Where do you buy work clothes?

[sittinginthesun]

I really need to update my work wardrobe. I had hoped to find something in the Sales, but it all looks a bit sad and cheap,(interestingly, I had no problem buying weekend/casual clothes - mental block...).

Where do you buy your office wear? I need something smart, but not too scary.

It depends how smart you need to be- I have just picked up two pencil skirts and two jumpers from Great Plains for under £70 in their sale- worth a look if you can wear separates/dresses rather than suits where you work. If you need to be smarter, you can't go wrong with Hobbs-there are some hefty reductions on some things in their sale. I have a code for an extra 10% off sale prices which I'll find you in a minute that lasts until Monday.

Other sales I would look at are Cos and LK Bennett. Have picked up the odd bargain in Benetton too.

Zara. Always Zara. Am a bit obsessed.

Pure collection with a discount code, Great plains, zara, banana republic also sometimes LK bennett and Hobbs but they are very expensive.

What sort of clothes do you have to wear? I'm smart rather than suits so dress plus jacket/ cardi or trousers/ skirt plus smart top and jacket works very well.

Reiss, Zara, Mango, Hobbs, Oasis

I refuse to do suits unless it's absolutely essential. Dresses are the way to go.

Fenn Wright Manson and Phase Eight do good work dresses. I have a selection and got rid of all my suits.

Teacher- Phase Eight, Fenn Wright Manson, VW Anglomania, Hobbs, joules and Damsel in a Dress.

Another vote for Phase 8 - great dresses that wash really well. I have also got a fantastic Damsel in a Dress jacket that is cut beautifully and fots like a dream (albeit a size up from usual) - twas in one of their 70% off sales. Alexon also has some good stuff if you have a good look - sadly the branch in my town is closing, but I have picked up a couple of great bargains!

Teacher - Hobbs sale, Phase Eight (but v v selectively as a lot of it is hideous), Vivienne Westwood sale, M&S Autograph, Warehouse, Gap, French Connection

I go to Reiss, Jigsaw or Jaeger for the suits. At the moment I have 2 full suits, plus an extra dress. I usually hunt in the sales, or go to the Reiss/Jigsaw outlets.

I then get shirts/blouses/tops to go under it from cheaper places - M & S and GAP are favourites. I've got a couple of nice blouses from Tu at Sainsburys. I figure the expensive suit gives me the classy effect, and noone notices I'm wearing the same thing over and over if I jazz it up with the less pricey pieces!

Thank you! I have just spent a very happy hour shopping online, and have been brave and ordered a couple of dresses, normally outside my comfort zone. I'll let you know if I am brave enough to wear them:)