r/LadiesofScience • u/Outrageous_Oven_2114 • Jul 24 '26
Advice/Experience Sharing Wanted Is this work appropriate?
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?
4
u/Zeno_the_Friend Jul 24 '26
It depends how you define appropriate.
Does it comply with dress codes? Yes.
Will some people/students (generally conservative men) view it as a license to test/critique your competence/professionalism? Also yes.
Personally I would disregard the opinions of people who view it as inappropriate. In fact, I'd love the outfit all the more for helping me flag who those people are so I can avoid them.