https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:42:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress/page/2#post-1888047 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 14:46:46 +0000 abby 1888047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zipper? Not a problem any more, as several have noted. Shape? That may be an issue, but layering a nice blazer will make for a professional appearance. From there, it depends on the workplace or church culture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress/page/2#post-1888000 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:22:15 +0000 Bijou 1888000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great dress!&nbsp;I find the zipper adds a nice point of difference and do not see it as being inherently sexy. </p> <p>I wear sheath dresses to work often, however I stay away from them being very fitted which is my personal preference. How you wear a dress (topper, posture, hair, make-up etc) all have a part to play in how professional this dress will look too. If worn with a blazer or jacket, it will de-bombshell the dress. I would keep my hair and make-up soft and natural looking. I work in a rather conservative professional services firm and would happily wear this dress, but I may take one size up just to keep the fit a bit more fluid and less fitted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress/page/2#post-1887973 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 04:50:01 +0000 Brooklyn 1887973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of the zipper as adding a "tough" element, rather than a "sexy" element. I have a few pencil skirts of the type UF describes that have a zip at the side, front or back. I think the zip adds an interesting twist to the traditional pencil skirt.<br />Of course even a "tough" design detail could look out of place in some more conservative work environments, so I agree with others that it still depends on the circumstances, and with what you are comfortable with.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress/page/2#post-1887956 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 03:49:16 +0000 Echo 1887956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The zipper strikes me as very slightly edgy, not sexy, and I would find it very appropriate for business attire, especially with a topper or jacket over the top. IMO, if someone thinks of "unzip me" when they see it, that's their issue and not mine. Then again, I enjoy hardwear and high contrast metallics on clothing, so there's that. As far as it being body-con, I think that all depends on one's figure and the size one orders. I typically do not wear things snug, so if it were tight or too curve-hugging, I'd either try a different size or not choose the dress. Often a size up will allow a dress to skim the body without looking body-con or snug and without looking too big.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress/page/2#post-1887919 Sat, 10 Feb 2018 01:29:09 +0000 Suz 1887919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know-- it might be the model's canted hip pose, also, that says that. So on a real person...could be different. I hear what you are saying about the woman you know who wears tight dresses that do not look overtly "sexy." Some has to do with a person's body language, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887881 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 22:49:41 +0000 Gigi 1887881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet,&nbsp;</b>your sentiments are exactly why I was wondering about the *zipper* specifically. If there had been no zipper (or if the zipper had been a standard, hidden one just on the bodice), I would have had no question about wearing the dress to church or to some kind of professional function, no matter how much it empasized my curves. I used to feel like I needed to be more "modest" by disguising my curves, but then I decided that that was just a form of body shaming (no body shape is inherently immodest), so I now wear whatever I want, regardless of whether it emphasizes my curves. </p> <p>I was able to accept how my body looks in a tighter dress by watching a very well-dressed woman come to church every week in a tight dress. The dress was tight simply because she was an extreme hourglass shape. She wasn't trying to accentuate anything. She always looked very well put together, not "sexy." I think that if the dress fits properly, the effect is different than if the dress pulls and bunches up in various spots.</p> <p>It is really interesting to see how different people react to the zipper. Some people feel that it says "unzip me" (which was my initial reaction), whereas others see it as simply a design element or a modern touch and nothing more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887758 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:11:04 +0000 Liesbeth 1887758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t wear tight dresses to work at all, I’m uncomfortable accentuating my figure that way in a professional environment. Add the zipper which tickles the imagination and I wouldn’t do it. A non see-through cardigan would change all that but would break up the style statement. On the other hand, I would not judge a co-worker for wearing this, it all depends on your confidence and style persona... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887729 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 13:20:16 +0000 Suz 1887729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet</b>, it's really body con on the (presumably thin) model and it's that, combined with the zip, that makes me feel it's a bit much for a work environment -- or at least for me, personally! I wear body con stuff all the time, from stretchy sheaths to skinnies, and while I'm not a very curvy hourglass, that stuff does emphasize such curves as I have. So it's not that I don't like to see curves -- it's just that curves plus extremely prominent calling attention to itself all the way down the body zip seem wrong to me for the environment. The zip seems to say unzip!&nbsp;</p> <p>Keep in mind my work environment wouldn't be right for this dress even if it were a shift, so my thoughts might be skewed.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then again, I'm the one who work a body con quilted denim skirt to teach in the other day! So what do I know?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887727 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 12:57:52 +0000 unfrumped 1887727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just commenting on how the rage for exposed zippers changes so many things.<br /> Pencil skirts now often have exposed zips and of course won’t be covered except at the top.<br /> It can be a fun detail but makes it harder to find classic versatile items to dress up or down.<br /> Definitely get the dress and then see how the wearing goes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887715 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 12:16:44 +0000 nomadicliz 1887715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends a lot on your workplace and your position.&nbsp;<br />The exposed zipper makes it read slightly edgier to me, but not necessarily too sexy for work.&nbsp;<br />In my workplace this would definitely feel too formal, but in a lot of places with a more corporate, or a dressier business casual dress code, I think it would be perfectly appropriate, especially with the cardigan.&nbsp;<br />I also think it would look fab under a curvy blazer or fitted jacket.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887693 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:08:53 +0000 Style Fan 1887693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is a gorgeous dress but the zipper says unzip me.&nbsp; I would wear it on a date night or for a special occasion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887671 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 06:35:47 +0000 Dianna 1887671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Bella said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887668 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 06:01:57 +0000 anne 1887668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it and think it is suitable BUT - I have a precautionary tale. I bought a sheath dress with a zip like that (those mine was in front)&nbsp;planning to wear to a wedding and then for work. Got K approval from Angie. Wedding went well.</p> <p>On the way home from the wedding the zip broke. I think there was just too much pressure from being tightish around the thighs. The shop refunded me the price, but it has burnt me from that combination of sheath and full length zip.</p> <p></p> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dress-breakdown" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-breakdown</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887587 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 23:01:48 +0000 Vildy 1887587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>JANET, </b>it's not the fact of having womanly curves, it's the connotation of unzipping, undressing.&nbsp; I think that's what *makes* the dress and why I find it attractive. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887586 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 22:53:38 +0000 Janet 1887586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I’m having a little trouble with the idea that something that is as modest as this dress — high neck, long length — is seen as somehow too sexy because the shape of a body can be seen in it. As long as it’s not worn skin-tight, I don’t see the issue. </p> <p>Otherwise, people with hourglassy figures may as well wear sacks to work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887573 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 22:06:47 +0000 Suz 1887573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes sense, Gigi. A lot depends on your own comfort level, I think, and just how curvy the curves are. It's a great dress!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887571 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 21:49:09 +0000 Gigi 1887571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was all very interesting, to see how we all interpret the design elements on this dress differently!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz</b>'s<b>&nbsp;</b>assessment is exactly what I was seeing: the particular combination of elements was what was giving me pause.</p> <p>I do think that the dress looks very good on me, and I don't have anything similar, so I will probably keep it and wear it to special occasions for the time being. I'll see how people react to it, and maybe after that I will graduate wearing it to other things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887555 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:53:31 +0000 The Cat 1887555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I would. And at work, I would probably wear it with a jacket of some kind, perhaps a long cardigan, and a colourful scarf or necklace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887552 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:47:46 +0000 Vildy 1887552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WoW.&nbsp; Cool dress but the "for business" part looks like monkey business to me.&nbsp; I don't think it's a good idea to play up your gorgeous curves in a business setting. And not to church services, either.&nbsp; Though I suppose if no one unzipped the dress there wouldn't be a christening. Great fun for personal life, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887507 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 18:29:12 +0000 Zibbets 1887507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The exposed zipper doesn't bother me, but the fact that it goes all the way to the hem makes it too edgy/sexy for work, imho. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887505 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 18:21:27 +0000 Helena 1887505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's professional, providing the accessorizing/styling is also professional. The zipper doesn't give me any sort of vibe, except 'modern'. I agree that it's very Claire Underwood! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887502 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 18:18:39 +0000 Suz 1887502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get a "sexy" vibe from the combination of zip up the back and form fitting, plus high contrast between zipper and the fabric of the dress. If it were a loose trapeze style with a zip up the back it would not seem inappropriate to me. If the zipper were closer to the colour of the dress, that might also affect the overall look. It's the combination that gives me pause.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the dress is attractive though and could look gorgeous! So it is all about how self-conscious you'd feel. I wouldn't wear to work, myself, but I'd wear on a date.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887433 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:31:00 +0000 Angie 1887433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I don't think the statement zipper is an issue at all.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887391 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:28:19 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1887391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This dress is business in the front, party in the back...</p> <p>I think this looks like a professional dress, but the zipper is very high-contrast.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think it will really depend on your work place.&nbsp; From the front, this dress looks like a Claire Underwood, take-no-prisoners business sheath.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>The back, though.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I have had some comically bad luck with zippers in the last couple of years, so I tend towards caution.&nbsp; &nbsp;You're going to be sitting and standing and that zipper is going to be constantly in contact with chair upholstery and caught between friction and the weight of your body.&nbsp; &nbsp;I would be worried about the zipper catching on one of those upholstered nylon office chairs and yanking zipper teeth out of alignment, and the dress coming open.&nbsp; &nbsp;Or *not* coming open, when you get home and want to change!&nbsp; </p> <p>When you get this dress, I would look over this zipper carefully, and if it isn't a metal zipper, either replace it with one, or find a different dress.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887366 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:02:33 +0000 Janet 1887366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Bella — the exposed zipper was so prevalent a few years ago that I think it now looks fairly commonplace and not overtly sexy. However, if the fit is that form-fitting (and on an hourglassy figure that may be emphasized), I can see not feeling entirely comfortable in it for work or church. I agree this is one of those things that needs to be tried to see the overall effect on the individual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887364 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 12:56:52 +0000 tanstaafl 1887364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t love the exposed zipper look, but it has become so common that I don’t see it as unprofessional. My concern with this dress is how form fitting it appears to be in the model. I would be uncomfortable with the side profile for my workplace. It may be a matter of how it fits on each person. From the front this dress looks very professional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887361 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:54:10 +0000 Kathie 1887361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends on what you’re comfortable with, and your environmental norms. The zipper is an interesting design detail, but if you’d feel uncomfortable wearing the dress to church/work, then reserve it for other occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887356 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:34:55 +0000 kkards 1887356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hmmm...maybe its me, but its not the zipper that makes me rethink this as a work/church dress, but its the fact that the 1st 4 reviews that call out how form fitting it is....i think this is one of those dresses that can not be judged by the picture but most be tried on and then decided </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887355 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:24:12 +0000 Staysfit 1887355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I reserve my zipper up the back dresses for non work days or for work days when there is a special event like a retirement dinner after work, or a special award ceremony to honor someone. There is something not quite classic about them that makes me uncomfortable wearing them regularly for work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-consider-this-a-professional-dress#post-1887344 Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:48:10 +0000 jussie 1887344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this dress, and see it more as a slightly (I mean very slightly) avent garde feature, more so than sexy...<br /> I’d wear it to work, without any worries about the sexy factor- however it sounds like you don’t like the aesthetic of it either which might rule it out for you....<br /> I’d wear it with some non- sexy shoes though and no red lipstick just to be safe!<br /> Good luck with it </p>