Work clothes advice

[Anniesaunt]

I have finally succeeded in getting a better job. I now need to get some work clothes. I have spent the past years wearing a uniform to work. I have an interview outfit a party dress and the rest of my clothes are housework and running around after kids style.

My main problems are:

Money is very tight (should be a lot better after 2nd new pay packet).

I've been working long hours as well as studying (60-80hrs/week +studying) and been stressed so stupidly let mtell go and put on 3 stone

I am completely the wrong proportions compared to normal people big boobed and thighs 2 dress sizes bigger than my waist and always have been even when thinner.

I know nothing about fashion and style, I was the school freak, never been considered remotely normal.

I'm a freak shoe wise and find high heels excruciatingly painful to the point of distraction.

I want to continue to make a good impression so I need urgent fashion advice.

I have big thighs compared to the rest of me and I find dressed work best for me. I like wrap dresses, kick-flare ones and fitted ones. The site shopstyle.co.uk is always a good place to start.

also finerylondon.co.uk has some inexpensive pieces which are good for work and they deliver very quickly

If budget is an issue, get to Next. It's tailoring is really quite good and very reasonable. Work shows a fine here too. You get some nice tops in phase eight and warehouse.

I was in a similar situation a few months ago, new job, better money but no immediate cash to buy new clothes. I took out a 0% interest card and bought stuff in next, zara, m&s and on eBay. Only do this if you have the discipline not to use the card after that and pay off the balance before the 0% period ends of course.

We have a Next outlet in the nearest town will have a look there.

H&M have a workwear section with loads of choice, and very very reasonable prices £19.99 for a dress or blazer for example and £10-15 for a blouse. I get loads of bits there for my office job.

I also hate heels. I walk to work in flat shoes and change to heels in the office. M&S have some good comfortable heels.

I agree, dresses are the way to go. I have a wrap dress from Dorothy Perkins which is about 10 years old. It's not the height of fashion, but it suits me and is great for work.

Also try matalan for workwear. I get jersey tops for work from there which are good value.

also, I would only buy a couple of pieces before you actually start. Once you are there you might find out the general style of the office is more casual or smarter than you had thought

I also hate heels. I live and die in flats! At work I wear smart ballet pumps and so do plenty of others. Depends on style of the workplace though

I also hate heels. I live and die in flats! At work I wear smart ballet pumps and so do plenty of others. Depends on style of the workplace though

i find dresses make big boobs larger
I wear Boden ravello tops ( look on ebay) and slim trousers from Gap or Banana republic

Would slim trousers work with my legs?

? who knows

If money is tight, may I suggest a charity shop? Work clothes is one thing they are good at - classic stuff like tailored trousers, shirts and pencil skirts. You will be able to pick up a capsule wardrobe cheaply.

Book a free stylist appointment with John Lewis or Debenhams. There is no obligation to buy but you can pick up tips on what styles and colours suit you. This will save you from making expensive mistakes.

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service#page_loaded

I would prioritise a hair cut, good underwear, neutral makeup and a suit of trousers, skirts, jacket from same range with a few tops.

www.matalan.co.uk/womens/collections/suits-and-workwear

Try Matalan, TK Maxx, Zara, Mango and H&M.

Lots of sales atm so have a look at more expensive shops for clearance bargains.

Try Boden, John Lewis Cos and Banana Republic