Do I wear fit and flare? Occasionally. I have a couple of dresses that are technically fit-and-flare, I guess, but the flare is subtle, not poufy, and they are not short. One is knee length, and one is slightly below the knee. They are flattering, but have a vaguely vintage look to them, and thus get worn only for evenings out or parties.
Are fit and flare dresses OK for work? Like Suz says, they are tricky. They look girlish, and they look festive. If you work in a corporate environment, I'd give it a flat no. I can't think of a way to make even the most subdued fit-and-flare dress look serious, in 2014, for a corporate office. If you're a psychiatrist like Lyn, the answer might be maybe. I've noticed that psychologists wear pretty much whatever they want, and by extension I suspect psychiatrists have more freedom than most. I'd still rather see my GP wearing trousers or a more businesslike skirt to the office, and I'd be horrified if my OBGYN looked dressed for a party, but psychiatry might be an exception. A fit-and-flare with a sufficiently modest neckline and a knee-length hem, in a colour not suitable for flagging down airplanes (so, not orange or shocking pink), would probably be fine, especially if it had sleeves.
You'd also probably be able to get away with it if you have a casual work environment, like if you're a teacher or work in the entertainment industry.
