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Plus size Luxe workwear

22 replies

ImNotChangingMyUsernameAgain · 07/09/2020 21:09

I've been offered a very senior and high profile position and need to upgrade my workwear as the suits I had made several years ago no longer fit and my standard wardrobe of Boden with the odd bit of LK Bennett and White Company isn't going to cut it.

I need luxurious fabrics and good tailoring in black, grey and navy (boring) but have no idea where to look for size 18/20. I like the look of The Fold and Ceffin but neither come in my size.

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

OP posts:
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NotMeNoNo · 07/09/2020 22:46

I would work out what sort of style you want, put together a lookbook and at to know a tailor or very good dressmaker. If its the level of role where men would be in bespoke suits, definitely. Part of looking polished is immaculate fit, as well as excellent style and quality, even in dresses and that's hard to get off the peg.

No knowledge of designer shopping, sorry!

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NotMeNoNo · 07/09/2020 22:47

Sorry I read about your made suits now. Any reason not to do the same again?

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EarlofEggMcMuffin · 07/09/2020 22:49

What about WinserLondon?
Like these?

Are you a dress and heels person, or a trousers and blouse person?
Or you want to have the options of both?

Could you afford to do a grab of lots of luxe basics at netaporter, and return what doesn't work?

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Deux · 07/09/2020 22:52

My friend of the same size buys a lot from Marina Rinaldi

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crochetmonkey74 · 08/09/2020 09:40

Me and Em has some excellent pieces- but you have to have the eye for what looks smart enough

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Deathraystare · 10/09/2020 17:01

crochetmonkey74

Unless you omitted to say these clothes come up big, she asked for size 18/20 so me and em not for her.

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ChequerBoard · 10/09/2020 18:49

Have look at Navabi.co.uk, I'm a size 18 and buy a lot of my workwear from there. Lots of premium plus size brands from across Europe, pricey but good quality stuff.

www.navabi.co.uk

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fairislecable · 10/09/2020 19:34

I eagerly clicked on this thread looking for suggestions and it is very telling of the fashion industry that very few suppliers have been recommended.

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mellicauli · 10/09/2020 19:37

Beige is a good shop for plus sized business stuff
www.beigeplus.com/

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GrimDamnFanjo · 11/09/2020 00:57

I recommend Navabi too. They often have cracking sales.

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crochetmonkey74 · 11/09/2020 08:45

Deathray
Yes they do, I am a 20/22 and have some of their pieces

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ImNotChangingMyUsernameAgain · 15/09/2020 09:32

Thanks for all these suggestions.

I bought a beautiful jacket from Wisner London that I am thrilled with (https://www.winserlondon.com/shop/clothing/coats-and-jackets/metallic-tweed-jacket). I returned 3 dresses as I'm just too big for them at the moment but I have a couple from 3 years ago so I know they can work.

I have also a bought the Boden pleated skirt in black and navy
(https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/kristen-pleated-skirt-black/sty-t0343-blk?cat=C1S22G13) which I am pleased with. Both go with the jacket and I have also bought the Boden ponte trousers and jackets in black and navy (https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/kristen-pleated-skirt-black/sty-t0343-blk?cat=C1S22G13) so the whole lot coordinates and will tide me over.

I have added a mix of silk shirt, tie neck blouse and knitted vests into the mix.

Very slim pickings for my size. Now to lose 4 stone and I will be off to Gormley & Gamble for proper tailoring.

OP posts:
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EarlofEggMcMuffin · 15/09/2020 13:45

Ooo I like that jacket- sufficient to make many things look better.
(and the coat version is gorgeous).

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CeeceeBloomingdale · 15/09/2020 13:47

M&S can do some gorgeous tailoring and fabrics and the benefit of a wide choice of sizes.

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PersonaNonGarter · 15/09/2020 15:32

If you are going into a very senior post with accompanying salary, then consider hiring a personal shopper who can help with this.

I think Chanel go up to quite generous sizes, but plenty of good tailors will be able to assist.

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ClareGreenford · 16/09/2020 15:48

This reply has been deleted

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BestIsWest · 16/09/2020 15:53

I have to drop Sa Green Re Navabi. I ordered dresses from Navabi, Ralph Lauren and John Lewis and returned them all the same day to the Post office and the Navabi dress was refunded quickest. I didn’t think that was bad given that it was returned to Germany.

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BestIsWest · 16/09/2020 15:53

*disagree

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MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 16/09/2020 16:10

That jacket is gorgeous

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damnthatanxiety · 16/09/2020 19:29

@Deathraystare

crochetmonkey74

Unless you omitted to say these clothes come up big, she asked for size 18/20 so me and em not for her.

Meandem do come up enormous. Some things I have had to drop down 1.5 - 2 sizes. I am a big 12 but often wear a 10 in this brand. They go up to 16 OP so you may well find some of their 16s are more like 18/19s
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damnthatanxiety · 16/09/2020 19:35

Very slim pickings for my size. Now to lose 4 stone and I will be off to Gormley & Gamble for proper tailoring.

I had a look at G&G. Gorgeous and realistic prices for tailoring. Definitely a good plan!

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veryveryquietly · 17/09/2020 10:31

Navabi has excellent sales (for instance, they had 30% off all black clothing this weekend)and provides garment measurements so you can compare to items you already have and be pretty sure on fit. Fast delivery, fast & free returns. Their own brand has excellent serious workwear, nicely tailored and good materials.

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