does this jacket and dress go?

[Dontletthemgetyoudown]

My sister is starting a new job in a more formal environment than she's worked in before but not quite suits and heels type.

She is a size 26 and so is having difficulty to find stuff she likes, can afford and looks nice.

We've been having a browse and came up with this outfit (with tights and smart shoes, which shoes is again a problem) what do you all think?

dress

jacket

she says she would feel more comfortable in a dress and jacket/smart cardi than skirt/trousers and tops. She does have a very large chest so a lot of tops especially more formal blouses just don't sit right, she's a 48L. Also she's 34 with mild learning disability hence this being her first 'proper' job and being a bit worried about getting it wrong. I think I would have worn this outfit to work when I was bigger, and would probably still wear it now, the jacket is a bit drapier than I would choose but the (dreaded) waterfall seems to work well for her figure.

As long as the dress comes to the knee then that looks fine. Not sure on the jacket. Personally I wouldn't wear animal print to the office as I think it gives the wrong image but then I work in a v formal (suits only) environment.

Well done to your sister on her new job

I like it, skater dresses are quite short but some thick tights and good shoes will look nice. I agree the jacket is a bit drapey for me but if it suits her shape then go for it. Wish her good luck from me

this was also a possibility, but wondered if it was too formal for the dress? next

the dress is on the knee on her, we couldn't find the jacket in store so are going to order a few things so that she can have an easy mix and match wardrobe.

the other possibility was a dark mulberry/wine coloured dress the same type with a black jacket, then she could buy say a grey dress, patterned etc to change the look. its just until her first payday she only has about £150-200 to spend on a couple of outfits.

She's been doing volunteer work and cleaning since she left school but has finally been given then chance to work in an office as an admin assistant in a non client facing role.

thank you for the congratulations littleoaktree.

I think that's a great outfit. I wouldn't normally say animal print is good for the office, but it's actually quite muted and the dress is black so all together it's nicely professional.

Maybe a nice necklace with it? Black tights and simple black shoes and I think she'll fit right into an office.

Good luck to your sister! Hope she enjoys it :)

Just read the bit about mulberry with black jacket - that would also look great.

ah thank you everyone, I will pass on your good wishes. Shes so excited, starts next Monday.

I've had a dig through of my wardrobe and gifted some chunky heeled black patent courts, and some black leather ones, along with floaty scarves to accessorise with plain outfits. I've quite enjoyed browsing with her over the weekend and seeing her so animated. Shes very shy so this should hopefully be a big boost to her. She has learning difficulties as she was born not breathing and they brought her back round, really she's lucky to even be here.