The British workplace is heavily uniformed, and even if the regulation uniform is not a full set, there are rules about what to pair with the uniform items (almost universally black slacks/skirts and shoes with company tops). But even in places without uniform, the majority do go for suits, occasionally even 3-piece. The one professional I've seen here in a day dress, rather than separates, was a lawyer. Ties are everywhere, even without jackets, even as parts of school uniforms; my husband is a teacher and has to wear a blazer and tie every day, on the reasoning that, if the students are made to wear uniforms, the teachers are not supposed to let go of any sense of dress code.