polka dot long sleeve dress Winston Black Mini - US 2 and an open back with an adjustable strap Lovely Black Polka Dot Dress

These garments typically require the wearer to compromise both on comfort (goodbye, soft pants) and on personal style (hello, basic slacks), all in the service of professional polish and suitability

More from The Telegraphs piece by Victoria Ward

If you want an easy fit garment to fit closely buy a size down or if you want it to fit loosely buy a size up

Outfit Breakdowns by Dress Code Let me walk you through actual outfits head to toe for each dress code

I chose a pair of very light shorts, so theyre barely visible

I got a lot of compliments on a rhinestone belt I added, which brought the dress alive at a wedding