Is it just me?

[loopyloou]

... Or does everyone else also wear just black skirts/trousers for work?

There must be some lovely skirts suitable for work, so why do I only have black ones in my wardrobe?

I know I'm not very adventurous, but I honestly never see smart skirts in other colours that I deem suitable for work. Apart from a link to a nice rust one here on S&B.

Read our MNVogue thread. We often describe our work outfits and rarely are they black. We love colour and plenty of rich jewel tones/earth tones coming up this season.

Lots of people do just wear black skirts but there are lots of fantastic alternatives:

Pink
Purple
Red
More pink
Blue - I love this
Black and White
Tile print
orange
Floral

I love skirts but never know what to wear on the top half.

I'm size 16 and F cup, if I tuck tops in I look like Barbara Windsor and if I leave them out I look like Camilla.

TVStand Have you tried those little cotton sweaters that have a crew neck or a slight V and decent ribbing around the waist? They can look very sexy secretary worn with a skirt, heels and a good bra. Sweaters that come to just below the curve of a tummy suit most people. Funnily enough we were discussing Laura Ashley on the other thread and they do excellent little sweaters/cardigans. Also cardigans worn open with a tucked in blouse (a spot print for example) with block coloured cardigan, a striking necklace and a skirt/pants would suit you-

this look and this worn with a blouse not up to the neck as this can make large breasts look larger.

these shirt dresses worn to the knee or below can balance larger breasts and give curves and an assymetric hem like this T helps draw the eye downwards.Not sure if the gold mini is work suitable for many though!

Finally this colour scheme here is great for work and minimises larger breasts-dark top, light skirt and imagine this skirt to the knee or the new below knee shape. Wear with heels.

Maybe wrap tops tvstand or a vest/v -neck T with an open cardigan?

Cross post - much more thorough response from Mig!!

Tv- Layering is your friend as long as you have an 'open' layer on top such as a long lean Blazer with a fitted sweater/Blouse or T shirt underneath. The Blazer will draw attention down the body and elongate whilst the fitted top under it will give you shape and the right kind of definition. Scarves and jewellery can be piled on top to draw the eye again.

Love that tile print skirt Liberty

Tvstand I'm the same, am size 12/14 but FF chest, I never tuck tops in, but wear them over, but usually quite tight.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've never looked at the Vogue thread, too intimidating for someone like me who is too old and doesn't have a clue! but I'll take a look.

I'm a 12 and an E cup and quite often wear a printed or coloured pencil skirt (leopard /floral / striped) with a plain top and plain (open) jacket.

My workplace is quite traditional, so don't think I could get away with leopard skin.

I struggle to find tops I like. I prefer v or scoop or drape neck, short sleeves in light colours, pref warm colours. Can't wear dark solid tops due to scalp psoriasis meaning some flakes on shoulders

Leopard print is a neutral now, you know. :)

Lol Remus

I have a couple of bright tweedy skirts from Ness which are my winter work staples, with a white l/ s top and cardy.

Will have a look, sounds great. Don't know Ness.

I love item number 151084918032 on eBay (sorry cant post links on iPad), but not in pink, I look better in warmer colours.

Loopy I am quite old (Mid Forties) and no spring chicken and fashion is for all- even more necessary to 'network' I think. Have a look at Pinterest too for ideas.

Ness

Mignonette I'm very late 40s . Just find it difficult to find what suits me. Pinterest is so huge, I don't know where to start and what to search for.

Loopylou I'm 46, and coming to find my style fairly late in the day! On Pinterest, look under the Fashion category, pin a few things you like, and it builds from there. Just pin what you like the look of/colour combinations etc, and apply that when you go shopping. Maybe google a capsule wardrobe, and start from there?

Oh, and keep looking on here! My clothes shopping experiences have changed drastically since I started reading the posts on this forum. I'm feeling more confident about what I wear, about trying new things, and finally starting to buy more quality items (in the sale!) which in turn make you feel better!

I'm 'Bea Taylor' on Pinterest, if you want to peruse my Clothes board, and there are loads more MNers on there - follow Mignonette from her link above, Remus is on there too - can't just think who else ...

Thanks MoreThanWords, I'll take a look.

Here's ]]pinterest.com/wildeisonmine/boards/ mine]] if you want it. I look much nicer in my planning /on Pinterest than I do irl though.

Gah

Thanks Remus, found you

Well, I think I've just lost the little bit of life I had left, as I've spent all evening on Pinterest!

Loopy if you suffer from psoriasis, you may be interested in the lovely Helen's blog here - she gives great advice on dressing with the condition.

I agree about the black trousers/skirt thing. It is rife in my work place. I try very hard to have a colourful work wardrobe, and I have quite a lot of printed/patterned pencil skirts. I do find dresses a little easier than separates though - no need to coordinate!