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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Plus size work stuff...

78 replies

Fruitbatdancer · 19/04/2019 22:50

Aibu to ask where you buy stuff that makes you look like a shit hot professional even though your carrying baby weight 5 years post pregananct Blush
I’ve got a job after being a stay at home parent, a good job, a really good job, and I need to look the part but don’t know where to bloody start? I need tops/ trousers/ skirts? Dresses? Can I wear a skirt with tree stump legs? God I’m petrified of looking like a fat lump.
I need shoes/ accessories too?
Help! Size 22, 5ft 4 - big boobs big tum no arse. Please help!
Thanks!

OP posts:
73kittycat73 · 19/04/2019 22:54

I think Simply Be have a good range for the plus size lady (I'm one too.) I think New Look have a plus sized range online too?
Congratulations on the job! Smile

Original poster
Fruitbatdancer · 19/04/2019 22:57

Thanks- I’ve looked at them, and they have some bits, but I guess I want something a bit posher/ trendier? Everything I’ve ever got from new look seems to be see-through and shapeless after the first wash! I wish I could buy entire outfits with shoes included! I have no style! I’ve lived in leggings and floaty tips for too long 🙈

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 19/04/2019 22:57

Simply Be are good for plus size.
M and S generally has good smart skirts, trousers and nice tops in a wide range of sizes.
Asos Curve does too if you filter blouses/skirts/trousers/suits and tailoring.
I’ve also heard Navabi is good, but pricey I think...

JimCricket · 19/04/2019 22:58

Very have lovely stuff xx

MrPipsGran · 19/04/2019 22:59

I'm a larger lady and tend to buy tailored trousers (I never wear skirts, wish I could) from Simply Be but buy tops from Sixteen47, Ulla Popken or Holy Clothing. H & M Plus Size do some nice clothes too. Good Luck in your new job!

Original poster
Fruitbatdancer · 19/04/2019 23:05

Fab! Thank you I’m googling like crazy! Never heard of some of these!

OP posts:
Heartbrokengirl14 · 19/04/2019 23:07

Simply be is great but expensive! Yours is cheaper and clothes are fantastic!

barryfromclareisfit · 19/04/2019 23:09

There’s a slightly shiny navy top in Evans that’s to die for. Trousers to pair with it there too. Add a big scarf.

MergeDragons · 19/04/2019 23:09

I'm a bit like you, a plus size lady (22 but 6ft) who has been living in jeans and hoodies for the last 10 years. I went to Debenhams and used their personal shopper service (not sure if they're still doing it at the moment but I think the other department stores do it too). It was a great experience as the lass listened to what I needed and picked out a lot of stuff I liked and curated it into outfits. Now I have 3 pairs work trousers, 2 dresses, 3 tops, 2 cardigans and a blazer which are pretty much mix and match. I can grab whatever is clean and ironed and be good to go - no thinking required! (or any attempt at personal stylishness)

Katinkka · 19/04/2019 23:09

Sea salt goes up to a 26 and I like manterey in Debenhams.

barryfromclareisfit · 19/04/2019 23:10

I’ve had stuff from holy clothing, they’re great. Order items in stock and they arrive in a week.

Madein1995 · 19/04/2019 23:16

It really depends what you're after. I'm about your size (22 on bottom, 18on top, 20 depending on material)

My current job is quite laid back so I wear leggings, tunic dresses and a blazer most of the time. I start s new job in a few weeks and not sure on dress code so been getting new stuff

Black trousers (Asda go to a size 22 online, they're a nice cool material and cheap which is good if you're looking to lose weight and not spend lots). If not Dorothy Perkins, the plus size bit in Matalan is good. Most of my blouses I've bought in Matalan and again they have a good range.

If you're the type to stand it, a pencil skirt (Matalan), blouse and heels look smart. I can't stand feeling trussed up and overdressed, I hate tights and despise heels so not for me but it is s good look

Original poster
Fruitbatdancer · 19/04/2019 23:21

I’m keen to wear heels but much as I live a stiletto I can’t wear them as I destroy them in a day! I’ve gone for Mary Jane style in the last, bit concious it can loook a bit clunky or dated? Need a strong slim heel and ideally a strap to hold me in! I honestly seem to destroy shoes/ blister easily! Thanks so much everyone- I need to turn a corner and feel good about myself- been too long feeeling a bit invisible.

OP posts:
UnrelentingFruitScoffer · 19/04/2019 23:22

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

WelcomeToGreenvale · 19/04/2019 23:22

Dorothy Perkins is my goto for affordable, comfortable trousers. Their skinny pull-on trousers are really good. No pockets though.

RunAlexRun · 19/04/2019 23:24

@UnrelentingFruitScoffer what a nasty reply! No need for that at all!

NoShitHemlock · 19/04/2019 23:25

I have been known to browse Bon Marche (just avoid the granny nighties Grin ) - they have some lovely plus size clothes in there too, and their sale is always great.

BentBaastard · 19/04/2019 23:26

@UnrelentingFruitScoffer

That was so mean.
You are a cow.

I’ve reported you.

cricketmum84 · 19/04/2019 23:26

Well done on the new job!! I start a shit hot new job on Tuesday and am same size as you.

I joined all the plus size selling groups on Facebook and asked people to post pics of what they had for sale. I've got a couple of really nice dresses from there and a surprising bargain of a Lindy bop skirt I've been coveting for ages!!

I prefer dresses to formal trousers as the trousers are so unflattering on my mum tum!

Other than that have you looked at the next clearance site? They go up to a 24 and I've got some lovely stuff from there and some really good deals x

MrsSchadenfreude · 19/04/2019 23:26

I go for dresses and jackets or skirts and tops. I buy from Boden (dresses), Yumi (dresses and tops), M & S Autograph (skirts and jackets), Next (skirts, tops, jackets), Wallis (dresses, tops). Simply Be can come up with some good stuff but you need to pick carefully.

victoriaspongecake · 19/04/2019 23:28

I have reported that rude post too.
What a sad life you have Unrelenting to make such a nasty unecessary comment.

BentBaastard · 19/04/2019 23:29

Next have some good stuff

I would choose a colour ie navy and and accessorise massively

Navy trousers
White shirt
Navy jacket
Jewellery
Red scarf

Navy trousers
Green T-shirt
Navy jacket
Blue scarf

Change up shoes and scarves and jewellery but keep the same block navy colour.

Wondermoomin · 19/04/2019 23:38

Don't assume you have to wear heels! I challenged my assumptions when I read a magazine article (the sort where they ask "Cornwall or Caribbean?" "Cook at home or eat out?" "Heels or flats?" 🙄 ) where a prominent, successful business woman said she didn't feel empowered in heels. I bought a few pairs of low heeled / flat shoes for my return to work earlier this year and feel way more "me". I've noticed most people don't wear high heels nowadays as well. Work wardrobes seem to have changed somewhat in the last 5-10 years!

Butterflycookie · 19/04/2019 23:44

Sainsbury’s tu is really good for work clothes

Cherrysoup · 19/04/2019 23:48

Pretty Little Thing, up to size 26. You have to scroll past loads of odd looking things, but there are jackets, trousers etc. Evans do various lengths of trousers and nice jackets.