Maxi dresses and skirts

CarrieB.

What are your thoughts on maxi dresses or maxi skirts at the office?

Even though I work for a bank, we are corporate casual, so in the summer I wear a lot of dresses, skirts, capris, cardigans. And I'm in communications, so the area is pretty trendy. I'm wondering if a maxi skirt or dress w a cardigan would work. Thoughts?

slippintrippn84

If you hop on Pinterest and search for "maxi dress for work" a bunch of cutesy outfits come up. Many seem to be solid color dresses with light cardigans, belts, accent jewelry, etc.

litzo27

Why wouldn't it. Most of work appropriate dresses and skirts until 1970s were maxi or midi just draw away from too flowery or beachy. And I would do flats or espadrilles vs strappy sandals.

bethughknee

I agree with @PrivacyWanted‌. In my old office it was pretty dressy since we were jeans or worse but when I worked for a real estate office I tried to dress them up more.

FWIW I think it's all about how you dress it and what the print is. Like @litzo27‌ said, I think solids look more professional. And if your office is trendy I say go for it.

shannm

I think it depends. We are in a pretty casual environment but I had a coworker wear one with a sweater and frankly, it just seemed too comfy. I LOVE wearing cotton maxi dresses but the fit screams weekend/beach/hot summer night to me.

ccam

I'm wearing one now!  I'm pairing my maxi skirt with a jacket and printed scarf and it's perfectly fine for my work environment.  I work for the government - some people wear suits and ties while other people wear sweats, so I fall somewhere in the middle.  Plus it's comfortable for the awkward pregnant stage that I'm in!

mlee116

Our office is business casual and maxi dresses/skirts would be perfectly appropriate as long as they aren't too beachy and you are covered up. Most people pair them with a cardi or jacket.  I actually have been looking for some to get me through the first few months of preg. this summer!

Pips09

I also vote for this is office dependent. I could wear it at my office as long as the top was conservative, no straps or bare shoulders.

jesuisfatiguee

What you described sounds appropriate. I agree that avoiding something too beachy is probably a good idea, though.

Helenahhandbasket

I have gotten teased for how I feel about this, but unless your office is truly casual (and not business casual) I say they are not appropriate. 

I think maxis are awesome for hanging out with family, dinner date with H, brunch with the girls but not work (unless, again your office is super casual.)

There are so many cute summer dresses out there that are IMO even more comfy for work since you don't have to worry about if you look appropriate or if you are going to trip over a hem (though the latter might just be a short girl problem).

I like the suggestion of the knit sheath.  I have two from target that I have been wearing to death.

 

itsmevkb

I just asked a co-worker the same thing this morning.  I have a feeling that in my office they would be considered too casual.  I know everyone is saying avoid ones that look too beachy, but they all seem pretty beachy to me so maybe I'm just not seeing dressier ones.  But, I also agree that it's all office dependent. 

momofcatan

MamaB828 said:

Those are my favorite things to wear at work! In the summer I wear them with sandals and in the winter leggings and boots!  

This is me too. Do mainly skirts (though maxi dresses were great when I was pregnant) and stick to solid darker colours or stripes to avoid the beach-y look.

shannm

Also, while I am not a fashionista in any way, I urge those who do wear maxis to the office not to pair them with inappropriate shoes. My coworker wears then with kitten heels and it just looks silly. Um, yeah, you are still wearing a maxi meant for lounging by the pool.
I guess maybe casual flats or nice sandals if you can go open toe?

MommyAtty

@PrivacyWanted‌ - Wouldn't you have to worry about it getting caught in the bike spokes? I've seen women in movies ride bikes with maxi-dresses on, and that's always my first thought. Looks super-cute, though.

mlee116

theresat858 said:

I don't get maxi dresses in any context.  They are too casual for anything formal, and too long to be practical for anything.

They are comfortable and you can skip shaving...win, win!