New work wardrobe required - help please

[worldgonecrazy]

I have decided to overhaul my work wardrobe is that a promotion on the horizon

So ladies, please give me your advice. I don't really do dresses for work as holding my tummy in all day is far too tiring.

I know I need the classics but the shops seem to be bereft of these. Where are all the classic pieces hiding so I can create my capsule wardrobe?

I'm 5'4" and a bit and a size 10, can get away with wearing most things except wide leg trousers.

Help please. Budget is whatever it takes within reason.

I would say it's worth investing in 2-3 smart trousers/skirts in a style that suits your body shape. I would go for black or dark grey, as these can be worn with pretty much anything.

Then buy 8 -10 black or neutral tops in various styles (long/short sleeves, high/lower neck etc).

This is your basic wardrobe. Now you can invest in stylish jackets, cardigans, tunics etc to suit your tastes/the season/your colouring etc. This is what I would spend the serious money on.

(And of course a couple of nice scarves, necklaces etc, but I'm guessing you already have those.)

I got some very nice black work trousers in the sale at Max Mara one year. Expensive, but I've had them almost 10 years and they still look new and smart (and go in the washing machine).

For jackets, I would check out Matches, Net-a-porter etc (especially as there are some great bargains available right now in the sale).

Personal shopper at Selfridges if you are near London? or some other store that sells higher end clothing.

I think vitaminC is correct. Dress for your shape and build your wardrobe around a few key items.

Hobbs have some great jackets in their sale/outlet section at the moment. They are dry clean only but v good quality and some of them are really good prices now.

If you can get a couple of dresses that you feel comfortable in, then I'd do so - they look smart but less 'corporate' than a trouser/skirt suit and you can stick a jacket on top if you need to look smarter.

If you are older than 30 I suggest somewhere like Fenwicks where you can find which clothes suit your body shape. If you are a size 10 then well cut dresses could be fab. Look for the cheaper/younger ranges of names which would initially put you off (makes sense honestly). I would steer clear of black trousers - nothing shows a less imaginative approach to a working wardrobe.

M&S usually have a good selection of work dresses - usually washable.

Sorry, just read your post again - I have a bit of a tum and find that dresses are the most comfortable as my tum isn't restricted.

I also highly recommend M&S Insolia shoes - very comfortable for walking in and stylish too.