Work tops: the never ending quest...

[Thurlow]

I can't find anything

I just want a few tops or jumpers to go with black trousers or a black pencil skirt for work. Why is this so hard?!

At this rate I'm just going to buy a job lot of these sort of Next jumpers as they are at least flattering...

The thing is I'm short and have a slightly plump belly still blaming it on the baby two years on which anything too baggy around the tummy just emphasizes. And so many tops are so long and loose at the moment. I don't like pussy bow blouses as they tend to be sheer and I don't like that at work. I don't want anything too jersey as it tends to cling and not be flattering, but equally silky tops never seem to survive stain free for a day, and linen is just a pain. Shirts don't work on my shape either. I quite like tops like this but it's bloody Next again - I don't want to turn into a Next mannequin! But have plenty of cardigans to go over anything short-sleeved.

Does anyone have any good suggestions? I only need another one or two tops to see me through!

[CMOTDibbler]

I've had success with Kaliko and Coast draped jersey tops as comfy, flattering, and good for layering.

[notnowImreading]

There are some really pretty thin jumpers inH&M at the moment. I wore one yesterday and got told I was looking 'very Audrey Hepburn' which is impossible to interpret as sneaky rudeness so think it must have been good. I was cold all day though.

[LaTrucha]

I live in these at work. I don't really like the colours or designs this season but they do them all the time - which means you can get them from ebay a lot where they are much cheaper. They are pretty big IME. I'm a pretty standard 12 with 32 F bra size and I get 10s

[Thurlow]

Thanks. I always forget about Coast. I really like that Boden top but will have to set up a saved search - if you have to get a 10, I think I would need a 6 or 8 (am only 5'1). notnow, some of those H&M tops are like the ones I have just sewed the seams back together to keep them lasting, so I will go and have a good look. Am a little worried that they look quite long on the models but honestly, have you seen most petite range clothing? There's a reason why I end up in Next all the time

[NumptyNu]

Marking place (I'm also 5ft 1......)

[notnowImreading]

I'm 5'5" and the H&M ones come to mid hip, so I guess they might be too long for you. I don't know about petite ranges in there. They're so cheap though, must be worth a try on at least.

[Thurlow]

Thanks LaTrucha, just won a Boden top on eBay for a bargain £13

[LaTrucha]

Fab. I hope you like it.

[Thurlow]

So do I - but I ordered a 6 as I'm a 6/8 in Next normal sizes, taking your advice that they're large, so if it doesn't fit...