Manager/officewear & alternatives to ponytails?

[DingbatsFur]

My very bright friend has just got a well earned promotion & has been advised she needs to tweak her wardrobe to look more professional. She needs to look groomed and polished but have it be easy maintenance (not too much to ask). She's been told M&S office wear won't do!
She is a larger lady so would also like something comfy. No dresses or skirts unfortunately. Finally, she needs and altermative to a pony tail for her shoulder length hair. Something quick but professional looking.

Any ideas gratefully received. She's not quite 40.

If you don't mind my asking, what's the job?

Yes, I'm curious to know why a dress or skirt can't be included in professional wear.

Pull the hair into a ponytail mid of back of head or at nape depending on length twist with the end of hair pointing up and put clip over the twist and fluff out the top of the tail

I'm a professional and that's how I wear my hair I sometimes twist to side so it hangs over one shoulder

What's wrong with m&s ? I wear next suits and wallis but thought m&s was ok!

I dont understand how a pony tail isnt smart? Anyways, what about putting a donut in with hair clipped around? Really quick.

How much is she wanting \ able to spend on officewear?

Sorry, can't say the job specifically. It's a managerial post. Skirts and dresses aren't barred but my friend would prefer not to wear them due to a health issue.

She has about £2-300 to get her started

What sort of size should we be looking for? What's her colouring and what sort of budget are we looking at?

Ah, x posts

Size 18-20, nut brown hair, pale skin. Thanks folks for you help!

Hobbs quite good for tailored stuff.

Regarding hair - could she not just wear it down? Or a sort of french pleat (not plait) but where its twisted up and pinned.

If I were her I'd go to John Lewis and see the personal shopper.

Personal shopper is a great idea. Any decent department store will have them.

Re hair: would she consider having it cut slightly shorter into a bob? Easy maintenance and smart looking.