Avids, Voguettes and Style Folk, I need your help

[SundaeGirl]

I have:

Improved job prospects
A gap in my wardrobe
Small bum, big norks (like BIG)

I now desperately need:

A suit (eugh)
Jacket
Work dress
Work shoes

As a result of improved prospects I have a decentish budget but the whole 'office attire' thing is depressing. Has anyone got any advice? Seen any nice work stuff?

[AmberNectarine]

Loving these people at the moment, though not bought from there.

I also love Gerard Darel for workwear.

Me&Em jersey dresses are great too, but not sure if too casual?

R&B for shoes

[santamarianovella]

does it have to be a suit? can you get away with a shift dress,or silk blouse teamed with pencil skirt? even in very formal work places wearing a suit per se is not obligatory.sorry if im not helpful but i find suits too depressing.
i like dvf for work dresses,
l.k bennett is another good option.

[libertychick]

I agree with going for separates rather than suits if possible. Some good jackets in the outlet section of Atterley Road like this NW3 one or this striped one.

This VW pencil skirt is fantastic and very versatile and Iris and Ink on outnet for silk tops and shirts. Also on outnet check out By Malene Birger and MICHAEL Michael Kors for good work separates.

[bunnymother]

I am currently SAHM, but if I was going back to work, in a corporate environment, I would also look at Pure Collection (they do some nice wool work dresses), Banana Republic, Austin Reed and Hugo Boss.

[SundaeGirl]

Thanks for advice. I didn't know about Atterly Rd, that's added to my list places to look now. I've not looked in Banana Republic but someone else in RL recommended them and she always looks great. Vivienne Westwood skirt is a brilliant idea, although I think her jackets might be too full on.

My work is for law firms and the jersey dresses/wrap dresses that I've got are not cutting it. I can wear blouse/skirt but I do need to find a jacket (my worst type of clothes shopping) as well. I think a dress'n'jacket combo is definitely the less depressing option for me than a suit.

I have seen some grey snake-effect heels from Hobbs that I liked too.

[AmberNectarine]

I have a Vivienne Westwood skirt for work and it is brilliant, super flattering.

[bunnymother]

I was a City lawyer and found that the classic cuts of LK Bennett, Banana Republic and Austin Reed worked well. You can liven the suiting up w more interesting shoes and jewellery.

[CoolCadbury]

ambernectarine. The clothes from the first link are divine.

OP, I third the Banana Republic route. Smart and stylish.

[AntPants1]

I hate suits!! I work in a corporate environment and like dresses and separates. Pencil skirts, cigarette pants, wrap dresses (love DVF, they wear really well, I have dresses older than my children still going strong! So worth the initial outlay IMO). Echo votes for VW, outnet etc. I also really like whistles, Reiss and jigsaw. Good luck with the new job