Smart, smart workwear...

[OneTwoOrThree]

I'm just about to start a new job - pretty senior, and in a very staid / traditional industry (heavily male oriented).

I need (at least) a couple of suits, perhaps some smart dresses and a good briefcase / laptop bag.

I'm not too bothered about price (within reason), but want good quality items. I'm thinking about Hobbs for suits / dresses - a bit pricey, but good quality.

Any other suggestions as to where I should look?

Finally, the laptop bag.... Everything I see is either very masculine, or a bit to 'flowery' / 'girly' which probably isn't professional enough looking.

Thoughts...?

Thanks all.

this for briefcase?

Austin Reed have some good suits

Ted Baker briefcase but there are lots of other options on the Selfridges site

Interesting, thanks!

The best I'd seen previously was this, but it's perhaps too masculine?

Smythson for laptop bag?

I second Hobbs for suits.

Ooh, loads of replies - thanks all! Will have a proper look later this evening, once the kids are in bed...

I like Banana republic for work stuff but admittedly may not be as high quality as Hobbs

Hmm I can see what you mean by the Barbour laptop bag. It has something masculine about it even though very similar to the Ted Baker one which IMO does not have such as masculine look. Maybe it's just the name Barbour which I associate more with men although not sure why.

Seconding Austin Reed. I got some stuff in the sale thanks to a recommendation on here, including a £400 suit for £150, which made me very happy as I am a not particularly highly paid teacher. I ordered online then collected at the store and tried them on. Get a second pair of trousers if you can, as they always wear out first.

I got some smart but feminine laptop bag ideas online a while back - will try to find the thread.

I love Debenhans for workwear and bags and they've got a sale on at the mo.

Some nice bags here and much cheapness

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigate?langId=-1&storeId=10701&catalogId=10001&txt=laptop+bags

Hobbs seem to be having a bit of a moment, aren't they?! Some lovely stuff in there. I would also recommend Gerard Darel and also Jaeger. Reiss often does nice things, but beware the synthetic fibres! Banana Republic is also a great option.

Make sure they give you the smallest most portable laptop possible so you aren't lugging a heavy one around. Filofax used to do a range of smart work bags, also Radley. Don't forget good shoes! :) Congratulations BTW.

Logged in to echo Radley for work/laptop bags.
I've got a wenger one that is commented on, but possibly because its got pink lining, which isn't very "me" iyswim?
I struggled to fine one that would take laptop, a file and my lunch!

Shoes and clothes... You've lost me on that, I'm afraid. Went to an awards ceremony last night, and the colleagues I went with were under strict orders to get photo of me in dress.....

Great ideas, thanks everyone. I think I've fallen in love with the Ted Baker bag - tis more feminine that the Barbour equivalent - thanks! I need to see what kind of laptop I'll get, however suspect it will be a bit of brick, so will need to make sure it fits!

Austin Reed is a good shout too, and I've also looked at TM Lewin, although they don't do much for women, and I'm not sure their dresses will be kind to my childbearing hips.

I can see my first paycheck being spent in the shops already! Good investment though... I'll probably buy a few good pieces and then try and add to them in the sales at Christmas.

Shoes.... Need to think about them too! Will be doing a bit of travelling, so would like some smart and comfy flats to wear for travelling, and then change in to the heels for the office. I like the idea of brogues, but again, find them a bit masculine.

Nothing like a bit of 'window shopping' online :)