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Original poster

I need a new work wardrobe - teacher

55 replies

Dragonlette · 17/02/2015 22:07

Help me please.

I really need to get some new work clothes as some of mine are really, truly awful. I HATE shopping with a passion because nothing looks good on me, so I just don't do it. As a result the tops I wear for school are about 10 years old Blush and are looking very old, faded and work out.

I usually wear black/dark trousers and a top. I am now down to 5 tops that are suitable for work, so wear them on a sort of weekly rotation.

I am fairly tall (5'9") and lots of tops ride up when I write on the board, showing my midriff, which I don't want. It can't be low cut, I need to be able to lean over a desk without flashing my cleavage at the teenagers. My classroom is INCREDIBLY HOT, so no jumpers/knitwear, short sleeves are best. I'm a size 18, apple shape, mid-30s. I'm willing to consider any style that people think might be suitable, but don't want to spend tons of money because I'm in the process of attempting to lose weight (I've lost 1st so far but obviously have 3 or 4 st more to lose)

So, please help me find something suitable, I know you lot will have a lot more ideas than I do.

OP posts:
hollyisalovelyname · 18/02/2015 19:44

Queen where do you buy your dresses?

Waswondering · 18/02/2015 19:50

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

beatricequimby · 18/02/2015 19:58

Another recommendation for Seasalt if you like long tops. Also White Stuff might be useful. I wear patterned skirts and plain tops in winter but really struggle when it's toi hot for tights.

Waswondering · 18/02/2015 20:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Dragonlette · 18/02/2015 20:36

Thanks Waswondering. I'll definitely have a look at that tonight.

OP posts:
DrDiva · 18/02/2015 20:40

I wear loads of long tops with trousers too, (to hide my apple shape) and one of my favourite sites is joebrowns.co.uk

Lucked · 18/02/2015 22:54

I am 5'10 size 14-16 apple shaped and almost exclusively wear trousers.

I wear mostly shell type tops as they don't cling, don't need tucked and I am one of those people who look scruffy in a shirt. I get mine from m&s, next and warehouse.

Warehouse are good for loose fitting tops which are long enough.

Original poster
Dragonlette · 18/02/2015 22:59

I really like the look of all the tops on the Joe Browns website. Thanks for that suggestion.

OP posts:
MrsHerculePoirot · 18/02/2015 23:02

Sorry just marking place as returning from mat leave and need to add some bits to my work wardrobe too. Secondly teacher also in hot classrooms!

Callooh · 18/02/2015 23:08

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Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

pinkrocker · 18/02/2015 23:46

Dressipi looks like fun!

Norfolknway · 19/02/2015 08:12

I'm your height and shape, size 14.

when I'm in school I wear bright shift dresses from matalan / dp/ sainsbury's teamed with tights (I'd go without in summer)

I've a couple of fashionable cardigans and blazers to.throw on if the mood takes me :)

Norfolknway · 19/02/2015 08:12

I'm your height and shape, size 14.

when I'm in school I wear bright shift dresses from matalan / dp/ sainsbury's teamed with tights (I'd go without in summer)

I've a couple of fashionable cardigans and blazers to.throw on if the mood takes me :)

DrDiva · 19/02/2015 08:14

If you do buy anything from Joe Brown's, please come back and say which so I can do some vicarious shopping! (Can't afford to indulge at present...)

Datahub · 19/02/2015 09:21

Or DONT. It's a vile website!!

hollyisalovelyname · 19/02/2015 09:39

Lucked what is a shell top ?

caitlinannalisesmummy · 19/02/2015 09:57

Datahub, some constructive advice might be better than just being rude. I've just been browsing Joe browns and found plenty that I love and that would make me happy. Each to their own...

sassytheFIRST · 19/02/2015 11:27

Joe browns - ok on the skinny surfie 20 peeps. Far too much viscose for a real grown up! And I don't like the patterns really but that's choice...

caitlinannalisesmummy · 19/02/2015 12:02

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61068+LC853A_-1 this one looks lovely an cool, op

boobashka · 19/02/2015 17:16

Sorry to hijack but

Sassy -

Can you tell me what you wear on your feet with the 7/8 length trousers please? I bought a pair a year or so ago and have never managed to get the footwear right so haven't worn them much.

TIA

Original poster
Dragonlette · 19/02/2015 17:28

I went shopping this afternoon and after a miserable 2 hours trying on clothes that looked absolutely awful on me in Sainsburys, M&S, Dorothy Perkins, Next, Fat Face and White Stuff, I finally found some tunics that look quite good.

I bought these This top, this one, this one, and 2 dresses that I can'tfind on the website.

OP posts:
sassytheFIRST · 19/02/2015 18:03

Boobsaska - usually brogues or loafers. Flip flops in summer.

Hypotenuse · 19/02/2015 18:09

Lots of great tips here I'll be buying new clothes for work in September, trying to ditch the black trousers and top look now I'm heading for management...!

Postchildrenpregranny · 19/02/2015 18:19

I'm surprised re Fat Face as I find they do a lot of tops in a slightly 'boxy' shape that doesn't cling to my 'apple' tummy .And when I do lose weight I can still wear them as they don't look vast .

overmydeadbody · 19/02/2015 18:28

Have you looked at the clothes in East? They do lots of light cotton tunics in shapes that are flattering to larger women I think.

East