Fat short and frumpy but need to look smart and efficient - plus long train journey

[helgavonrausling]

This is a true challenge!

I am 5'3", size 18-20, very much an apple with broad shoulders and vast acres of belly, and chronically scruffy. Yep, I'm hawt

Anyway, I have a business meeting in a couple of weeks which is being pitched to me as a no-obligation opportunity to go into some details about a prospective venture. However, due to the circumstances and the nature of the job, it is effectively an interview. So I can't rock up in torn jeans and a hoodie.

I will also be sitting on a train for a LONG time beforehand.

I was thinking perhaps a dress and jacket might be better than trousers and a shirt from a non-crumpling perspective.

I also have a tiny budget. Tiny tiny tiny. Unlike me.

Any thoughts?

I know, I know, it's a tall order ...

Trouser suit?

For me (sligtly taller, slightly fatter), a jacket is essential to feeling smart and thankfully they're quite flattering on me too.

I normally go trousers over a skirt and have never mastered a dress as I have awful legs (but can do skirts and opaques).

I also always have a bright handbag or the likes if the workwear is a little more sober.

I think that the shorter and more voluptuous type of woman always looks better in a skirt or dress than trousers. Agree that a jacket adds smartness. How about a dress with a defined waist and full-ish skirt plus neat, waisted jacket?

Would really recommend jersey for uncrumplability (I just made that word up). M&S are quite good for that sort of thing.

What about something like this?
jacket and dress

I know it's colour-tastic but even without the colours the shapes are nice.

I would say a jersey dress too.

Hmmmmm yes, I see what you're getting at. I'm never sure about jersey because I always think of it as being heavy and drapey around lumps, but I guess it would be a case of trying on.

Having done interviews straight off a 5 hour train journey - definitely a dress and jacket. I would also say something in a heavy jersey is probably a good option, or something like a woolen/tweedy fabric. Something you can grab in your hand, scrunch up and it doesn't go all creased! Personally I tend to swell up a bit on long train journeys too which makes something a little softer and without a fixed firm waistband all the more important

this in black?
more fitted
I own this, it's very travel proof

Marks ans Spencer's do some good work clothes. Their jackets are often washable rather than dry clean which helps if your budget is tight. A smart jacket is key to feeling professional and will skim over little imperfections.

Some well applied make up will add to the professional look. And a smart handbag or case.

Good luck with the meeting. Remember that it's worth investing a bit in an outfit that makes you feel professional and confident if that helps you to get the job.

M&S dress suit, petite sz18, £80 Navy. If you're treating as an interview

1 Navy jacket to go, 2 dress stylish & better sizes

Yeah I'm liking these. Tweed is something I quite fancy, and I loved that Hobbs dress :)

What about this? In my head it will look amazing, I suspect the reality will be far removed, but it's also a tenner!
www.laredoute.co.uk/boatneck-sleeveless-shift-dress/prod-324352859-758712.aspx

Or, could I wear www.laredoute.co.uk/stretch-hounds-tooth-check-tailored-jacket-lined/prod-324360397-758712.aspx with www.laredoute.co.uk/sleeveless-plain-v-neckline-dress/prod-324340105-758712.aspx although it might crumple I guess.