Work wear nightmare! Help me!!!

38 replies

Fruitbatdancer · 11/11/2021 08:12

I know iabu.
I’m a size 22/24.
I have a fancy new big job in the city and I’m actually going to have to go into the office sometimes after hiding in my home office for 18 months. I’ve hired a personal trainer, but ya know, miricles don’t happen overnight.
I am classic apple, all
Tummy no arse. Big boobs. I need to look put together!
I need 2 outfits I think, one dress maybe and one top and trousers with jacket/ suit? I need a coat, oh and new shoes, and a scarf that says ‘designer’ but I have no idea what’s cool! Is Burberry still a thing? Jesus. I am so uncool. I like v neck not high neck as my boobs are only thing I love! Motherhood has stolen what (very) little style and glam I had.

Any ideas welcome. Budget entirely flexible! Style more important that ££££!

Else I’m going in loungewear and I’ll be fired week 1!!

OP posts:

Mimosa1 · 11/11/2021 15:50

TheFold is amazing for workwear IMO. If you're in London, they do a great personal shopping session and they will taylor clothes for free. Congrats on the new job and I'm sure you'll look great!

WalkingOnSonshine · 11/11/2021 15:54

Sadly @Mimosa1 The Fold only go up to a size 16.

DIKateFleming · 11/11/2021 16:31

I’ve looked for City plus size wear, my go to’s are

Studio 8 - the plus size bit of Phase 8 (look for the non-weddingy stuff)
Ralph Lauren has a plus size range
M&S can good, just not their trousers, but the work dresses work well

Would these work

www.marksandspencer.com/polka-dot-puff-sleeve-shift-dress/p/clp60534501?color=BLACKMIX

www.marksandspencer.com/v-neck-button-front-pintuck-shift-dress/p/clp60509459?color=BLACK#intid=prodColourId-60509459

thinkfast · 11/11/2021 17:39

My budget won't stretch to it, but beige plus might be worth a look if you want something fancy

LittleGwyneth · 11/11/2021 18:09

Go and try things on, don't order online. Don't spend money on a designer scarf, v ageing and outmoded. I would suggest M&S, Jigsaw, Phase Eight, Great Plains - basically go to a nice department store and start there. I would strongly advise against Joe Browns but that's personal taste. If you want something nice to make you feel fancy then I'd spend the money on a bag, it's the most noticeable thing.

ChristmasPlanning · 11/11/2021 19:56

@RedCarsGoFaster

Have a look at Monsoon for nice tailored office dresses, they go up to a 24 these days. I wore their dresses for the last 15yrs in a smart office and court environment.

I thought Monsoon had closed down! Must look online as I used to love clothes from there, especially dresses

Cheerbear23 · 11/11/2021 20:08

Yours are very good, and Next go upto size 26 I think. Jersey jackets are very useful if you can find any?
I need to sort my work wardrobe out as I’m back to the office soon and similar dress size to you.

Original poster

Fruitbatdancer · 12/11/2021 00:03

Some great suggestions which I’ll check out. I’ve managed to get an online John Lewis stylist appointment (online they go up to 26 but in store only 18…) so we’ll see how that goes. Navabi seem to have closed down, Hobbs and Boden don’t go to size 22 unfortunately.
I had no idea Ralph Lauren do plus size so will check them out, and I’d forgotten about monsoon. I used to love studio 8 but they seem to have nothing work wear in, in fact places I used to try seem to have bugger all I guess as they aren’t selling as much!

OP posts:

Cherry321 · 12/11/2021 00:13

[quote DIKateFleming]I’ve looked for City plus size wear, my go to’s are