New job - need wardrobe help!

[JemimaMuddledUp]

I am starting a new job in a fairly small office doing finance work. I have spent the last decade working in a nursery school, so have worn jeans and t-shirts that I don't mind getting covered in paint and play dough. I obviously need a wardrobe update for this new job!

Before having the DC I used to work in similar jobs and always wore suits, but that seems quite dated now. The people that I saw in the office seemed a lot more casually dressed, e.g. jersey dresses with boots, smart trousers with a cardi etc.

What are the best shops for (not too expensive) work clothes? What basics do I need to start with? I will be getting to work on public transport and walking a little way at each end of the journey, so clothes need to be practical for that. If it is relevant I am 5'6 and a size 10.

Easiest is smart trews or skirt with top (boden ravello is my go to) and a cashmere cardigan.y black cashmere cardigan is just ace. Looks smarter than a crap kne and warm.

Under trews wear some suede ankle boots.
Or heels with pencil skirts. Any jacket could be a jersey blazer one or a knotted biker type one

"My"

I've just linked a dress on a thread here. It's this. I'm a lawyer.

I've also been wearing lots of tulip skirts (try Cos or Whistles or Reiss) in greys with black tops and suede black courts (which I leave in work and wear flats in).

It's worth spending a bit on two nice outfits so you feel confident in a new work environment.

Good luck!

Yes. But with checking what everyone else wears. Dresses for you might be good. Try a ponte one

Much as we all loathe boden they do pretty good smart casual. I wear more for work than at weekend.

Thanks all.

I quite like the idea of jersey wrap dresses. Shift style dresses don't tend to fit me very well as I need a bigger top than bottom, but wrap (or fake wrap) dresses tend to fit quite well. Where, other than Boden which is out of my price range this month, sells nice ones?

Decent black trousers are a failsafe. I recommend Banana Republic.

phase eight do moc wrap dresses suitable for work

I've seen a couple of Phase Eight ones that I like. I'm off to Debenhams today as they have a sale on, hopefully I might find something there.

Jersey wrap dresses are great.

don't discount Mantaray also if your Debenhams has an Oasis concession check out their knitted dresses (they do long and short sleeved ones) - perfect and warm for work. You can put tights/leggings/boots with these if you think they're a tad short.

I bought two jersey dresses from Fat Face, two Mantaray tunic tops, two Mantaray cardigans, two pairs of straight leg trousers from M&S and a handbag and some shoe boots from Clarks. All in shades of red/grey/navy so that they co-ordinate and I can mix and match to make lots of different outfits. They were also almost all reduced by up to 50%

OP yes when I was in fat face yday they had a sale! And debs are doing 20% off.

I saw a print dress in fat face (Navy bird print) and I have matching top! Wondering if I should invest in dress as good standby for work and weekend when jeans etc are too casual.

Well done you! Enjoy new job. Good luck