My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style & Beauty

Clueless academic needs style tips

14 replies

toleranceofflop · 13/04/2016 09:50

I'm about to return to work and have no idea what to wear. I'm a size 12 but with a flabby tummy. I've found a few skimming tops but would normally wear them with skinny jeans, I could just about get away with that at work but could do with being a bit smarter - especially when teaching.

So any ideas for smarter (but not too smart) trousers - maybe chinos? Where would be a good place to look?

Any ideas in general about how to master the elusive "smart casual" look?

Thanks!

OP posts:
Report
KondoAttitude · 13/04/2016 10:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

toleranceofflop · 13/04/2016 13:13

Thanks for replying, you are right accessoring might be the best way to go, I will have a look for some nice blazers and necklaces. I do have some dresses but I have quite a lot of laboratory time where legs really need to be covered.

I've just been shopping in a couple of department stores and have found no suitable trousers. I must be completely out of touch because I am thoroughly baffled at the concept of wide bottomed trousers that taper to the calf and "formal" tracksuit bottoms! jeans it is!

Does anyone know of non high street shops that might have anything?

OP posts:
Report
capsium · 13/04/2016 13:23

I bought a pair of these the other year. They have worn well and can be worn with smarter or more casual tops/jackets etc. They come in various colours.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_120010681295_-1

Report
toleranceofflop · 13/04/2016 13:47

Thanks, that looks like a good option

OP posts:
Report
Veterinari · 13/04/2016 13:50

Ness do some great blazers
www.ness.co.uk/coats-jackets.html

Report
toleranceofflop · 13/04/2016 14:17

Thanks I've never heard of them, they have some lovely stuff

OP posts:
Report
LadyMetroland · 13/04/2016 17:34

Zara are great for cheap, basic smart jackets

Wear with dark jeans and a big necklace or scarf

Nice shoes would help too - though I'm clueless about where to find good quality shoes that don't cost a bomb

Report
Gillybobs · 13/04/2016 21:10

Gap bi-stretch trousers are amazing, flattering thick cotton and a nice length. size up though, they are a full size too small

Report
iamEarthymama · 13/04/2016 21:19

LadyMetroland try eBay, you can get some great bargains.
Also Raw shoes and TKMaxx

Report
frolific · 13/04/2016 22:26

Pure Collection do nice quality smart/casual trousers.

Report
Shenanagins · 13/04/2016 22:52

Another vote for gap bi stretch trousers! Gap is also good for "preppy" style basics such as chinos and white shirts.

Report
figureofspeech · 14/04/2016 01:04

www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/feature_mb/uq/list_s/women/

www.bananarepublic.co.uk/products/womens-work-clothes.jsp

Try uniqlo and banana republic for casual smart workwear. Dorothy Perkins is good for affordable basics aswell as H&M and New Look.

Report
SpiritedLondon · 14/04/2016 16:09

I feel like I'm recommending the same shops on every thread. Try 7/8th slim trousers - Boden do the Bistro crop which sits on the ankle ( I don't wear Boden myself but they look pretty good) - you can wear this length with an ankle boot or sandal etc. Nice, fitted T shirt and smart jacket would work for me. Shops to check out for shoes & handbags = & Other Stories. Cool scandi style clothes try Cos and general all round stylishness try Finery. ( all of these brands online)

Report
toleranceofflop · 14/04/2016 16:30

Thanks for all the ideas everyone, lots of places I hadn't thought of!

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.