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Original poster

Smart workwear for size 20

45 replies

CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:08

I've just started a new job in a senior management role and straight away it became apparent I'd need to upgrade my wardrobe. (I'm not a naturally smart person and crap with clothes generally!) Other management staff seem to wear dresses, tights, heels or smart top and smart trousers. Pleeease can anyone help me find some smart clothes? I'm going shopping at big shopping centre tomorrow with all the usual shops. Only stipulations:

  • Size 20 (bugger bugger bugger)
  • must suitably cover my boobs (40FF) so nothing too low cut. *Looking to spend about £100-£150 in total.

I will be eternally grateful for any inspiration!!

OP posts:
fieldfare · 03/05/2015 19:14

What smart attire do you have already? You need to build a decent capsule wardrobe where you can interchange items.

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:16

In all honesty - very, very little. I have never given much consideration to what I wear and am now kicking myself hugely for being such a slob.

A couple of pairs of wide leg black trousers is about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:20

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_028020450460_-1

Is this acceptable, does anyone think?

OP posts:
fieldfare · 03/05/2015 19:24

I think it's a bit too casual, sorry. Something more fitted or tailored. I'm a similar size to you - 18/20 and 36G boobs and tend to look better in a well fitted dress and jacket with mid height heels. Can do high as I just find them too uncomfy.
Let me have a look for the kind of thing I mean.

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:26

Most helpful - thanks!! I don't do high heels either so small/mid is much better.

OP posts:
Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:30

Now THAT I like. I'd maybe have a little waterfall cardi over top as I don't like the tops of my arms (or would this spoil it?!)

OP posts:
fieldfare · 03/05/2015 19:31

A couple of decent dresses, a blazer/jacket, a couple of nicely tailored shirts to go with your trousers, a good pair of shoes, nice bag, pretty but not too bright scarves.

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:32

This is great thanks. Although I suspect I'm going to come away having spent considerably more than I was intending...! Grin

OP posts:
fieldfare · 03/05/2015 19:33

I think a waterfall cardio makes your boobs look bigger. - mine anyway!

I've got a couple of waist length, 3/4 sleeve fitted little cardi's that I like. Similar to Bernadette in The Big Bang Theory, but with a plain dress.

DownWithThisTypeOfThing · 03/05/2015 19:35

Next do some suits that are well cut and well made (nicely lined etc) dont cost much (think about £35 for jacket) and the good thing is they do a range of dresses, trousers and skirts so you can buy one jacket but have three looks.

I've got a few plain shift dresses that I wear with blazers/suit jackets.

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:36

Thanks - do you know if Next do plus sizes? I never shop in there as I have a dim recollection that they only go up to 18 and their sizes run small...

OP posts:
fieldfare · 03/05/2015 19:37

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_36194+153502025_-1
I really like this one. Shame I don't work in an office anymore!

DownWithThisTypeOfThing · 03/05/2015 19:37

Sorry missed that bit out - yes I think the suits go to 22-24.

Allice · 03/05/2015 19:39

Don't discount eBay, I'm your size and buy lots preloved. I tend to stick to boden, joules and monsoon, stuff that I know will wear well.
Have also bought some bits from waitrose, got a really nice Gok top in navy recently.

Allice · 03/05/2015 19:40

Sainburys not waitrose!

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:40

That's a lovely dress! I'm not sure I dare wear anything that bright though. Confused I very rarely stray outside the black and grey territory... I am willing to try though!
And I'm surprised about Next going up to 22/24. I will certainly go in there tomorrow!

OP posts:
OhMyActualDays · 03/05/2015 19:41

A lot of my work clothes are from Next and I am a 22. I tend to order online, however. I hate shopping!

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:44

I hate shopping too. The Metro Centre on a bank holiday will be bloody vile but I'm planning on going at the crack of dawn in the hope it'll be quieter. I've GOT to get clothes now, I was ashamed last week feeling under dressed in a new job.

OP posts:
Oly4 · 03/05/2015 19:51

Waterfall cardis aren't really smart enough for the job you describe. Think sharp tailoring and quality separates. Boden does fab workwear - the favourite cardigans come in loads of colours, Chelsea and bistro trousers are perfect work trousers. More than you planned to spend but will last. There's a 20% off code on the promotional codes and vouchers board

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:54

Thanks, I appreciate the advice about what's smart enough and what's not. At the risk of sounding a prat, this is the first job where "grown up" clothes have been necessary. I still feel like a girl playing dress-up when I'm dressed smartly... Blush
Better get over that pretty quickly!

OP posts:
nicecomfymat · 03/05/2015 19:56

When I first went back to work in a really smart job I was a size 18 and had nothing but tracky bottoms and jeans. I tried lots of trousers on that made me look terrible. (I'm also short). Then I tried on a drop a dress size fitted dark coloured dress and with opaque and a fitted jacket I did indeed look a size smaller. Still a 16 so not exactly catwalk but a big improvement on the trousers that made me look like a sack of spuds. It depends where you have the weight. I find I need lined, fitted dresses with a bit of structure in dark colours to pull me in to a respectable hourglass.

The downside is that it's s but if a heavy look for summer so I'll be losing 4 stone by then Wink

OhMyActualDays · 03/05/2015 19:57

I feel like that everyday! Cardigans are a complete no at my work- jackets the only option. I try to find cropped versions with three quarter sleeves as I hate a full on blazer!

Original poster
CtrlAltDelicious · 03/05/2015 19:58

Interesting, nicecomfymat. My weight is round my belly. I do have a defined hourglass shape though and am fairly tall. I never seem to find flattering trousers either!

OP posts:
HindsightisaMarvellousThing · 03/05/2015 20:04

I've recently gone back to work after years of being at home. My wardrobe consisted of dog walking clothes! I'm the same size as you, but really don't like trousers as my legs are huge and they just don't hang nicely and my arse looks enormous. Skirts are a pain as you need a top/jacket to go with them.

So instead, I've got some dresses that are nicely cut - Boden, Phase Eight and Next mainly - they are smart, knee length or below and long enough sleeves to wear by themselves if needed. I wear smart plain cardigans - undone and with a round neck - over the top, opaque tights and flat shoes. The key thing is that feel comfortable in them, really smart and professional, and not underdressed at all. And having a "uniform" of sorts - dresses, on knee or longer, some sort of sleeves, not too low cut - makes shopping so much easier than having to think all the time!

Good luck shopping!