Work outfit when visiting Malay Peninsula - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Work outfit when visiting Malay Peninsula

Laura

My work as a marine biologist involves a lot of traveling and my latest project takes me from the North Sea all the way over to the Malay Peninsula.

I'm thinking of wearing this into the casual office for a day before heading out for field work. The weather there is warm (22C to 32C) but also very wet (lots of rain) as well.

I am thinking of going with a blue blazer, after all, it will be in an office, with a fun red dress, dark tights and of course, my outfit wouldn't be complete without my marine biologist boots

What do you think? Is this okay?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Houdini

rute

Veteran

It's lovely, comfy, stylish And perfect for work

AM

Veteran

I think this looks wonderful!

Ginkgo

Veteran

Looks stylish yet comfortable, and the necklace really finishes the outfit nicely.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Looks great to me! and what a fascinating job.

jackiec

Veteran

I love this! Sleek, fun, yet still professional. Great line of work

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Well it looks fantastic to me, from a US perspective. I'm assuming a short dress is OK in this office. And in Malaysia, given it's mostly a Muslim country. I just don't know, the last time I was in Singapore or Malaysia was in the 90s.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I think this looks lovely, however I wouldn't dream of tights and boots in those temperatures. I'd be in bare legs and sandals!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Looks great!

jenanded

Veteran

I am further south than the Malay Peninsula, with similar temps but less humidity. I couldn't start to imagine wearing leggings and boots in these temps. I agree with Cocolion and Elizabeth P, you will need cool cotton or linen, and be mindful of the Muslim culture. I think most local Malay women wear sandals and the long cotton skirt to give you a comparison... The outfit is cute though

Lucy

Veteran

That is the most adorable outfit! Love.
But I fear you will be warm with the tights. It is humid where I live atm, around 30 degrees. I run cold, and I am still in cotton sleeveless shifts and bare legs. It can be cooler in the office, so a jacket might be necessary there, but you could well swelter outside.

Laura

Thanks everyone for your valuable responses! I have been to Kuala Lumpur and one of the interesting things I have discovered about it is that, while it is a Muslim country, the major cities is a mix of Muslim and non-Muslims and please do correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Kuala Lumpur is probably one of the least conservative of Muslim countries. I have seen short skirts and tank tops there, at least in the tourist areas, so I could be wrong in that the locals don't dress like that.

With that being said, I was hoping that by being more covered up with the tights and the tall boots, I was showing less skin and respecting their culture more? ..... Thanks for the reminder about the humidity, perhaps I should go for thinner tights, to still be covered up to respect their culture but ones that breathe better .....

Laura

I got lots of advice to get rid of tights from my outfit so here is another outfit I came up with. No tights and a bit less formal ..... is this better?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

rachylou

Veteran

A great outfit!

Jennifer

I have spent a lot of time in that part of the world.
I cannot imagine wearing tights there so like your second outfit much better, but I would recommend ditching the boots. I think you will just be hot and uncomfortable - it is WAY too humid there for over-the-knee boots. Try finding some sandals instead - I think you will be a lot happier, plus you won't need to worry about packing big boots!
Have a great trip!

ETA: Remember that April/May is the hottest time of the year there, so the temperature is actually ramping up right now. You aren't likely to see anywhere near 22C outdoors in KL. But you will definitely need a cardigan or jacket indoors because I find the A/C can be cranked up quite high.

More editing: Sorry, I'm going to edit this again. You haven't specified whether you are going to be in KL or elsewhere. If you are in KL, you will probably be fine with a shorter dress (though I personally wouldn't wear such a short dress there - but that is just me). But if you are anywhere other than KL, the area will likely be much more conservative and you might want to consider a skirt that reaches your knees, or a pair of linen pants. Just a thought. Now I will stop!

Houdini

Hi Laura! I presume you're coming to Malaysia?
I'm from KL here! Your first outfit is really cute! (although it would depend on your office culture, most local-based offices tend to be more conservative) However I can assure you it is HOT!!!! and I wouldn't recommend the tights/boots combo for that reason. Temperatures here have been up to 36C these days! Agree with the ones commenting on wearing sandals instead, or even tights + shoes/booties (again, if you can stand the heat and humidity).
KL would be the least conservative but the further you go out of the capital the more conservative dress codes will be.
Which part of the peninsula will you be based?