Okay - first off, please be gentle with me. I lurk here a lot, but never had the guts to post yet. However, I have finally decided I'm going shopping this weekend, and could do with some tips.
About me: I'm 29 and a half, 5'3", just over 7 stone (have always been underweight), reasonably well proportioned but slightly bottom heavier, skinny arms and legs, low maintenance and in danger of becoming completely frumpy.
I work in an office and feel like the least well put together (dress-wise) there - my colleagues range from 22 - 60.
I really want to update my work wardrobe, but don't have a huge amount to spend. I usually wear black trousers, a blouse (usually white) and a jumper/cardi (the £7 cheap ones from supermarkets). I like my trousers baggier rather than tighter, my blouses to be fitted and untucked, and don't have any colour preferences. The few patterned things I own are small prints rather than large.
If I have meetings at work I wear a dress. I have one Next shift style dress, which I think looks okay, a couple of jersey drapey dresses, a cheap light slightly empire line style sleeveless dress and a button through fitted shirt dress. With the dresses, I think I like the fitted ones more. Lengthwise they're all just about kneee length.
I would like to get away from the trousers, blouse & cardi look, and move to more of a dress based look. At a pinch I would do skirt and top - but don't fancy that as much.
One of my colleagues gave me some tips - try different things (ie lengths, necklines). And she suggested H&M and Primark to quickly update wardrobe and be able to maximise a mix-and-match approach to my choice. I've had a quick look at the H&M website, and see somethings there I might try, but the dresses all look a wee bit short.
So, wise S&B ladies, please can you help? Suggestions on what to look for, where to shop would be much appreciated. Thanks!