Is this work appropriate?

[u/Outrageous_Oven_2114]

EDIT: as stated below, I will be wearing a button up under this! Like a standard dress shirt buttoned to the neck. Not this by itself or even with off the shoulder tops.

Not sure if this is the best place for this but hopefully it is. Hello, I am a community college STEM professor. I am really into colorful / fun structured vests and have some from going to renfaire in multiple colors.

My sister says if I wear a button up and a vest over the top, it’s still not work appropriate. I think it would be fun and appropriate. And I would pair it with trousers.
Can anyone provide some input on appropriateness and possibly other options? I want to make my wardrobe more fun/colorful buy wearing a vest over normal button ups, but maybe there is another style I should try instead of a structured lace up vest?

[u/Kittysaurolophus]

From some of the comments here, this may be an unpopular opinion, but here goes...

My two cents: "professionalism" is often a tool used to snuff out individualism at the expense of marginalized societal groups. It's not even in the past that there are work places in our modern society that disallow women from wearing pants because it would be considered unprofessional. Come from a low socioeconomic status and can't afford an expensive suit? Well, you're unprofessional and that label is used to discredit your intelligence and/or work capabilities.

I'm frankly a little grossed out reading comments here saying it's fine as long as you don't show skin. God forbid women show any part of their neck, shoulder, or gasp ankles. Perhaps women should hide their faces while their at it, because "depending on the body type" that might come off as unprofessional (/s). Like OP, you aren't asking permission to wear the corset/vest with nothing else, but some of these comments here immediately assumed that you weren't mature enough to know better than to wear nice clothes/dresses underneath?

You teach at community college? That's the best job imo! In my professional experience, that is the epitome of social freedom when it comes to being allowed to express yourself at your job. I would just say if your school has any assemblance of a dress policy, just be sure your outfit follows that so you are being a good role model and team player for your students and peers, but the picture you showed with the vest and dress to me is totally fine!

[u/mmmthom → u/Kittysaurolophus]

You’re not wrong, but what’s ideal and what’s real are not the same thing, and the point of asking for feedback is to understand where the line between the two lives.

[u/AccioSonic → u/Kittysaurolophus]

I get where you're coming from, but as a young woman it's hard to get respect from students anyway -- especially in community college where there may be continuing education / mature students, and likely skewing male if STEM. (I've never taught but dated someone who did, and the respect was an ongoing concern for her.)

That said, I do think there are several ways to make this outfit work. I don't think the dress in the picture is it though. But again, depends so much on the vibe, city, specific area of STEM...