Feel frumpy next to new work colleagues

[Bluewavescrashing]

Just started a new job in a school. It's very warm, I have to get down on the floor (in early years) and obviously have to be decent.

Quite a few of my colleagues are very stylish, young and slim. I feel like a frump next to them! I'm late 30s.

I recently purged my wardrobe of old, worn and dated stuff. But now I need a few key pieces to wear. Must be comfortable and washable (paint, glue etc).

Any tips please for what I can look for?

[Bluewavescrashing]

Also I've put on weight and feel bleurgh. Size 12, 5ft 1n. Huge bum and hips.

[Bluewavescrashing]

Anyone?

[pageers]

Ooooooh can I join please?

I've also just started a new job in a school (KS2 TA) and need to update my wardrobe.

5ft 6. Size 12. Apple shape so slight barrel tummy but decent legs. Currently wearing a rotation of:

Black hush Ivy dress and tights

Black Topshop Joni jeans (they are a deep black and look like smart trousers) with a blouse or shirt (from places like H&M, Topshop, Zara, ASOS). Or maybe a smart grey jumper.

Shoes are black or tan brogues, or black Ash Toulouse boots.

I wear nice (not quite 'statement') necklaces too.

I need a couple of shirt dresses and some more tops. I'm watching a few bits on eBay at the moment as money is tight.

Op have you checked out H&M, Mango, Zara, ASOS etc?

[Bluewavescrashing]

@pageers I like the idea of shirt dresses. They'd have to be cotton though, I sweat far too much in polyester!

Black jeans-ish trousers are handy. I have pair that look good and fit well.

Are chinos really dowdy?

[pickingdaisies]

No longer working in school, but I lived in the dress or loose tunic and leggings look, with various length and thickness of cardi depending on the weather. Also, mark's and Spencer just over the knee skirts (pull on elasticated waist, not expensive, easy to move in, look smart) with thick tights. Next do some good long sleeve t-shirt tops. I didn't want to spend too much on clothes that were going to get trashed.

[Bluewavescrashing]

I have gone a bit mad on ebay with lots of the suggestions on here. Loose tunics, thick leggings, grey jeans type trousers (but not jeans), cardigans for layering. Found a nice silk top too. All 99p each so super cheap and brand new. 🙂

[pickingdaisies]

That's the way to do it! It will feel like Christmas when it all turns up, have fun 😊