How can I look nice for work with very little money?

[Jemster]

Hi
I work part time 5 mornings a week but going into autumn/winter I have nothing that fits me or looks nice. Last A/W I was on maternity leave and now I can't fit in to my pre-baby work clothes.

Problem is I have very little money for clothes as things are so tight financially. But I literally have nothing suitable that fits for work so I'm going to have to buy a few things.

I have a £25.00 new look voucher & £80.00 for Debenhams which I was going to use to buy some boots. I guess my best bet is Primark isn't it but I guess I'm worried I will look rubbish compared to my trendy (young!) work colleagues.

Please could anyone help as I'm sick of having nothing to wear for work and it's knocking my confidence.
I am 38, 5'3" with curvy size 12-14 figure. Thanks

At 5'3 I suggest keeping the dress length to on-the-knee or slightly above (though obviously not too short in a working environment).

This wrap dress would look nice. I've looked on Tesco and Asda but don't like Tescos and Asda only have 2 maternity ones...

www.sainsburys-live-well-for-less.co.uk/tu-clothing/products/women/printed-wrap-dress/

I can't seem to search on H&M website. BUT, have a look on Ebay for Fenn Wright Manson wrap dresses - jersey, comfy and great. I'm a 10-12 (5 ft 4) and they do a petite range. I'm sure their small fits me so gives an idea of size? knee high boots perfect with dresses, skirts etc.

ALSO, charity shops - don't know where you live but try the posh part of town - brilliant bargains re clothes in charity shops. you get great brands there sometimes, Hobbs, Whistles are which are good quality. good luck!

If you do go down the ebay route it is particularly good for skirts, which never seem to fetch much and dark colours, as they are hard to photograph well. I have several Hobbs/Jaeger/Jigsaw skirts that I got fo next to nothing. I also have a real knee length dark green tartan kilt which was 99p and always gets compliments.

I can't find them online but in H&M they had a lightweight sheer-ish jumper in different colours, I bought light purple, cobalt, dark brown, grey, light khaki and will wear them for work with a nude or black camisole and cheap black trousers from wherever.

I don't wear expensive clothes to work, I would rather my money went on clothes for wearing out.

This is a link to the jumper in white, but as instore they had lots of colours

tablet.hm.com/gb/product/08263#article=08263-B

def dresses and nice patent heels. Plenty of make-up and nice earrings.

Marking my place to come back later!

Well I had a little look in New Look today but didn't find anything. I nearly went for a fitted black jacket but I am really trying hard not to buy black anymore as it does nothing for me. I have Autumn colouring.
I felt like everything in there was too young for me. I don't want to look like I'm trying to be like the younger ladies. I wish I could find my own style but I don't find this sort of thing easy at all.

I got a nice cream short sleeved blouse from primark that looks good with trousers and skirts with a cardi. I think it was around the 8 pound mark. If you have a couple of pairs of trousers you can ring the changes with different tops and accesories. Zara still has some sale stuff and they are ok for basics and as others have mentioned h and m . Great plains had some cheap stuff in the sale and works well for petites.

Dorothy Perkins do nice, fairly cheap and flattering dresses - this one is only £16 and would work with knee high boots and tights - dress it up with a nice necklace?

www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-203543/fit-flare-dresses-204534/navy-twist-sleeve-dress-2164834?bi=21&ps=20

I agree that dresses are loads easier than skirts and tops, I lived in them for work!