New job advice please

[Doodlekitty]

A couple of questions from an S & B virgin. I've been unemployed for nearly a year and have just secured a new job in a call centre. I'm also 4 months pregnant with a hint of bump.
Getting the job has made me suddenly aware that I have let myself go a bit. I never wear make-up anymore, in fact I can't even find any. I spend my life in jeans and big baggy tops. I've piled on weight and not bothered with anything appearance wise for months.

New job has a dress code of 'smart business'. I don't even know what that means. Surely it can't be suits for a call centre job. So, what do I wear? I'm almost certainly going to have to buy stuff but as little as possible until after pay day at end of June.

Also, how do I manage to get myself back into my appearance and taking care of myself. I've spent so long not caring and my confidence has taken a kicking. What are your routines? How do you all do it?

[lololizzy]

have worked alongside a callcentre (ie open plan office) i would say - not suit and not jeans. Smart trousers / skirt (ie office type) an a blouse but probably get away with a long sleeved t-shirt if bottom half smart enough

[lololizzy]

I wouldn't have thought they'd judge too much in a call centre as long as you are clean and tidy. ie clean combed hair, clean nails, just not slouchy weekendy clothes...just be a bit more groomed but its not like your customer facing! If you 're not used to makeup, no reason why you should return to it . They'll be judging your calls and not your appearance i reckon

[lololizzy]

i can't do office wear but i got away with it wearing simple summer skirts (for it was summer!) plain t-shirt or blouse, clean shoes of any description....don't rush out to buy anything...you will get the feel for it after day one from what others are wearing

[lololizzy]

a new hair cut before you start?

[Doodlekitty]

I think a lot of it is that I'm so angry with myself for letting myself go. I want to get back to the person I was. I used to love makeup and doing my nails and stuff but I just can't be bothered any more. I'm hoping this job will be a kick up the arse. New haircut is a good call. Mil is a hairdresser so can even do that one for free! (then maybe treat myself to a salon after pay day)

[lololizzy]

don't be hard on yourself - you got the job despite current economic climate! You were off nearly a year...getting back in the swing of working again is bound to motivate you. I got into a rut when i was put back to working only two days a week after being full time for years.. I piled the weight on and stopped bothering. As soon as i got back into fulltime, i felt more inspired and took care with appearance again and lost some weight

[lololizzy]

My DP has managed lots of call centres and in his experience they say smart business when you start, but that really is to warn you off going down the jeans and leggings route (for a start, he is a scruffy old rocker! he did have to tie his hair back, but women didn't have to!) Just get some boring cheapie trousers from Pri or New Look team up with a pretty blouse and treat yourself to a manicure. Or maybe it will be summer dress weather! hmmm

[lololizzy]

actually Primark dont do maternity??? I would say don't go overboard with new wardrobe just start on hair and nails if you are well groomed you can get away with a lot!