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Work wordrobe desperation

9 replies

Wishitwasnttme · 19/05/2015 23:00

So, I had to take a selfie today for work purposes, so basically a photo of me in my smart work gear and I looked diabolical. I almost cried I looked so awful. I do look in the mirror before I go out but I haven't seen a picture of myself dressed for work for a long time. I have just turned 50 and after years of looking young for my age I seem to aged 10 years overnight. I am fat and frumpy and my hair is a mess. I've decided I need to give a bit more attention to what I wear as a first start, along with trying to lose some weight. I work in a fairly senior position in an office so need something smart but not corporate and reasonably comfortable. I'm thinking smart dresses with crop cardigans kind of look but I'm struggling to find anything that's suitable for my age/height/weight.

I would really appreciate some suggestions from all you lovely knowledgeable people.

TIA and sorry for length of post.

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Ashbeeee · 20/05/2015 06:53

Asos. Does a curvy range. Good value. I get all work dresses from there. Maybe Stick to black for now until body confidence restores, unless you see a fab dress you just have to have. You can accessorise with bright scarves and junk (cheap!) jewellery and bright cardigans rather than jackets.


Grooming: Don't underestimate the power of a good haircut. If you can afford it go to a makeup counter (book appointment) for the best brand you can afford and get them to make you up and set you up with slap that you use every day.

Get a Fitbit wrist band and start to get more active by walking as much as you can (it makes a huge difference to fitness and weight loss -huge!!!) Track what you eat on myfitnesspal app (it's free) if you have a smartphone so that you can see what you are really eating, track nutrients and set target for weight loss. It even has built in barcode scanner so you can scan in what you eat....easy.
And if you can, link the two together so you can see how much the extra walking allows you to eat or lose in weight. Fabaroony.

I turn 50 on Friday and am surprised by how it's affecting my head. Half a sodding century? Wasn't i 20 only days ago? What the hell?

On and check out 'senior style bible' via FB. Lots of groovy oldsters like us , looking fab and giving us hope. Even if they are American with more money than sense. Grin

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FirstOfficerDouglasRichardson · 20/05/2015 07:20

Definitely grooming... I'd get a good haircut and colour, eyebrows done (including coloured if necessary). Start trying to lose weight if you're unhappy with your size but in the mean time invest in some good underwear (bad underwear can leave you looking lumpy and bumpy). I personally hate cropped cardigans, I'd go for a blazer type jacket with dresses and smart fitted trousers.

Don't be too hard on yourself.

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Wishitwasnttme · 20/05/2015 19:13

Thanks for the replies. 50 is a bit of a watershed no doubt about it. I will take the advice re: make up and exercise. Hadn't thought of getting a Make up overhaul. I"ll also try Asos. I thought that was just for the young and trendy so will give it a go.

Really appreciate the advice. Thanks.Smile

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NiceCardigan · 20/05/2015 20:00

Yes yes to a good haircut. I pay an extortionate amount to have mine cut and coloured and it makes a huge difference to how I feel every day.

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Ashbeeee · 21/05/2015 12:15

im 50 tomorrow and an asos regular. don't be too age constrained !!

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hellsbellsmelons · 21/05/2015 12:50

I have many dresses from Roman originals.
They are made to flatter sure and I wear them with cropped cardigans.
I'm told often that I look nice / smart etc...
All similar but in different colours. Reasonable pricing as well.
This style is one of them
this style is really flattering and hides a multitude of sins
or this kind of thing
all in varying colours
another flattering style
this one is my latest purchase and everyone has commented (in a nice way)
Just check out all the dresses.
I have 3 colours of this this and you can match up with loads

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CointreauVersial · 21/05/2015 13:03

M&S Autograph is good for workwear; well-constructed dresses and nice separates. 20% off at the moment, until Monday (use code MAY15A12).

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Wishitwasnttme · 21/05/2015 13:20

Thanks Hellsbells I like some of those. Another shop I had never considered.

Thanks for the code Cointreau- I like Autograph but haven't looked there for a while.
I think I've let myself go a bit since turning 50; I found it really hard to be positive about it because I don't feel 50 what ever that's supposed to feel likeConfused Sage advice Ashbeee; I need to get over myself and think more broadly. I'm starting to feel better; just need to put the good advice in action.

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OvertiredandConfused · 21/05/2015 13:48

I keep a couple of pairs of heels in my office as I find it helps me feel better and more together in heels but there's no way I could commute or go out at lunchtime wearing them!

Wrap / jersey dresses with aforesaid heels and statement jewellery and / or scarves work for me, with cropped cardigans or blazers as needed. This dress from Boden is brilliant at the moment. I have it in several colours and have lots of compliments - looks smart too.

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