calling all MN "style consultants" re work-wear (boring but I need help!)

[lilolilmanchester]

Can't get trousers to fit me; ditto straight skirts; really, really need some new work clothes.
I have a couple of a-line skirts which are seeing me through, but recently bought a dress and can pop a jacket on if need to be particularly smart.
Used to wear trousers all the time but just can't get them to fit. SO, could you find me dresses for spring/summer work wear which I could wear under a jacket if I needed to?
If you need some info about me: am 5"4; size 12 - 14 (more like 14 - 16 in some stores); do not like pinks/blues, am more into earthy tones/black etc.
Given the problems I have with my shape, would prefer going to a shop where I could try on rather than mailorder but will look at anything really. THANKS.

[MrsBadger]

how formal, what budget, what shops have you near you?

[hatwoman]

get yourself to Jigsaw and Kew. lots of earthy tones, lots of dresses and skirts - usually a-line-ish - a bit swishy - that you can dress up or down. lots of their stuff lebds itself well to different seasons too - the same skirt with boots in winter and shoes in summer. use interesting accessories to make it all a bit more individual

[ProfessorGrammaticus]

lilolil aren't you supposed to be working?

[lilolilmanchester]

PG, I am working hence throwing this at MN rather than surf myself. But have agreed with my boss that I am "half working" and will work another of my days off instead.
Formality: well, I need "office smart" and "client smart".
Budget, as little as possible for everyday stuff but for something I can wear at formal work events, £100 ish.
As name suggests, not too far from a big city and also a big shopping centre so probably most shops if I go looking.
Thanks

[lilolilmanchester]

OK, DCs have gone to friends and I am going in to work!! Any one any other suggestions?
Thaks,

[TillyScoutsmum]

principles have some quite nice dresses

wallis shift dress

smart enough ?

quite patterned but flattering shape

red ?

[EffiePerine]

Hobbs have some nice work dresses for more formal occasions

here

www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1110

[lilolilmanchester]

ooh thanks both. I love the red (on offer!) Hobbs dress. Also like the Wallis dresses and love the shape/style of the Debenhams dress tho would have to try it on to see what the patterns look like. All these are my style, incase anyone else is bored and wants to help a lazy shopper! Thanks again.

[TillyScoutsmum]

Me again

like this

nice

maybe

[CountessDracula]

Hang on

Why don't they fit you?
What shape are you?

[lilolilmanchester]

Tilly, you're ace! Thanks for doing this. I prefer to have sleeves for work (even if little ones).Love the sticky fingers dress particularly.
CountessDracula, size 12's won't fit over my hips or if they do, they are far too tight (think camel's toe). Whereas 14s fit on hips, thighs and bum but far too much material in the front of the trousers (and I haven't got a flat stomach). I don't understand it, I never used to have a problem. I've got bigger, but you'd think I'd be able to go up a size. A colleague suggested buying a really good pair and getting them altered but a) expensive and b) as DH pointed out "no point in investing all that money if your going to try to lose weight" - which I keep talking about but never doing.

[TillyScoutsmum]

I'm thinking of ordering that Sticky Fingers dress as well (not sure when I'm going to where it yet ?!). Annoying that a size 14 is classed as a "Large" though

I have a similar problem with trousers - except if it fits my non existent waist and tummy, its too baggy on the hips and bum