whole new wardrobe help me please

[morethanpotatoprints]

This may be a tall order so please excuse the long post.

Have worked for my dh in a voluntary position for many years and now it's to be made formal. As I will have a wage I want/need to look the part and having never needed to dress accordingly before have no items whatsoever really.
Have usually managed business with calls so have not needed to be seen, apart from the video conferences where a nice top was all that I needed.

I need funky business clothes, so things that are bright, smartish but not cocoa the clown. Something of a statement type of thing. Maybe 3/4 outfits for now.

I need something that will be used as civvy clothes but also to represent the WAGS at music festivals where part will be work/ part will be off duty.
Festivals typically outdoors but a couple indoor ones as well. Also, will be attending the odd business meeting so an outfit for this too.

I love the clothes from Joe Brown or Izabel but am only 4ft 11 so really need petite, if possible.

Does anybody know any unusual type of shops that may stock this type of stuff?
I am 49 so obviously nothing for teens/early twenties that would make me look like mutton etc. I do need fashionable though not classic business.
Don't want to look like I work in a bank so no tailored suits or business wear.

Many thanks if you have got this far.
All suggestions gratefully received.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

Why not try Adsa. They have lovely smart and elegant dresses there along with smart trousers and tops. Very reasonable, too

[MilkThistle187]

Try Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti

[morethanpotatoprints]

Thanks for the suggestions, will have a look.
I need something very different and sort of funky looking.
Not the usual run of the mill.
I've never looked at Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti before. I'm off to google

[cathyandclaire]

What's your budget? The Outnet do quite a lot of discounted Vivienne Westwood Anglomania that you could mix with more understated cheaper neutral pieces. I'm small and they work well for me.
Warning, some bits are a little out there/coco the clownish but lots is lovely (IMO of course )

[morethanpotatoprints]

Thank you Cathy

Well I looked at Zara and Massimo and didn't find anything there. In fairness though there were several items I liked had I been a foot taller, so great suggestion.
Haven't looked at Mango yet am going to now along with The Outnet.

I don't really have a budget as the work clothes will come from the business expenses. Obviously won't take the mickey and I am by nature quite frugal.
If something is unique and just made for the occasion I will splash out but won't pay full price for something you could find much cheaper on the high street, iyswim.

[morethanpotatoprints]

Ha Ha, I know I said I had no budget but The Outnet is too much, but lovely.
I would love some of those clothes.
Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Newbrummie]

How do work clothes come out if business expenses ? Genuinely curious

[morethanpotatoprints]

It's our own business and the work clothes will only be used for work, some will be stagewear.
My normal clothes are cheap leggings, jeans etc. I've never had to be inspired with clothes before and want to represent our company well.

[SuperFlyHigh]

Uterque is lovely and part of Zara (inditex) stable of companies and is more luxe and a bit avant garde.

You could also check Cos and &OtherStories.

[SuperFlyHigh]

Also try Joseph especially sale items.

[SuperFlyHigh]

You really need to try on too, a few places do petite ranges but you can easily find shorter skirts or items that would work well on you. Talbots do petite.

[Newbrummie]

Wow, I'm a personal trainer and the tax man won't allow branded/logo gym wear for my business ... I need your accountant by the sounds of it

[morethanpotatoprints]

Newbrummie

Why won't the tax man allow you branded items?
If they are what you need for your business, I don't understand tbh.
It's not like you'd wear these items for anything else like going out for the night, or even shopping in Asda.
I suppose you may have to justify it if you had a wardrobe full of the stuff, but business is business.
Remember though I'm starting from scratch and some of the receipts won't necessarily be put through. The items I may wish to wear at other times won't but those I know would not suit any other occasion are going through.
I'd ask your accountant to explain tbh.

[dontcallmelen]

Maybe have a look at house of Fraser, they have lots of brands you could also, find a good tailor/seamstress, so get things altered which I do sometimes, I'm 4ft 10 so feel your pain also topshop can be good for petite sizes & if you look carefully can find bits that, that are not just for teenagers
I got some really nice tops/jackets from TS & river island, happy shopping.

[mrsmeerkat]

Declaring outright 'I am no fashion icon'

What about etsy. They do lovely handmade pieces

Yumi clothing have something a little different to high street though don't rule out high st. i got a pretty yellow and black top from oasis that is quite smart.