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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:
Pieceofpurplesky · 19/04/2019 23:52

Next do up to size 26 on line and have great suits

WattdeEll · 19/04/2019 23:57

Ulla Popken have some great stuff, also Next.

MintyCedric · 19/04/2019 23:58

I buy a lot of stuff from Simply Be.

I'm a very similar size to you and find Dorothy Perkins stuff fits really well too.

lisasimpsonssaxophone · 20/04/2019 00:02

My colleague is bigger than you and she gets loads of stuff from ASOS Curve, she looks amazing!

And Snag tights are brilliant, if you want to wear skirts/dresses.

Congratulations on your job!

GooodMythicalMorning · 20/04/2019 00:06

M&co had some nice bits in plus sizes today

Papergirl1968 · 20/04/2019 00:07

Congrats on the job!
Jd Williams have a suits and workwear section which is well worth a look.

womanhuman · 20/04/2019 00:13

Tu, Curvissa, Yours, in all cases choose carefully.

Normaknowall · 20/04/2019 00:17

Curvissa, La Redoute are like Simply Be but can have nice stuff. I found the Joe Brown in Simply Be surprisingly good for nice jackets/dresses. If you are looking for something more designer-y have a look at Sixteen47 before the end of May - Dawn French stuff. Some hellish prints but the plain jersey separates esp tunics are good and classic so will last you a few years. Box 2 is worth a look, good basics, but can be a bit old lady, and Vivid Linen does everything upto plus size and is very stylish for smarter summer things but expensive. That said I've got trousers I've had for years from them and they're so well made they look like new. Cost per wear they're a bargain!

YesQueen · 20/04/2019 01:23

I wear these for work. The bit at the back of the heel is padded and I wear them 7am - 6pm comfortably
Size up, these are the newer version of the style, I needed to go up a size
Argh. Stupid link won't work but google Clarks chorus pitch Grin

almostsunny · 20/04/2019 01:35

I'm a size 18 / 20 and I only ever buy dresses for work as they look smarter and hide the big bits. Next is good, joules always has offers and dress are quite good.

Don't try and look trendy try and stick to a classic style which looks smart

almostsunny · 20/04/2019 01:39

And phase 8 always has a sale.

I have slowly invested in about 7 quality dresses that I feel good in and just rotate those every day, makes getting ready so easy

PatriciaBateman · 20/04/2019 02:19

My number 1 tip is go for smart loafers or brogues for shoes and ditch the heels!

TwoShades1 · 20/04/2019 02:39

Can’t advise on what to buy or where. But just a tip to say don’t go crazy and buy too much before you start. Once you have started you will get an idea of what other people are wearing. No point spending lots on posh heels your uncomfortable in, only to realise that most people are wearing flats! So buy a few things that are comfortable and your sort of style and then add to your wardrobe over time as you find out what fits in well with your workplace.

Missmummy88 · 20/04/2019 02:57

Have a look at a little independent brand called popsy. They have dresses that are a decent length and very work place appropriate. There are lots of prints on there that are not to my taste - but the block colour dresses with tights and heals are lovely for work. I also like crew. Best of luck!

northerngirl2012 · 20/04/2019 03:54

Boden go up to a 22. They’re Richmond 7/8 length trousers are great, they’re comfortable & stretchy too but don’t crease. Look on eBay for them too.

Daisychainsandglitter · 20/04/2019 07:07

I find Debenhams and Dorothy Perkins always have a good selection of plus size clothes which are nice.

lilyboleyn · 20/04/2019 07:50

Another one saying Next for suits. Order online to your home and then return to store whatever doesn’t work for you.

CosmicVagina · 20/04/2019 08:38

It's very hit and miss but I've just ordered 2 dresses from everything £5. If they are no good I've only lost a few quid
www.everything5pounds.com/en/Ruffle-Trim-Midi-Embossed-Dress/p/656992-300135-111990

www.everything5pounds.com/en/Round-Neck-Circular-Patterned-Midi-Dress/p/657093-300322-111990

cockadoodledooooo · 20/04/2019 08:45

Asda, Sainsbury's, charity shops.

gingerbiscuits · 20/04/2019 08:48

Ooh, I've got lots of ideas from this thread- thanks! (Size 20) I love tops from Roman - funky patterns, bubble or banded hem, quite loose over the bumps! Usually pair with decent black trousers from Next. I'm on my feet all day & love smart boots/shoes from Gabor (Amazon have a HUGE range). Good luck - I'm sure you'll look awesome!!

lisasimpsonssaxophone · 20/04/2019 08:54

Ooh yes Popsy are amazing and loads of the dresses have POCKETS too!

RhiWrites · 20/04/2019 08:58

Joe Brown’s. Or check out my eBay shop. I’m selling stuff in this size right now. 😀 PM me if you want the link.

alltheeastereggs · 20/04/2019 09:06

Congrats

My tip for looking good in plus size work clothes is never buy anything unless the fabric has some stretch. Then when you sit down, work at desk, stand up move around etc you're not tugging your clothes back into place and they don't get creased.

I like boden dresses eg plain navy but their 22 dresses often annoyingly only come in a long. Which is fine in above knee type dresses to give more coverage but doesn't work if it's below knee or midi and I'm 5'7"

weaselwords · 20/04/2019 09:11

I’m the same size as you but much taller. I go for Boden, Next and M&S for work. Boden is a bit pants at the moment for me though.