Gov't agency and dresses

[Anonymous]

If you work at a government agency, do you wear dresses to work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you work at a government agency, do you wear dresses to work? [/quote

in spring summer and fall-- not so much in winter. Same goes with skirts.

[Anonymous]

i do in the summer, with a cardigan over it.

[Anonymous]

Sure. In the winter with tights or stockings.

[Anonymous]

I did. Especially when I was pregnant

[Anonymous]

Are your offices more casual or more formal. Men are required to wear ties most days at my office...suit jackets for meetings. I've seen one or two women wear dresses in my office and I would really like to, but its usually more the formal suit/skirt here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did. Especially when I was pregnant

Me too, but I also wore flip flops everyday because I literally couldn't fit my feet into a pair of shoes...even size 10 sneakers (and I'm an 8).

[Anonymous]

some dresses are more tailored and suit-like, or even a part of a suit.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your agency and office in that agency. My office is very informal, unless you have to be otherwise for some purpose.

I do lots of dresses at all times of the year. Very few suits.

I try to stay away from jeans unless the weather is really horrific like it has been. If I don't have any important meetings and I'm trudging around in slush, I will sneak in a jeans day. My boss is cool with that.

[Anonymous]

You should go by what your female superiors wear. They set the tone. If relaxed, you can be, too. But if they're in suits, probably best to mirror them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should go by what your female superiors wear. They set the tone. If relaxed, you can be, too. But if they're in suits, probably best to mirror them.

Good lord--mine are in Uggs, leggings, and droopy sweaters. One still wears stirrup pants from the 1980s. I'd like to think I can do better. Our agency has taken 'business casual' to a horrible extreme.

[Anonymous]

OP here, we are not a business casual office except on Fridays and the rule is still no jeans, though I've seen some women get by with some very dark trouser jeans and a blazer. My superiors wear suits for the most part, though I dont have many female superiors. I'm in a male dominant office.

[Anonymous]

OP, based upon your post, then you should be wearing suits. Always dress at a comparable level. Men in particular recognize the jacket - don't understand dresses. Especially important if you are looking for recognition and respect.

[Anonymous]

A dress and a blazer on most days.

[Anonymous]

"OP, based upon your post, then you should be wearing suits. Always dress at a comparable level. Men in particular recognize the jacket - don't understand dresses. Especially important if you are looking for recognition and respect. "

I disagree. If you're in your 20s and just starting out, I would go with this. But I'm 40, I work in a male dominant office, and I've started wearing more and more dresses because they are easier and more flattering on me. I'm talking tailored, business style dresses - with pearls, tights, pumps or boots, you are good to go.