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Late 30's ladies - where do you buy work clothes?

56 replies

Jemster · 29/12/2013 09:43

I have completelh lost my way when it comes to buying clothes. I desperately need some smarter work clothes as hardly have anything since return from mat leave.
I want to buy in the sales but I don't know what to buy or where from. I am 38 and 5'3 and had a browse around town yesterday but came home empty handed. I feel too old for some shops but then not ready for others. I really don't know what to buy.
I'm aldo trying to be strict about only buying in my autumn colours but this narrows it down even further as I have to rule so much out that I might like.

Please can anyone give me some advice to make this a bit easier and less time consuming? I would rather go shopping with a bit of a plan as at the moment I'm just wandering round and not getting anywhere. Thanks.

OP posts:
MissBeehiving · 29/12/2013 20:28

I wear a mixture of dresses, separates and the occasional (expensive) suit (for court and when I need to look like a scary lawyer). I used to wear lots of dresses but am wearing more separates recently.

If you can find silk t shirts then those are great for under jackets.

Suits - Armani/Amanda Wakeley
Trousers/Tops - Great Plains/Massimo Dutti
Jaeger - long sleeved dresses /jackets
LaRedoute - tops/cashmere

H&M do great jackets.

& Other Stories/Cos always look nice but I've never bought anything from either.

inamerrymuckingfuddle · 29/12/2013 20:39

mango and zara have some nice tops for under jackets

HelloBoys · 30/12/2013 12:18

I agree with misbehaving H&M have great jackets and the I Occasional shift dress.

I did buy a nice wool skirt from Cos and have got jumper from &otherstories. My SIL and her SIL were discussing both brands fwiw and they preferred Cos.

mamijacacalys · 30/12/2013 14:15

Boden and M&S.
Some Phase 8, Fenn Wright Manson and Hobbs.
OP I had the same epiphany when I went back full time after my second a few years ago - binned the shabby supermarket tat and starting investing a bit more. Boden wool trousers are the business and last years. Also discovered dresses!
PS Thanks Tethers - Have just ordered the navy striped Ph8 dress. Cheers Smile

Jemster · 30/12/2013 14:45

Where's a good place for good work trousers to fit 5'3?

OP posts:
Philoslothy · 30/12/2013 14:48

Early 40s, but have not changed where I buy my clothes in years.

Mainly Hobbs, Damsel in a Dress, Phase Eight, Vivienne Westwood and l k Bennett.

sleepdodger · 30/12/2013 14:53

Whistles
Topshop crepe
Reiss very occasionally bit mumsy since kate style has stuck with them
Zara

Philoslothy · 30/12/2013 14:56

I was going to day Reiss as well.

polyhymnia · 30/12/2013 15:31

Hobbs, LK Bennett, Jaeger all good for worky stuff. And some Boden and Phase Eight.

pixelchick10 · 30/12/2013 16:01

Whistles for tops (sale only), New Look for jackets, a little Boden (again sale only), Mango - probably should try Hobbs

Belindaearl2 · 30/12/2013 16:13

Monsoon, M&S Autograph, Hobbs & Cos. A pretty frumpy lot when it's in a list!

PosyNarker · 30/12/2013 16:14

I'm don't entirely fit your question as early 30s, but conservative office, so I've been wearing Hobbs since my mid-20s.

I'm short, hourglass shaped and on the chubby side with boobs. I find Hobbs fits really well for anything fitted and jackets in particular.

I like Jaeger for short coats and smart jumpers (their v-necks in wool / cashmere are a lovely cut and wash really well - I have some I've had for 3 years, worn constantly in the colder months and they are still going strong). Their woollen dresses are also great and last well if that's acceptable for your work. I've had the odd skirt suit as well, but that can be hit and miss as I find some (not all) of their clothes are cut for the very tall and slim of hip / small of boob.

I used to wear Reiss but I think they've lost the plot a bit with their wishy washy colours and the fit has also gotten a bit random.

Thomas Pink shirts are great & come in various cuts. Very expensive normally, but you might grab a bargain now in the sales and in my experience they wash well.

Don't laugh, but M&S stretchy jersey skirts are pretty good. Make sure you don't buy too tight, pair with a more dressy or expensive-looking top (I usually wear with a cashmere sweater and nice shoes) and no-one notices your £20 skirt. They wash like a dream as well and are great if like me you have 'fat days' at TOTM when comfort is a priority.

In the warmer months (I have a very cold office, so jumpers are a must this time of year) I like the dress and a jacket combo as much more comfortable than a suit. I've had some lovely jersey dresses from Michael Kors that look very smart dressed up with a simple grey or black suit jacket. Minimal ironing too - wash, hang up, ready to wear.

Belindaearl2 · 30/12/2013 16:23

Forgot - M&S Autograph & Monsoon are both good for short length worky trousers machine washable tres sensible

MotherOfDragon · 30/12/2013 18:49

Good places for autumn colouring are boden, phase 8, Hobbs and kettlewell colours co uk. You should also be able to get stuff from the concessions in department stores.

janmoomoo · 30/12/2013 20:15

My work wardrobe is dresses only now.

Phase Eight wrap dresses are my best friend. Can be a bit borderline mumsy but if you choose well you can get fabulous dresses in there. Wear with boots and nice necklace.

BikeRunSki · 30/12/2013 20:23

I recently got some incredibly flattering and comfortable slim leg black work trousers from Sainsbury's. I usually go for the "fewer garments of better quality" approach, but I love the cut of these trousers and was happy to risk less than £20 on them!

eurochick · 30/12/2013 20:29

Jigsaw for suits
Banana Republic
Reiss
Whistles
Zara
Mango
Massimo Dutti
Coast
Karen Millen

Hobbs stuff never fits me.

Jemster · 30/12/2013 21:06

Thanks for all the ideas. I am leaning more towards just having a few nice dresses but think I need one good pair of trousers too.

I have trouble with high heels so what sort of footwear would like alright with trousers? I'm not so bad with a chunkier heel but thin heels are out for me. I like flattish shoes for comfort but think they could look frumpy with a smart pair of trousers, plus hate that bit of foot that shows. Would you wear tights with shoes & trousers or the lovely pop sock things? I'm thinking boots would be easier all round!

OP posts:
Curioustiger · 30/12/2013 22:48

Hobbs have their own in house pattern cutters which is why the fit is generally excellent. I think they're a bit safe sometimes but much better value than LK Bennett and the perfect choice if you're building up a capsule wardrobe.

PurpleJellyDisc · 31/12/2013 00:04

Hobbs increasingly like using polyester though. I'm not paying their prices for plastic.

BlameItOnTheBogey · 31/12/2013 01:12

Jemster, i think if you really want clothes that fit, a good tip is not to expect them to fit off the peg. I am 5 foot 2 and buy most of my clothes at Hobbs, LK Bennett etc. But I take everything I buy in to be tailored to my exact shape. It adds a bit of cost but is worth it - trousers etc are unlikely to sit perfectly on you at 5' 3 but if you get them altered professionally, they will look so much better.

Shenanagins · 02/01/2014 14:20

French connection used to alter an alteration service but not bought anything from there in a while so maybe that has changed.

blueshoes · 02/01/2014 16:18

For work trousers, it looks smarter with high heels IMO. Agree that boots would work but you might want a lighter option to change into if you work in an office. I always keep some high heels under my desk to change into, which I only wear in the office.

I am not sure about pop socks with shoes, particularly court shoes (!). Tights or opaques would look better. The good thing is once the tights you wear with your dresses get ropey (you know where they end up with fine lines in them), you could downgrade them to use with your work trousers.

Leedsavril · 02/01/2014 18:21

L K Bennett has some nice bits and quite often in the sale......worth a look if your passing.

mamijacacalys · 02/01/2014 19:43

The navy striped Ph8 dress at JL linked by Tethers has arrived here it is.
It is amazingly flattering on my size 18 norky figure! No wonder they have almost sold out!
Thanks again Tethers Smile