First impression… and first round of questions

First day at work…
I entered the office with my eyes on the floor, not because I was embarrassed, but to observe the new flooring before anyone else.
It was 8:30 a.m., and the office was full of people, most of them wearing comfortable, open-fitting styles.
I was wearing a dark abaya and a simple headscarf.

The first question that came to mind was:
— “Won’t you feel the heat?”

I was thinking:
“If the heat is in sleeves, then half the population will be in winter all year round.”

The girl next to me whispered:
— “Are you dressing like this on your own? Or does anyone else at home do the same?”

I laughed and replied:
“With so many questions, I’m thinking about creating a chatbot for automatic responses.”

Lunch time…
Someone asked me very seriously:
— “Would this outfit be appropriate if we had a meeting outside?”

I thought to myself:
“If the meeting is in the sun or in a sandstorm, I’m winning!”

All day long…
There wasn’t a question unasked, and not a look unheard.
But the comment that stuck with me the most was:
— “I liked that you didn’t feel embarrassed about yourself in front of everyone.”

As I was returning at the end of the day, I thought:
“Every new place is a test of nerves and patience, but every patient answer turns people’s pressure into peace of mind.”

Have you ever faced questions or comments on your first day of work or school because of your outfit?

How did you respond? Or what’s your most memorable question?

Share your experience or even some advice for a girl taking on a new challenge—a small word can mean more than you can imagine!