need to be more presentable for work

[mrsleomcgary]

I currently work in a back office role, never see any customers and the office itself is fairly relaxed, so while I'm certainly not scruffy for work i'm not exactly smart either, currently wear black jeggings, black flat shoes and a smart top (same 5 on rotation week in week out). What I wear is in line with everyone else. On Monday i'm handing in my notice to go work for an estate agent, mostly admin but will be conducting viewings as well so presentation will be really important. For the interview I work my smartest version of my normal work outfit and obviously looked ok since I got the job but still felt horribly underdressed.

I'm not much of a girly girl so not really sure what I should be looking for, also on a serious budget! I'm a size 18 so prefer tunic, or at least longer style, tops as I carry my weight round my mummy tummy. Have massive (34HH) boobs so finding a blouse that fits is impossible (I cant afford the bravissimo ones) and i'm on a serious budget so need to buy carefully.

How am I doing so far?

Trousers

top

top

Also thinking I should get a blazer/jacket and some flat/very low heeled boots (hate heels). Handbags I don't need as I have some pretty smart ones already.

Help me!!! Please!!!

Congratulations on the new job! Have you had a look at The Workwear edit? It's all high street stuff (she posts on here too), so you could get some useful ideas for outfits that you can pick up relatively easily.

I like they way they have styled the last top. Can you afford to get a long black coat about the same length as that top as well?
something like this DP

I like this, think it looks great asos blazer

this dress is ok asos

could you try something like this one? asos again

all those are in the sale and you can get another 15% off with the code GET15. there are some real bargains on there if you look

thanks for the tips,will have a proper look at them all when I got home tonight.

Went to sainsburys on my lunch hour and managed to get a suit for under £50, the jacket will look good with other trousers and a lot of my tops I already have will go as well so think im off to a good start.

I'm not liking the trousers.
They fit a size 8 model horribly so I don't hold out much hope on those.
A few nice tunic style dresses with opaque black tights and boots would be nice.

Boohoo

this maybe

simple

mmmmm?

Port,size:18 shape?

flattering

Embrace the tunic dress and tights - makes life sooo much easier!

Have to say I personally think those two Simply Be ones are probably quite cute but too girly/ pretty-pretty to be ideal professional looking workwear.

How do you feel in dresses? I think cheap trousers look cheap, the fabric goes shiny and the cut is mean on them. Whereas I think with dresses you can get away with cheaper fabric.

this dress

Uniqulo tops The XL fits a busty size 18 and they wash well and last for ages. Buy them in a range of colours for wearing under blazers.

dress

I'm a big fan of these skirts The voluptous size (also available in a longer length) will fit you and the cotton has some stretch that keeps the belly wobbles under control. Team with a uniqulo long sleeved T shirt, a blazer, tights and flat boots and you have my work wardrobe staple.

Uniqlo is very skimpy for the larger lass, I tried on an XL puffa porta jacket yesterday and it was tight. I am a 16/36F.

Try H&M for blouses - I'm a similar bra size and have had success. Be prepared to try a lot on to find a few that fit, but they tend to be cheap.

Much of the skill in looking smart is about detail - well kept nails, smart polish (Shellac French Polish is good), polished shoes, nothing bobbled, make up touched up and fresh personal hygiene, quality leather flats (rather than cheap ballet pumps) are good too. A well fitting blazer can pull anything together, as can a proper, smart winter coat.

What shape are you? I'm almost hourglass but with a wobbly tum, but wear a lot of wrap style dresses with great boots or shoes. M&S, Monsoon and Phase Eight (although pricy) are great places to start for dresses.

Thanks everyone for the links, loads of places like boohoo that i'd totally forgot about! Mainly because I buy practically everything from Dorothy Perkins (as you may have guessed :) ) Have bought the blazer from asos so all that's left for now at least is a decent blazer.