work at a solicitors' office and wear stuff like that all summer long as do some of the other women.

[WildBillfemale]

Nice dress, doesn't show too much leg or boob so fine for everyday work.....however for Head office? I'm not so sure, it doesn't scream 'professional'.

[Pinkfrocks]

But unless we know what your HO is and the type of work, how can we judge

[HazleNutt]

Depends really on the office. I wouldn't, even though the office does not have a strict dress code, but the dress is just a bit too.. pretty and girly. Also looks a bit naked, being both sleeveless and with low neckline.