Work clothes overhaul needed!

[mabelbabel]

I need help from better-dressed people than I, please!
I've just started a new job, and have become aware that I'm not really looking the part. I've spent the last x years dressing casually for work, and have rarely had any significant meetings etc to attend.
Suddenly, I have a senior job title, and lots of important people to meet, both at meetings and at social events and I really need to smarten things up - but on a budget of course.
I'm not into suits/jackets and want to still look like "me", but I just need to sharpen up a little bit. The Rosie dress from Hush is one of my favourites, if that gives you an idea of what I like. (Dress). I have the dress in Navy, and I do think it looks appropriate to my job, the way that I wear it. I always wear flat shoes, and am sorted for ballet pumps, ankle boots and knee-highs. I'm size 12/14, short, pear shaped (no significant boob-age). I prefer round necks and boat necks.
I think I need at least the following:
A new dress which can be styled in a few different ways
A fantastic pair of trousers - maybe wide-legged?
2/3 t-shirt type tops to go with some bottoms I already have, plus the trousers
A smart cardigan
1/2 smart jumpers. Maybe something oversized? I quite like that look, and it does suit me I think.
I think those items would seem me through the winter at least.
Help, please?

[WildThong]

I think Mint Velvet would be up your street. It can be pricy but the sales are great here
If you are short would a tapered or slim leg trouser in a soft fabric not suit you better than wide legs? (Speaking from experience)

[mabelbabel]

I'm a bit scared of slim legs because of my bum. But maybe I should try some out. There's a mint velvet in town, but I've never been in. I'll check it out, thanks.

[VeryLittleGravitasIndeed]

If you like Hush try Wrap London, Poetry, & Other Stories, possibly some of the stuff in Cos... I also like Halhuber (at HoF) which is similar and drapey and Nicole Farhi (only on sale!)...

[sybilwibble]

Is the Rosie dress typical of what you like but makes you feel under-dressed for your new role, or something that you like that you feel is appropriate for your new role? I'm trying to gauge how smart v casual you want to become?

[mabelbabel]

It's something that I like, which I also think is appropriate. It looks smarter in the Navy than the colours they are selling at the moment, I think, plus I wear it with tights and smart shoes etc.
I guess I want to look neat and together but I'm not worried about being overly formal (except I do need something for dinners etc). In a way I don't mind if people don't notice my clothes as long as they get the impression that I'm professional.
I've just popped out at lunchtime and found Mint Velvet, so I bought a nice standard black cardi with sparkly bits in the sale (OK for the office, I think, or as a cover up over a dress), and I also got a pair of stretchy "tailored" slim fit trousers from the Jigsaw sale - go me! Still need at least one dress and a few tops. There's more stuff on the Mint Velvet on-line sale that I liked, but I've been fighting with the website a bit. From the shops metioned above - I've had a look and yes I like some of that stuff too.

[sybilwibble]

You sound like you can get away with quite casual - have you tried Toast? or &OtherStories? Jigsaw might also work?

[Oly4]

I buy my workwear from Banana Republic. The trousers are cot well and last ages and they have a great selection of shell tops and cardigans/flattering dresses. Sign up to their email and I think there's a 15% discount

[mabelbabel]

Thanks - having looked I think &OtherStories, Mint Velvet, possibly some COS and a bit of Jigsaw could work. I would love to wear this dress but I don't know what it would look like on a real person (me!).

[mabelbabel]

I will look at Banana Rebublic also! Sorry, x-post.

[Oly4]

Banana Republic sales are v good. If you can kit yourself out for the next few months it would be worth watching the Xmas sale for bargains. They send sale preview invites if you're on their email list