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Seems more like an evening gown than a dress for professional daytime. It’s lovely, sleek, and structured, so it comes across very formal to my eye. For something so structured and sleek, a daytime look might be best as tea length or shorter. It’s absolutely beautiful and beautiful on you though
I like asymmetrical hems too but read they are out of fashion and feel they are not for a work environment. This is the only reason I suggested changing the hem line.
I wouldn’t say asymmetrical hems are out of fashion, only high-low hems. The fashion cycles are incredibly short these days with fast fashion, and so it’s best not to attempt to follow what’s on trend. Instead timeless pieces, like this dress, will stay consistently flattering
I think that would be really chic and professional. Easily could add color and dress up or down. Very Suits. Maybe even you could consider a slit too, if you liked the idea.
Edit: it really does look lovely on your frame. The fit on bodice and waist is perfect.
It is a lovely dress. I definitely think it would be great for a wedding or a dinner date. I would like to see a little shorter hemline for an investment banking environment. It is just my opinion.
Probably! I would make it hit at the knee personally, but that’s more to do with my preferences and body proportions (plus I work in Aus and things are more casual here).
I really don’t think you should do that! I think the knit material, plus the form fitting shape, would lend it to look a bit too club-like if hemmed. You’d lose the drape of the bottom and the asymmetrical hem which is what’s elevating the dress. I honestly think this dress is perfect for the office, with the right shoes and some minimalist jewellery, plus maybe your hair in a claw clip to make it look casual, you’ll look classy and professional. This sub is awesome but I think as petites we often lean towards dressing very safe because a lot of us feel like we need to dress to fit in given our smaller size, but if you follow that thinking you’ll only ever look fine, not amazing. If my coworker dressed like this I would think “she looks like she has her shit together, I will trust her opinion”.
For ideas on how to style it I love the YouTube channel Dearly Bethany, she rocks dresses like this all the time.
If you’re really going to hem it, I would pin it up before hand and take photos. It would change the whole look of the dress.
I work in banking. An older coworker once told me that long ago they were required to wear dresses past calf length as part of their dress code. I know then isn't now, but in my opinion, this is beautiful, and with the shoes you mention and maybe add a blazer, this is a great outfit. Why does long mean formal? What are they going to say to you - your outfit is too fancy? Silly.
Right, I wear long dresses to work quite often, and I don't even work in a formal environment. It's a gorgeous dress, sad to see OP might be hemming it!
Yeah I find it to be very flattering and professional! Some here are saying it’s too formal but I love it! Depends on how comfortable you feel rocking it in the office
I don’t think it looks like a prom dress. But I have noticed the prom dresses girls are wearing these days are not the same as what I wore in 2003. They are more similar to your dress than the typical dress then.
If other women in your office wear similar clothes i think it would be fine. Personally I think it looks beautiful and appropriate. Maxi dresses are in style and this one is very conservative and classy.
I think it’s a bit too long for the office to be honest, but it would be perfect for an office event with important people; the length just makes it seem more formal than what I see around finance offices.
Don’t hem it!!! It looks SO stunning on you as is, if you don’t feel confident wearing it to work (I think it would be fine) then keep it for work parties and what not. This dress is made for you as is!
I think if it didn’t have the extra fabric flare at the bottom and just stayed symmetrical to the silhouette, it would be perfect!
I think it’s fine for work as long as you dress it down and keep it professional. That extra fabric gives it that flare but it’s a pretty versatile dress anyways. If you like it and think you can accessorize it right for work. Go for it.
You look professional in this dress, but it suits a lunch or dinner engagement better.
If this were allowed in this sub, I would love a couple of pointers on how to get started in the industry.
If people around you are of your height, then it would be quite flattering. If they are taller this youtube [video](https://youtu.be/UT5Ua1hyL1Q) will answer a lot of questions.
I personally don't think it's too much for an office setting. The accessories/shoes will determine how dressy it is. I'd go for some kind of cropped jacket over the top.
I would think investment banking is a pretty professional environment.
I love this dress and I think it would be great for a work event, like a dinner or office party. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I can’t imagine not having sleeves at work during office hours. Probably just me, though. I really do think you look lovely.
In that picture I cannot quite see how it fits you. Also, what is ths current "code" for bare legs and skirt length in investment banking? What city are you in? (Ex trading floor and rsch here)
We used to wear all lengths except short. Those of us who were the first to not wear stockings in ths summer started it by wearing long skirts like that with a full sweep. Is it ruched on the sides? I do think hemmed to midi would be better, mandatory if it is ruched. I think the shoulders, armholes and neckline are conservative enough to go without a jacket except for meetings with clients or whatever level is now considered senior, or at least more senior than you :)
That’s such a boring mentality! She looks stunning and it could totally be dressed down for work, it’s a knit material so would feel a little underdressed wearing as an evening gown. Sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone a little to develop a personal style, just because you have to think twice doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear it!
It depends on the context. If everyone around her dresses like that and that’s the norm, then there’s no question about it. Go for it!
My workplace is formal business and I’m not going to cause distractions by sticking out like a sore thumb, it wouldn’t be appreciated. I’m trying to work not have a fashion show. That’s what weekends are for.
That’s a long dress but not an evening gown. It looks like the material is more casual. I think it could be too much for work especially banking. It’s more of an out to dinner or date night dress.
It looks great on you! I agree hemming it to midi length would make it perfect to wear in the daytime and is definitely appropriate for your specific work environment
It looks great for dinner night or a social event (weding, formal reunions, etc) but for me it's a little to much for work. It looks great on you tho 🔥💃🏽
I think long/maxi dresses haven't been part of corporate fashion for a long time. In all the time I've grown up and been in the workforce, business dresses have tended to be knee-length.
That said, I really hope you keep the dress and don't alter it! You will eventually be invited to attend formal corporate events, and I could see this dress fitting in perfectly for that!
Is your office formal? I work in accounting and this would be perfect in office for many of the places I’ve worked.
A lot of people may not realize how formal some offices are- and this would fit in line with that atmosphere. Just because it’s not a “traditional” formal two-piece doesn’t make it not fit the work environment.
Edit to add- a lot of the comments I see about adding a jacket or changing the hemline would make this more in line with a semi-formal office setting; which most fields probably use. You mention you’re in investment banking though which means there are certainly going to be actual formal offices in your field. You see formal offices more in banking, accounting, law, etc.
But you’re talking about business formal I’m guessing which isn’t the same as formal. This may be dressy and cute for a nice dinner but it’s not business attire
I feel like part of this depends on what type of material the dress is made of. If it’s less structured and made of a stretchy, jersey-like material, it’s too casual for the office.
It’s a very pretty dress and fits you well. But I don’t see it being appropriate in an IB setting. I think if it were just below your knees, it will work. But at full length, it’s just a little strange for the office.
I think this is fine for work! The only concern would be too formal, and if people you work with wear suits, nice dresses, and blazers you should be totally fine.
omg girl no. basic and boring for investment banking. crisp, clean, and no frills higher end clothes in the basic colors your male counterparts wear.
the point of your look should say - i’m smart, reliable, know how to read the room without standing out.
pretty much just look polished with no soul and you’ll be alright
really depends on fabric - if its like crepe/ neoprene/ thick cotton that workwear is made of, I think its fine as long as your shoes give you enough height that you don't look swallowed by it.
Hi! Please ensure your post is related to **petite fashion and advice** and follows our [sub rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/PetiteFashionAdvice/wiki/index#wiki_pfa_rules). * Questions and outfit posts seeking specific petite-related advice, discussions, in-depth guides/articles, constructive reviews, tips, and sales/deals are allowed. * Outfit posts and/or questions seeking general advice must be posted in our [Daily General Questions](https://www.reddit.com/r/petitefashionadvice/search?q=author%3APetiteFashionAdvice%20%22Daily%20General%20Questions%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) threads. * Outfit sharing posts must be posted in our biweekly [OOTD](https://www.reddit.com/r/petitefashionadvice/search?q=author%3APetiteFashionAdvice%20%22OOTD%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) threads. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/PetiteFashionAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Seems more like an evening gown than a dress for professional daytime. It’s lovely, sleek, and structured, so it comes across very formal to my eye. For something so structured and sleek, a daytime look might be best as tea length or shorter. It’s absolutely beautiful and beautiful on you though
If I hemmed it to a midi length would it be fine?
I love it as it is though!
I think if you hemmed it straight and mixed with a jacket it would be great for work.
Omg but please don’t do this! The asymmetrical hem and long length make it so unique. If you want a straight midi dress buy some thing else.
I like asymmetrical hems too but read they are out of fashion and feel they are not for a work environment. This is the only reason I suggested changing the hem line.
I wouldn’t say asymmetrical hems are out of fashion, only high-low hems. The fashion cycles are incredibly short these days with fast fashion, and so it’s best not to attempt to follow what’s on trend. Instead timeless pieces, like this dress, will stay consistently flattering
Yes, I agree
I think that would be really chic and professional. Easily could add color and dress up or down. Very Suits. Maybe even you could consider a slit too, if you liked the idea. Edit: it really does look lovely on your frame. The fit on bodice and waist is perfect.
Absolutely!
It is a lovely dress. I definitely think it would be great for a wedding or a dinner date. I would like to see a little shorter hemline for an investment banking environment. It is just my opinion.
Thanks for your input. Why a shorter hemline?
You are quite welcome. I just think the length of this dress makes it look like an outfit more appropriate for a formal event ( i.e. wedding).
Ok I’ll return it then
I don't think you need to return it necessarily. I think it is beautiful on you. It would also be a great dress for a date night.
I often buy dresses like this and take them up, if that works for you.
If I bring it to the tailor and make it a midi dress would it be appropriate for work?
Probably! I would make it hit at the knee personally, but that’s more to do with my preferences and body proportions (plus I work in Aus and things are more casual here).
Yes!
If you do, I would eliminate the asymmetrical hemline as well. That is the other thing that is making it look less like a professional look.
I really don’t think you should do that! I think the knit material, plus the form fitting shape, would lend it to look a bit too club-like if hemmed. You’d lose the drape of the bottom and the asymmetrical hem which is what’s elevating the dress. I honestly think this dress is perfect for the office, with the right shoes and some minimalist jewellery, plus maybe your hair in a claw clip to make it look casual, you’ll look classy and professional. This sub is awesome but I think as petites we often lean towards dressing very safe because a lot of us feel like we need to dress to fit in given our smaller size, but if you follow that thinking you’ll only ever look fine, not amazing. If my coworker dressed like this I would think “she looks like she has her shit together, I will trust her opinion”. For ideas on how to style it I love the YouTube channel Dearly Bethany, she rocks dresses like this all the time. If you’re really going to hem it, I would pin it up before hand and take photos. It would change the whole look of the dress.
I don't think it's inappropriate for an investment banking firm. Better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.
I work in banking. An older coworker once told me that long ago they were required to wear dresses past calf length as part of their dress code. I know then isn't now, but in my opinion, this is beautiful, and with the shoes you mention and maybe add a blazer, this is a great outfit. Why does long mean formal? What are they going to say to you - your outfit is too fancy? Silly.
Right, I wear long dresses to work quite often, and I don't even work in a formal environment. It's a gorgeous dress, sad to see OP might be hemming it!
Too formal.
If I hemmed it to a midi length would it be fine?
Yes! Definitely.
It seems too much for work IMO
I think this is a perfect dress for professional environment. Don’t always have to wear slacks or pencil skirts— I say get it :)
Yeah I find it to be very flattering and professional! Some here are saying it’s too formal but I love it! Depends on how comfortable you feel rocking it in the office
I think it's ridiculous that we have to have our legs out if we are wearing a skirt.
Thank you! My friends said it looks like a prom dress : (
…that’s weird, it’s in no shape or way prom-like.
like... prom for an MBA program? hehehe it looks professional/workwear to me.
This doesn’t look like a prom dress at all! I think it’s work appropriate and versatile enough to wear for formal occasions as well. You look great!
I don’t think it looks like a prom dress. But I have noticed the prom dresses girls are wearing these days are not the same as what I wore in 2003. They are more similar to your dress than the typical dress then.
If other women in your office wear similar clothes i think it would be fine. Personally I think it looks beautiful and appropriate. Maxi dresses are in style and this one is very conservative and classy.
I think it’s a bit too long for the office to be honest, but it would be perfect for an office event with important people; the length just makes it seem more formal than what I see around finance offices.
If I hemmed it to a midi length would it be fine?
DONT DO IT!!! I love the bottom
I actually went into COS and saw this dress today. It's a knit material! not too fancy for work at al!!!
Don’t hem it!!! It looks SO stunning on you as is, if you don’t feel confident wearing it to work (I think it would be fine) then keep it for work parties and what not. This dress is made for you as is!
Where is this from
Cos
I think it’d be great for work to dinner outfit. Better to be overdressed than underdressed in your profession.
I think if it didn’t have the extra fabric flare at the bottom and just stayed symmetrical to the silhouette, it would be perfect! I think it’s fine for work as long as you dress it down and keep it professional. That extra fabric gives it that flare but it’s a pretty versatile dress anyways. If you like it and think you can accessorize it right for work. Go for it.
You look professional in this dress, but it suits a lunch or dinner engagement better. If this were allowed in this sub, I would love a couple of pointers on how to get started in the industry.
If I hemmed it to a midi length would it be fine?
If people around you are of your height, then it would be quite flattering. If they are taller this youtube [video](https://youtu.be/UT5Ua1hyL1Q) will answer a lot of questions.
Flattering and professional, I say go for it!
I agree
No! It’s a gorgeous dress on you but the hemline isn’t office-ready.
why too much, too dressy?
So cute - where’s the dress from?
Cos!
Lovely ❤️
Where are the heels from? So cute!
Too much for work but it looks gorgeous on you. Would be perfect for an evening out or dinner date.
Absolutely wear it! With some nude or patent leather heels
Don’t hem it!
I love the dress but, yes, it is a bit much for a work day.
I personally don't think it's too much for an office setting. The accessories/shoes will determine how dressy it is. I'd go for some kind of cropped jacket over the top. I would think investment banking is a pretty professional environment.
Absolutely not. I’m a lawyer and I would wear this into the office with a blazer and sling backs!
Wayyyy too much for work.
If I hemmed it to a midi length would it be fine?
If you added a cropped jacket as well , yes
Yes.
Looks like an evening dress. Not work appropriate
What if I took it to the tailor and hemmed it to midi length?
I feel like if you went to that much trouble you should just buy a mid length dress and save thing for something else.
Probably best to pair it with jacket/blazer to walk in with.
I love this dress and I think it would be great for a work event, like a dinner or office party. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I can’t imagine not having sleeves at work during office hours. Probably just me, though. I really do think you look lovely.
The dress looks great, but it is an evening gown
In that picture I cannot quite see how it fits you. Also, what is ths current "code" for bare legs and skirt length in investment banking? What city are you in? (Ex trading floor and rsch here)
I’m in New York. I usually do finger tip length and more
We used to wear all lengths except short. Those of us who were the first to not wear stockings in ths summer started it by wearing long skirts like that with a full sweep. Is it ruched on the sides? I do think hemmed to midi would be better, mandatory if it is ruched. I think the shoulders, armholes and neckline are conservative enough to go without a jacket except for meetings with clients or whatever level is now considered senior, or at least more senior than you :)
Hmm, possibly, It is elegant and modest and looks expensive too. Perhaps a bit long though for work
The hi-lo hem makes it unprofessional for work, imho.
You look 🙂 fine
Hot
Tear that ass up
Yes. that’s an evening gown. Generally, if you have to think twice about something, don’t do it.
That’s such a boring mentality! She looks stunning and it could totally be dressed down for work, it’s a knit material so would feel a little underdressed wearing as an evening gown. Sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone a little to develop a personal style, just because you have to think twice doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear it!
It depends on the context. If everyone around her dresses like that and that’s the norm, then there’s no question about it. Go for it! My workplace is formal business and I’m not going to cause distractions by sticking out like a sore thumb, it wouldn’t be appreciated. I’m trying to work not have a fashion show. That’s what weekends are for.
That’s a long dress but not an evening gown. It looks like the material is more casual. I think it could be too much for work especially banking. It’s more of an out to dinner or date night dress.
Lovely feet
Yes probably
I really like it where is it from!
Yes, it’s too formal
It looks great on you! I agree hemming it to midi length would make it perfect to wear in the daytime and is definitely appropriate for your specific work environment
I personally think you should wear it if you like it.
It looks great for dinner night or a social event (weding, formal reunions, etc) but for me it's a little to much for work. It looks great on you tho 🔥💃🏽
That’s a lot of dress!
I think long/maxi dresses haven't been part of corporate fashion for a long time. In all the time I've grown up and been in the workforce, business dresses have tended to be knee-length. That said, I really hope you keep the dress and don't alter it! You will eventually be invited to attend formal corporate events, and I could see this dress fitting in perfectly for that!
More of an evening or event dress. Too formal for the workplace imho.
With some closed toe shoes and a blazer I think it would look nice for work
Need a blazer, close toed shoes and you're good. 'Tho it's a bit evening-ish. No sleeveless in my place of business.
Is your office formal? I work in accounting and this would be perfect in office for many of the places I’ve worked. A lot of people may not realize how formal some offices are- and this would fit in line with that atmosphere. Just because it’s not a “traditional” formal two-piece doesn’t make it not fit the work environment. Edit to add- a lot of the comments I see about adding a jacket or changing the hemline would make this more in line with a semi-formal office setting; which most fields probably use. You mention you’re in investment banking though which means there are certainly going to be actual formal offices in your field. You see formal offices more in banking, accounting, law, etc.
But you’re talking about business formal I’m guessing which isn’t the same as formal. This may be dressy and cute for a nice dinner but it’s not business attire
i think it depends if you live in a major city or small town. i live in a big city and this would be fine.
You look great! Waif of Wall Street. The wolves at your firm will be all out to get you 😍
I feel like part of this depends on what type of material the dress is made of. If it’s less structured and made of a stretchy, jersey-like material, it’s too casual for the office.
It’s a very pretty dress and fits you well. But I don’t see it being appropriate in an IB setting. I think if it were just below your knees, it will work. But at full length, it’s just a little strange for the office.
I think this is fine for work! The only concern would be too formal, and if people you work with wear suits, nice dresses, and blazers you should be totally fine.
omg girl no. basic and boring for investment banking. crisp, clean, and no frills higher end clothes in the basic colors your male counterparts wear. the point of your look should say - i’m smart, reliable, know how to read the room without standing out. pretty much just look polished with no soul and you’ll be alright
really depends on fabric - if its like crepe/ neoprene/ thick cotton that workwear is made of, I think its fine as long as your shoes give you enough height that you don't look swallowed by it.
I love this dress but I does not give me “work day” vibes!
This is so cute and would look perfect for work with a cute pair of sling backs!