Smart workwear for size 20

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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!!

I wish I was tall. There's an angled hem shift dress on the M&s website for about £40 that gets great reviews for work wear.

It comes in two lengths but might be a bit short if you're tall tho.

Can't link I'm afraid.

Thanks once again - I really do appreciate the help and suggestions. I like the idea of thinking of it as a "uniform" - I will adopt that tomorrow!
Off to bed with a book and a tragically early night now. I shall report back tomorrow with my purchases!

I'm trying to smarten up, too. Am a 20/22. Marks and Spencer do a range of jackets around the £35 mark. I bought the black one yesterday - it's not Savile Row but it's better than my usual unravelling cardigan and egg stained t-shirt look.

Jacket

don't forget the office practicalities - as they are usually badly ventilated and too hot, dresses are impractical unless you do a lot of washing. Think separates with shirts all in the same colour palette (can all be washed together), and layers. Not a cardigan but don't get trapped in your jacket.

I used to like a waistcoat with trousers and a shirt, conceals lumps and underwear but doesn't make you too hot. A 'uniform' is fine as very few people will notice what you wear as long as you fit in.

small heels (if you can find them), so you can walk properly. No rattly jewellery and no smelly perfume.

good luck in the new job!

I would go for smart dresses (a lot of mine are Boden, but go for PLAIN and not one of their mad prints) and a jacket or smart cardigan (I do wear cardigans occasionally but I do think they look "mumsy"). Small, blocky heels that are comfortable, or boots. You can dress up a plain dress with a scarf or "statement" necklace. Look on ebay for dresses, and if they're a bit low for work, stick a plain cami from M & S underneath.

I also have a couple of "bandage" style skirts that are knee length. They are thick, stretchy fabric, which is forgiving, and pulls you in at the same time.

black dress

good for an hourglass

jacquard

smart flats

As an apple shape I wear a lot of things like this top with a rotating 3 pairs of black trousers and a black skirt. It's a very dull look but reliable and I feel comfortable in it. In my work I also have to be careful about pattern on some days as I work with people who may be distracted by it, so plain things are best.

This Marina Rinaldi dress is a bit high-necked but I bet it would be pretty flattering, she always uses lovely fabrics in my limited experience.

Another Marina Rinaldi possible though might be a little 80s.

nice cut

Hello lovely people! I have braved the metro centre and for once not come back feeling like an obese failure! I am £200 poorer but am so happy with my buys. I bought:
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_020010481086_-1 This blazer thing.

And www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_120010462855_-1 this dress but in black and white.

And www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_057010443260_-1 This top (perhaps not for work but still loved it)

And some really nice creamy tapered trousers from Next which don't appear to exist on their website! Also a couple more non work tops and tights/leggings, etc. Really pleased. Also having read the thread back, I should have said it's a senior managment role in a school rather than an office - so I think my look probably doesn't have to be quite so...corporate. But still smart. Thanks for your help, everyone!

Oh and just to top it off I went to asda afterwards and they were getting rid of this red wine - usually £5, now £2.75....may have bought 7 bottles.

If you are ever in Debenhams, check out the Betty Jackson Black range. She goes up to a 20 and designes for women with boobs and bellies

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?!)

I agree that waterfall cardigans will be too casual. House of Fraser have lots of their own brand Linea winter round neck merino wool cardigans half price at the mo. They are pretty sheer, smart over posh dresses (I don't bother buttoning them up) and machine washable on the wool cycle. I have them in different colours. They do click and collect if you have a branch nearby, or mail order. Also, they have quite a lot of posh work frocks in their sale stock. Again, you could order in by click & collect - try on in store & immediately return those that don't fit (it's what I do).

Marking my place. Will be starting to work in a secondary school in September and I have nothing to wear.

Slug - thats interesting to know. I did see some BJB stuff today in a size 20 but it definitely looked on the small side. I'll look again next time!

I recommend seeing if your local. M and s still has a clearance section as my local one had loads of smart dresses in size. 20 and above. Some lovely dresses etc.

I liked the first dress you linked to OP and have ordered it myself for work. I've also ordered this one which might look good on you.

Also use GC92 for 10% off at Debenhams for the next few hours.