Back to work wardrobe for frumpy mummy

[CircassianLeyla]

Pre-DC I was three stone lighter, very well presented, always complimented on my style etc.

I have worked throughout the DC but usually part time and not in the corporate world.

I have terrible clothes and style right now because I am very unhappy with my weight so literally often wear DH t shirts and a pair if jeans. I often don't brush my (very thick quite unruly) hair, I do wear make up sometimes usually eyeliner, mascara and blusher but not everyday.

My new job is very corporate and involves lots of very high level clients etc. I like dresses/skirts but something a bit more interesting than a plain black suit.

I have a very limited budget but for a while my work is not going to be full time so can make do with a few bits until I am actually earning.

It needs to be easily maintainable, certainly relating to the hair. My favourite style is Mad Men-esque.

Any help appreciated.

Oh I should add I am early 30s if that has any bearing.

There might be some jackets in the outlet part of the Hobbs website. I've picked up a couple of bargains there before.

Thanks Remus. Good start.

Congrats on the new job!
What size, shape, height, colouring are you?

Size 16. But currently I only shop in Primark so that isn't a good guide.

I am 5.2 and curvy even when a size 8. Brunette and light olive colouring.

I'm the same height as you, & have a 14 before so I know it's not easy. My staples are M&S Autograph wool trousers, navy or black, with simple cotton stretch top. And I'm optimistic the M&S makeover will give us affordable/stylish dresses & womens suits eventually. Only piece I'd rate just now is navy

If your hair is bobbed or mid length, do you use straighteners? They'll fix unruliness

I always ask for a bob but because of thickness/unruliness the hairdressers always advise me against, I also don't have a lot of time to get ready/prep before.

I am wondering if it is worth getting one of those hairdresser semi perminent straightening done so I just don't need to think about it.

My MIL has longer layers in a short style Katie Holmes, as she has alot of v.thick hair. Sounds like you know what you suit already

Try Tesco and Tu at Sainsburys for basic tops and trews if you are on a budget and want to lose the weight eventually.

If you are, like me, resigned to being that size in the longer term, look at Hobbs, Boden and M&S Autograph for wool trousers/skirts and cashmere knitwear that will last forever, so you only need to update with one or two new tops each season.
Dotty P and Wallis can be good for tops and wrap dresses, if you like that style, with prices that are quite wallet friendly.
A996 currently gets you 15% off and free delivery/returns at Boden.
HTH

M&S outlet has some great work-appropriate dresses that are cheap as chips, too, so when you lose the weight you won't be out to much money on oversized clothes. A couple of examples:

outlet.marksandspencer.com/Woman-Slash-Panelled-Dress-T91-1126-S/dp/B00B9V6QCK?field_availability=-1&field_browse=1462471031&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&id=Woman+Slash+Panelled+Dress+T91-1126-S&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=subjectbin,size_name,color_map,brandtextbin,price&searchNodeID=1462471031&searchPage=2&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12

outlet.marksandspencer.com/Woman-V-Neck-Print-Dress-T91-1111-S/dp/B00B9V8H4A?field_availability=-1&field_browse=1462471031&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&id=Woman+V-Neck+Print+Dress+T91-1111-S&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=subjectbin,size_name,color_map,brandtextbin,price&searchNodeID=1462471031&searchPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12

And I know everyone mocks per Una but this is nice (isn't it?)

outlet.marksandspencer.com/Sleeve-Colour-Block-Frill-T62-6386I-S/dp/B00BQW6FF0?field_availability=-1&field_browse=1462471031&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&id=Sleeve+Colour+Block+Frill+T62-6386I-S&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=subjectbin,size_name,color_map,brandtextbin,price&searchNodeID=1462471031&searchPage=2&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12

I used to work for a company that designed and made a lot of Per Una stuff. Stuart Rose even sublet done space off us for a while.

I don't think I could go that short with my hair. It has always been varying degrees if long. I did have a bob as a 15 year old for about a month before it grew out.

I can't load the links right now - annoying.