Smart tops for a cold morsel

[h0rsewithn0name]

Venturing into s & b for a first time...

I'm moving up the management ladder and need to smarten up a bit. At the moment I'm wearing tailored trousers with long sleeved tops, but I feel the cold and I'm so tempted to add a cardi. I don't really want to move to jackets, as they would come off for comfort anyway. I've noticed that really smart people don't have layers - just sleeves that are elbow length.

Any ideas what I can wear? I want to stick with trousers - it's just the tops I'm struggling with. I'm quite a big girl - size 16, 5' 8" and I'm conscious of my sticky out stomach.

Thank you for reading.

What's wrong with a cardi? I virtually live in them in winter. Im not normally a fan of boden but they do a good cardi.

You could try swapping your long sleeved tops for thin cashmere jumpers, if your budget allows. They would give you the warmth of wool without the bulk. A short fitted cardigan over a smart top or blouse can look smart too.

You can also try invisible layers. Try a thermal vest top underneath, they're surprisingly warm.

I would just wear a cardigan and a vest or what about something like this?

Yes cashmere is really toasty but thin. I often pick up inexpensive kinds in TK Maxx, but you have to be quite particular about colour & style.

Yup thermal or thinner under layers.

Cardigans are fine as long as they are cut to suit your shape.

I tend to wear pashmina type things at work which i wear as a scarf or shawl - office has unpredictable drafts!

Also thick socks help alot!

I wear a lot of blouses to work - usually with black skinny jeans, I am not especially smart - but at this time of year always with a long-sleeved thermal top underneath. (My favourites are the John Lewis version of Uniqlo heat-tech.) Just make sure the base layer is very fitted - i wear 8/10 when I am a 10/12 in proper clothes - so you don't get lumps and wrinkles.

Ah so cardigans are not so sneered upon? I've been under an illusion all my life!

Will take a look a cashmere - thank you. I guess if my salary is going up then I may as well spend it!