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Style & Beauty

Going back to work - basic wardrobe needed!

18 replies

Lexiesinclair · 30/01/2013 21:26

I'm going back to work after 6 years of being a SAHM and I need a basic wardrobe to get me started. For the past few years I've lived in jeans and trainers and I'm looking forward to smartening myself up, but feel a bit clueless now when it comes to workwear.
Any ideas? It needs to be as cheap as possible!
Thanks in advance.

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pepsiesmammy · 30/01/2013 21:38

Black trousers from TU Sainsburys and few different shirts with a black cardigan and black shoes. These will see you through till pay day. I have bought a couple of roll neck jumpers from TU but find they bobble really easily. It might be worth spending a bit more on a decent cardigan/jumper. Charity shops are worth a rummage too.

Lexiesinclair · 30/01/2013 21:48

Thanks Pepsiesmammy, I'll have a look at Sainsburys.
I've heard Sainsburys is good, quality wise. I want to get a few decent things, without spending too much - ie not polyester and the like - but I know that's a tall order!

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belleat40 · 30/01/2013 21:59

I found the plain long sleeved tops from sainsburys good this winter. Wear them with a jacket or cardigan and accessorize with chunky necklaces.

Lexiesinclair · 30/01/2013 22:03

Thanks Belleat40, I have a scarf obsession so could wear a scarf with those plain tops too. Sainsburys tomorrow for me then!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/01/2013 22:08

How smart do you need to be? Hobbs jackets are v good and they have some v good reductions on their outlet site. So they are not cheap but even just one would be v useful on any days you need to be smart.

I like M&S cotton pencil skirts - they are cheap but wash well (check for cotton not polyester though).

Agree that basic tops and a few scarves would help you to wear a few basics (eg a black jacket and pencil skirt or a black jersey dress) in different ways.

Lexiesinclair · 30/01/2013 22:15

Thanks Remus. I fancy a pencil skirt so I'll look at M&S.
And I didn't know Hobbs had an outlet, I always thought they were lovely but a bit pricey, I'll look there too.
I don't have to be too smart - I'll be working in a school but it's quite a smart one IYKWIM.

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PrincessOfChina · 30/01/2013 22:17

I can't recommend dresses highly enough for work wear. They're a complete outfit, you don't need to coordinate much and so easy to wear.

I use Dorothy Perkins, Oasis and French Connection but have a fab shift dress from Tesco!

Lexiesinclair · 30/01/2013 22:20

Thanks Princess. What style of dresses do you wear?

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/01/2013 22:27

I love The White Company for jersey dresses - but at sale prices!

nowrinklesonamelon · 30/01/2013 22:37

I would buy a good quality jacket that fits your shape well then put long sleeved T shirts or jumpers underneath - I agree about TU this winter - they have been good value. A good quality jacket is a must for work I think but you can dress it up with scarves or jewellery and get away with cheaper tops. Pencil skirts always look good and make you feel smart.

UsedToBeAPixie · 30/01/2013 22:47

I have to be smart but not suited-and-booted at work, so everything for me comes from Tesco, Wallis or M&S. My mat leave ends soon so I've picked up a few things recently, M&S have some good tailoring in and Tesco/Sainsburys are great for outfit-stretching scarves. I get things that are a bit more fun from Wallis, and I love there shoes. They're also having a 30% sale at the moment...

HanneHolm · 31/01/2013 07:06

Agree. Remus I got a marks skirt from there after you said. The one with two zips on the hips. Size down. So comfy. Plus lined

Lexiesinclair · 31/01/2013 07:08

Thanks everyone. I'll have a look at Wallis too, that's somewhere I never thought of. Sadly I don't have a local Tesco that does clothing.
Can anyone suggest other good places for shoes? And what styles do you wear? I'd need a mid heel I think as I'm so out of practice in wearing anything very high.

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GayleFartsAreLoud · 01/02/2013 12:44

I like to wear balerina pump style shoes. M&S and Next do nice shoes. Sainsburys do cheap and stylish shoes too. Also worth a look at Asda George clothes. Cheap and cheerful. Avoid supermarket jumpers/cardigans as they lose there quality quickly.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 02/02/2013 15:12

Shoes- I have a pair of platform heels that are really comfortable. I wear boots to work and then change when I get there (I keep them at work). Or I like ballet shoes in the spring, especially my leopard print ones. I like Dune for shoes (good sales).

Lexiesinclair · 02/02/2013 15:39

Thanks both. I have bought some mid heel black shoes from Clarks and I'll get some nice ballerina pumps when it gets warmer.

I have also ordered a cotton pencil skirt from M&S on your recommendation Remus.

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Peekabooooo · 02/02/2013 15:52

Go for something simple and comfortable.
Trousers, vest and cardigan, or three-quarter length sleeved t'shirt.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 02/02/2013 15:56

Hope you like the skirt. :)

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