https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 00:52:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902926 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:36:17 +0000 Debbie 902926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would definitely wear this to work. It is not revealing in any way. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902904 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:14:50 +0000 Anonymous 902904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I was not trying to imply that YLFers dress inappropriately, in terms of showing skin. YLFers, as a whole, dress trendier and prioritize fashion more&nbsp;than most office workers. And that's fine, but what I was getting at is that one must be careful when deciding *which* trends to incorporate into work wear. I stand by my (poorly expressed) opinion that some fabrics and&nbsp;silhouettes don't come across as serious office wear. A&nbsp;loose-weave mesh may a) at best, look too casual for more formal environments,&nbsp;or b) hint at sexiness, which Thistle articulated much better than I did.&nbsp;<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902406 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:49:36 +0000 Makrame 902406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh yes, the layered option would probably work. &nbsp;In fact, this semester&nbsp;I have worn all of my v-neck sweaters layered over thin collared blouses to avoid any potential of accidental exposure&nbsp;when bending over a microscope.<br /><br />I was hoping to maybe wear the mesh-sleeved sweater on its own in the summer (would work well for the air-conditioned office) but somehow the look of bare skin under the mesh gave me pause.<br /><br />I am assuming that Stacey meant varying degrees of sartorial restraint for different workplaces. &nbsp;As an example, on a different forum I mentioned how I was wearing a cobalt blouse with a grey riding jacket that day at work, and someone (working in IT) said "Oh, well, I would never wear something like that!" (meaning, I think, that she would typically not wear something very bright or something that would make her stand out visually&nbsp;at work). &nbsp;I think that most people on YLF would wear cobalt at work without blinking an eye but apparently that is not a universal reaction. &nbsp;So I don't think Stacey was suggesting that we like to dress inappropriately, only that YLFabbers may sometimes be more adventurous (instead of wearing black or khaki slacks and a buttondown shirt every day :)&nbsp;). https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902396 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:38:11 +0000 Isis 902396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am actually pretty conservative.&nbsp; I wouldn't show bra straps either at work.&nbsp; The mesh on this sweater is pretty tight.<br /><br />I've also never gotten the impression that dressing appropriately is unpopular on YLF.&nbsp; I'd say we are a pretty staid group in fact....<br /><br />Makrame,&nbsp; if you look at the pictures that go with the sweater on the GAP site, the yellow option shows the sweater with a collared shirt layered underneath--that might be one way to wear it to work if the mesh feels too bare.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902393 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:36:59 +0000 Mona 902393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is definitely news to me. I never would have thought that mesh is looked at as sexier than sleeveless tops. At my workplace, anything goes. people wear shortest possible skirts, sleeveless tops and fairly low necklines. i have a mesh sweater (not the GAP one) that I have worn several times to work. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902385 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:24:39 +0000 Ariadne 902385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My workplace is casual. &nbsp;I wouldn't wear it in a dressier workplace. &nbsp;It's a pretty casual sweater.&nbsp;<br /><br />I wouldn't wear a sleeveless top at work at all.<br /><br />I've never gotten the impression that exercising restraint or otherwise dressing appropriately for one's workplace is an unpopular opinion on YLF. &nbsp;I'm surprised to hear that perception! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902371 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:07:13 +0000 cinnamon fern 902371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wearing a racerback bra would prevent bra straps showing, wouldn't it?<br /><br />Thistle is right that sexier isn't the same as more revealing. &nbsp;(Nude fishnets are perceived as sexier than bare legs.) &nbsp;Because of the color and style of this particular sweater, it reads as sporty rather than sexy to me.<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902366 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:59:35 +0000 Makrame 902366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BTW, it does not show bra straps (at least the cobalt version that I have). &nbsp;And yet, mesh somehow feels sexier than simply sleeveless, just like Thistle has said.<br /><br />Interesting. &nbsp;<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902361 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:48:14 +0000 Thistle 902361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't seen the sweater in person yet, but I would never, ever wear anything to work that shows my bra straps, even if I am wearing a nude bra.<br /><br />Professional sleeveless is different IMHO than mesh. Mesh just feels sexier, and that just isn't for work.<br /><br />But then, I am an accountant. In a manufacturing company where I am the only female manager. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902321 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:50:23 +0000 Nicole D 902321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think if you are in doubt, proceed with caution, although I would find it&nbsp;perfectly&nbsp;fine (work in a health care environment).&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902310 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:42:21 +0000 Anonymous 902310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to diverge from the prevailing YLF opinion and say that I don't think&nbsp;<br />you're off the mark in choosing to dress&nbsp;more conservatively for work than you would during your personal time.<br /><b><br />It's essential to know what's appropriate for YOUR workplace, not somebody else's. </b><br /><br />I haven't seen the Gap&nbsp;sweater in person&nbsp;yet, but I would approach mesh with extreme caution at work. If the weave is tight and looks more texture-y than hole-y (I hope that makes sense), I'd consider it. But&nbsp;I'd save it for a day when I don't have meetings with the higher-ups. And definitely make sure all bra straps are concealed!<br /><br />(For whatever it's worth, sleeveless tops are not okay&nbsp;in my particular office. I wear them under jackets and cardis, of course, but the outer layer&nbsp;doesn't get removed unless I'm out of the building for lunch, walking to my car, etc.)<br /><br />I know this isn't a popular opinion on YLF, but in most offices,&nbsp;it's useful to exercise some restraint unless you've reached a point in your career when you can get away with doing your own thing without repercussions. (e.g., Hillary Clinton)&nbsp;That doesn't mean your clothing should be frumpy and plain and you can't express yourself whatsoever, but you do need to think carefully about what image your clothing&nbsp;projects. And mesh, which can *hint* at skin that's normally covered,&nbsp;even if it doesn't actually reveal it,&nbsp;may not be a great choice for work wear.<br /><br />Again, just my opinion. My age (32) and gender influence my thinking on this issue. I regularly get compliments from my bosses on how I know how to dress appropriately and still look fashionable. I don't have many peers who toe the line in terms of appropriateness, but those who do are not viewed in a flattering light&nbsp;by the powers that be. My rule of thumb is that if I'd be embarrassed to wear it in a meeting with the head boss, I probably shouldn't do it.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902309 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:41:38 +0000 Suz 902309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think in an academic environment it would be totally fine. The style makes it a bit casual, but no more casual than lots of things you do wear to work.&nbsp;<br /><br />My bra straps don't show with mine, either. Interesting that this is a problem for some and not others.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902291 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:25:42 +0000 unfrumped 902291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It would have to be a more casual dress environment than mine, or my perception of mine. <br />For me it's not the mesh per se, because the body is not mesh. But the vibe is more of a sweatshirt-type vibe or sport knit vibe with the styling of the raglan sleeves. <br />But then, I'm also in the no-jeans environment. So it sounds like it would be acceptable in a lot of other work places. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902275 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:15:42 +0000 modgrl 902275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am planning to wear an open weave sweater this summer with a tank top underneath.... but I know what you mean. It depends on how "sexy" the top is. I would wear an open weave oversized sweater or a sleeveless dress. But I would not wear a "cold shoulder" top.<br /><br />I just had an incident last week that is making me think twice about my work clothes though... I never have issues with the students... perhaps they don't see me in this way at all... but I had a dad come in who looked me over from head to toe when I was wearing a form fitting knee length dress. It wasn't sleazy, but not really the response I want at work. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902272 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:12:55 +0000 Ariadne 902272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I wear mine to work. &nbsp;My bra straps don't show. &nbsp;I wear a tank under it for warmth but it also doesn't show - it lies under the solid part of the knit.&nbsp;<br /><br />The mesh is so fine that to my eye&nbsp;it's textural, not revealing. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902264 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:02:31 +0000 sarah 902264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep, with a nude bra.<br /><br />You can also wear a cami if want, but it's not necessary. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902258 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:48:00 +0000 Isis 902258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bought a Gap mesh sweater this weekend and am wearing it today!&nbsp; I'm teaching a seminar to boot!<br /><br />I have the cream sweater, wearing it with black jeans and python booties.&nbsp; All YLF picks.<br /><br />Seriously, the mesh is tight enough that I don't feel like I am baring too much of my shoulders.&nbsp; I'm wearing a nude bra so the straps don't show.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902249 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:36:31 +0000 Jjsloane 902249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's not the sleeves, it's that I&nbsp;didn't care for the exposed bra straps&nbsp;and felt wearing a tank to cover them defeated the light sweater objective so I returned mine.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902248 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:36:12 +0000 Makrame 902248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I almost never wear sleeveless tops or dresses&nbsp;without a jacket to work. &nbsp;That's why I will occasionally buy tops or dresses with cap sleeves, even though they are not the most flattering. &nbsp;For whatever reason, I always feel more appropriate with some shoulder coverage.<br /><br />The slouchiness is not a problem for my since sweatshirts and t-shirts are considered completely appropriate work wear. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902236 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:21:31 +0000 catgirl 902236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ CF, not sure if you mean me - but that's a never! &nbsp;(except under jackets) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902234 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:21:18 +0000 Elizabeth P 902234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would probably wear mine on Fridays (I got the yellow and the navy).&nbsp; But not because of the mesh sleeves, more because of the slouchy look, and what I would wear it with.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902233 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:20:23 +0000 cinnamon fern 902233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would say totally appropriate for any environment where it's dressy enough. &nbsp;Do you not wear sleeveless tops to work? &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902229 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:17:57 +0000 catgirl 902229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was my concern too. &nbsp;Bare skin is also impractical in my climate. &nbsp;Nevertheless I've ordered one for casual summer wear just to test it out. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902220 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:04:53 +0000 Anonymous 902220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I work at a university and I have worn all of mine to work! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902214 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:56:45 +0000 Transcona Shannon 902214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the Gap mesh sleeve sweater in both white and grey and have worn both to work. I work in a hospital administrative office and it's appropriate in my work environment.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-gap-mesh-sleeve-sweater---would-you-wear-it-to-work#post-902209 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:52:29 +0000 Makrame 902209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel like I sometimes have strange preconceived notions about what is work-appropriate so wanted to check with the Fabbers. &nbsp;When I tried the cobalt mesh sleeve sweater on, I decided it was not going to be work-appropriate because of the fairly transparent mesh sleeves/shoulders. &nbsp;Am I completely off-base? &nbsp;I would love to be able to wear it to work if it is acceptable. &nbsp;We are talking casual academic environment here, not business dress code. &nbsp;What are your thoughts?