Anyone fancy sorting out my work wardrobe?

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

A break from the big CV...

I’m starting a new office job soon-ish (whenever we’re allowed to go to work!) in a fairly senior role and need some decent clothes to wear. The office is a lot smarter than the relaxed company I’m currently at and my fashion sense is frumpy at the best of times. Most of my wardrobe comes from Sainsbury’s and if it’s left up to me I’ll be in black trousers or navy blue skirt and a white shirt every day.

Anyone fancy recommending a few work wardrobe pieces? Key points are:

• I need to cover my shoulders, cleavage and knees.
  
• I’m 5’4”, pear-shaped, size 12-14.
  
• I have dark pale skin (is that a thing?) and dark blonde hair.
  
• I suit blues and corals.
  

Budget-wise, I’m looking at £500 max for everything.

[Hodgeheg3]

What about dresses? I like shirt dresses for work, mine are from whistles, cos, H&M and M&S. There are some nice dresses in baukjen sale too.

[StCharlotte]

Ooh a blank canvas! What sort of sector will you be working in? Finance, law, arts, education, IT, marketing etc?

My City PA friend's wardrobe is very different from my IT director friend's wardrobe which is different from my secretary's wardrobe.

[ChainsawBear]

A really good black pair of slim work trousers and really good blazer (not necessarily to be worn together) will earn their worth many times over. The Fold is doing a flash sale so I would look at them. If you are in a senior role, a good fit and quality fabric also help to give the right look and hopefully you have the salary to afford them - an ill-fitting polyester jacket won't impress.

If your waist is a good feature I'd look at dresses - patterned shirt dresses would make things a bit more interesting, or plain but interestingly cut dresses in colours other than black. You can add accessories and shoes to ring the changes.

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

@StCharlotte I’m in medtech, going into a director role. Lots of involvement with various governments - I currently have one outfit for that but will need something to wear every day.

@Hodgeheg3 I hadn’t heard of Baukjen before but I’ve found a lovely dress and trousers on their website, thanks! I had another look at Hobbs and spotted a good dress too.

@ChainsawBear that’s it exactly. I have smart clothes but the cut isn’t great and I don’t feel smart in them.

[ChainsawBear]

Those pictures you've posted all look good - simple and classic. You're not going to feel comfortable with an elaborate or complicated "look" if you always gravitate to the outfits you mentioned in your OP.

I would encourage you to check out The Fold though - brilliant workwear for senior women and the shapes and cuts give a bit of interest without being difficult to style. If you normally shop at Sainsbury's then I realise you might initially balk at the prices, but they have some amazing discounts right now and great fabrics. You could try a dress like this: thefoldlondon.com/product/rosnaree-dress-rust-wool-tweed/

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

Nice. I love this dress. I’m more balking at the amount of dry-cleaning!

[StCharlotte]

Wow OP thanks to the pointers you've had on here, I love your taste! Winser London also do great work dresses.

I'm surprised none of the washing machine manufacturers have devised a "dry cleaning" cycle or perhaps we mere mortals can't be trusted with the chemicals involved.

[ChainsawBear]

I've gentle-washed a lot of things which are allegedly dry clean only, especially if they've got a bit sweaty, which dry cleaning doesn't really fix. Works best with things which won't really crease in the wash or things you can gently iron or steam afterwards, but I haven't ruined anything yet.

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

Ooo I like Winser London! I’ve bought this dress and a pair of black trousers.

I’ve put dry clean only clothes through a gentle wash & it’s been fine but I haven’t tried it with anything like a white/dark colour two-time dress.

[Oblomov20]

You have chosen some lovely dresses.

I encourage to to go for a bit more colour, a bit of orange, teal, purple, gold...... something - Just to give it a bit of show. So as not to become too drab.

Maybe a shift dress with a tartan or a bold stripe if colour.
Or a bold coloured dress. Like these 2 only expensive ones.

I would also encourage you buy 2 quality expensive skirts and 2 quality expensive trousers.

Then lots of tops, including some bold colours, stripes etc - so that you can mix-and-match more.

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

I like the Biden dress but it’s out of stock unfortunately.

I’ve also bought this blouse from Monsoon, which is a bit more jazzy. I like prints but tend to overdo it

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

Thanks for all the advice BTW. I really am useless at clothes and I’d like to project the right image.

[Gemma2019]

OP all of the brands you are looking at are normally on Brand Alley website for less than half the price. It's always worth looking there first - I always just put in my size and go through all available dresses and tops.

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

BrandAlley was worth knowing! I got some trousers, a skirt and a dress for under £90 delivered.

[carlywurly]

Worth keeping an eye on the white company sale. I've had lots of lovely work dresses from there and they last years.