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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Smart but cool clothes for work

48 replies

knowler · 25/01/2017 19:47

I'm a solicitor but our dress code is very flexible and not at all stuffy or traditional. I don't want or need suits and I am not a fan of the tight or ruched ponte or jersey dresses that baukjen or LkBennett do.

What do you suggest? I'm keen to look smart (going for promotion and think I look a bit childish if I'm casually dressed) but want something with a bit of an edge.

To complicate things slightly I'm a size 18. Hopefully soon to be 16 but I'm not putting my wardrobe on hold while I lose the weight. Thanks!!

OP posts:

littleredpear · 27/01/2017 21:43

&orherstories for me at the moment. Lots of flattering things. Might need a trip to the store or a massive order.

Sizing is hit and miss sometimes.

My dress code is non existent (I work with engineers who all wear a work logo polo and jeans) but I spend most time in the office.

Trying to be work appropriate with suits is hard.

Bought this recently and it's been great

littleredpear · 27/01/2017 21:46

Also this, fitted under the bust gives a great shape.

I'm a 14 btw x

littleredpear · 27/01/2017 21:47

The finery dress is lovely

SimplyNigella · 27/01/2017 22:16

I've been playing the basket dance with that Finery dress for ages, it's lovely. I do look better with a v neck or cowl neck in general, although that said I have this Finery dress arriving tomorrow which has neither.

Don't discount Boden either, I have their Cressida dress in three different colours and always get compliments on it. I wore the burgundy today with a slouchy black blazer, black opaque and ankle boots.

itstheyearzero · 28/01/2017 00:09

Both of those Finery dresses are stunning!

Original poster

knowler · 28/01/2017 09:27

I looked at that finery dress, Nigella and might give it a go. It ticks my box of unusual while still looking professional (I think - am doubting myself now!!)

To give an example of what I don't want, this from Hobbs. I like a lot of Hobbs but this is what I want to move away from. I know it's what lawyers are supposed to wear but it bores me to tears (the dress, not being a lawyer :) )

OP posts:

Laquila · 28/01/2017 12:03

What about slim-cut cigarette-style trousers with a silk shirt or similar? I have an ancient drapey collarless/round-neck one from H&M that I wear all the time - I wish I'd bought all the colours they had at the time!

Also, the wide-legged trousers that someone linked to upthread were lovely - I'm looking forward to channelling my early-2000s work self and getting some of those!

If anyone has advice on office-appropriate flat shoes to wear with slim-cut 7/8-type trousers i'd be very grateful...I can't find a flattering pair of brogues or loafers anywhere 😮

Original poster

knowler · 28/01/2017 15:52

For loafers, I love the Russell and Bromley ones. Seasalt have some nice lace ups which are brogue like.

OP posts:

GiddyGiddyGoat · 28/01/2017 18:04

OP I don't like either of those cos items you linked to earlier - Not for work at least - they are too comfy - you'll look like you're having a lazy day at home I fear.

How about something like these which I have just bought - more modern and more flattering. With a fine knit merino wool or cashmere sweater?

Re brogues - how about these again from Cos - they are great - wearable but smartish.

Thegiantofillinois · 28/01/2017 18:10

laquila hamble oak, clarks. I love them so much I have a pink pair and a grey/white pair. I'm a full on heels person but love those brogues with trousers and the odd dress.

WingsClipped · 28/01/2017 18:14

Yessss to hamble oaks. I have a pewter pair which goes with absolutely everything. I wear mainly banana republic for workwear. They are online only now but I've always found them really good, not the most fashion forward but not totally boring either.

Original poster

knowler · 28/01/2017 18:15

Giddy thanks, I will report back on the 2 cos things I've ordered but I suspect you and others are going to be right. I did see the trousers you've linked but was put off by the extra long length. But I love the shoes.

OP posts:

Original poster

knowler · 28/01/2017 18:23

I spotted the hamble oaks yesterday and was really impressed with the look and the price.

OP posts:

GiddyGiddyGoat · 28/01/2017 18:27

How tall are you OP?
I have those trousers and am 5'5". They are fine on me with a low heel.

Original poster

knowler · 28/01/2017 18:38

I'm nearly 5'7. The description of the trousers is a bit misleading then as it says something about them pooling at the bottom. Might give them a go. I'm glad wider trousers are back :)

OP posts:

SimplyNigella · 28/01/2017 19:45

I know it's what lawyers are supposed to wear but it bores me to tears (the dress, not being a lawyer smile )

my sister is a solicitor and says she often feels she is turning into Alicia Florrick in the way she dresses.

I tried the Finery dress today and it's going back, it's way too clingy around the middle. I'm surprised as I have size 16 dresses from there which are looser at the waist and this is an 18, but I guess it depends on the cut.

Original poster

knowler · 29/01/2017 09:30

Yes, I sometimes feel like a fatter less polished version of Alicia :) The exact look I'm moving away from!!

Also, I work for big construction/infrastructure companies who never wear suits so if I turn up to one of their (portacabin) offices in that Hobbs dress with high heel courts, I look and feel like an outsider. My practice is not The Good Wife!!

OP posts:

notagiraffe · 29/01/2017 09:34

I found loads of smart but not sensible stuff in Benetton before Christmas. Verdict so far is that they don't wash that well, but the cut is great and they're cheap. Really unusual design detail on tops that can be worn with smart trousers. Had compliments on them.

& Other Stories is another good place to look for classic with a bit of imaginative twist.

I'm big too and work in an office where people are uber trendy or in jeans.

SimplyNigella · 01/02/2017 21:23

knowler how about this? I've had to size up but it is surprisingly smart with opaque, ankle boots and blazer.

Original poster

knowler · 04/02/2017 20:43

I rather like that, Nigella. Haven't looked at simply be for a while.

OP posts:

Original poster

knowler · 04/02/2017 21:49

Just to report back generally, I haven't bought anything amazing yet. The cos trousers didn't fit although the grey dress I linked to above is ok. It probably is a bit 'comfy' looking but its slightly assymetrical shape is good.

I have spotted a few bits in (whispers) Boden recently, but I think the risk of frumpiness is very high when you're a larger size with Boden.

OP posts:

GiddyGiddyGoat · 04/02/2017 22:46

Hi OP.
Can't remember whether I already said this on your thread but I bought this from Boden recently and it's lovely - cotton with a little stretch - smart enough for work but not frumpy - in the navy print. this dress

SilentlyScreamingAgain · 04/02/2017 23:42

Carolyn Donnelly has done a collaboration with Dunnes Stores, she's a sort of colourful Cos. the styling here is awful but the model looks a bit less like they are being shouted at than the Cos ones...anyway, Dunnes is cheap and very generously sized (bigger than M&S).

www.dunnesstores.com/view-all/carolyn-donnelly-the-edit/fcp-category/list?homepage-hero=1

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