I need a whole new wardrobe and as a size 16/18 it's filling me with dread

[olaflikeswarmhugs]

I need to buy some casual clothes for uni and some workwear for placement . I could spend about £200 all in I think .

I'm rubbish at dressing to flatter my shape (big tummy) and I have never had to buy workwear before I've never worked in an office environment .

Please help me !!

What type of work is involved? Formal office wear (eg business)? Or more casual but still professional (psychologist/social work/design)?

It's mental health nursing I'm doing so although I will have a uniform for wards it is smart-casual for community , CAMHS etc type placements .

I'm an ex-clinical psych so I understand your new work environment demands. I would go for jersey dresses & flats for community work. Look for dresses that skim the tummy - empire line is a good start. ASOS & Phase 8 are usually good sources. You won't have to worry about co-ordinating tops & bottoms, a dress is smart but the flats will dress it down & are practical.

For uni, how about long slouchy jumpers (bum covering length) & jeans/skinny trousers? H&M are great for a good range of slim cut coloured trousers. You could also try decent thick leggings/treggings (whatever they are called these days!). Layer with tees or vests - lecture theatres are either boiling or freezing. TK Maxx always has a good range of merino knits. I often ignore size on label & go for larger sizing in order to get the fit I want. Matalan have some brilliant long vest tops (can be pulled down to just below bum length for wearing with thick leggings option or ruched over the hips if wearing with jeans).

Hope this helps!

Do you have Pinterest? If so, try searching for "uni outfits" for more inspiration.

Wow that's a great help thanks !!

Yes I have Pinterest I will do that !

You're welcome :).

Come back & let us know how you get on.

m.dorothyperkins.com/mt/www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/sale-2652763/view-all-sale-1724247/dresses-203689/floral-print-boxpleat-dress- 3173181?bi=1&ps=20
i'm a 16 with a tummy and not much of a budget. I have loads of dresses like this

Sorry. I just wear them with leggings and pumps / ankle boots / long boots... m.dorothyperkins.com/mt/www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/sale-2652763/view-all-sale-1724247/dresses-203689/floral-print-boxpleat-dress-3173181?bi=1&ps=20

On the app and can't get those links to work but will have a look tomorrow thanks .

I will I think I'm going to go shopping next Friday and blow my last wage

m.dorothyperkins.com/mt/www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-203543/view-all-dresses-2523253/butterfly-sweetheart-dress-3148318?bi=1&ps=20

Hopefully that will work - couldn't suss how to do links on the new site!

It's no Boden but I wear it with a nice scarf and earrings, leggings or thick tights etc and have had compliments.

I work in CAMHS also, and the dress code is very wide. Good advice above re jersey dresses. Really staff wear a wide variety from black skinny jeans and nice tops (me ) to smart dresses with anything in between. Comfortable and practical is good, as you will be working in a variety of venues and sometimes down on the floor interacting with playing children. For formal meetings etc I just wear smart black trousers with tops. Cardies are handy. But really any smart casual clothes are fine.
Enjoy your placement - CAMHS work is fascinating!