Size 16 work clothes

[pawpatrol123]

I'm in the middle of changing career, and fingers crossed will be working in a completely new environment soon. This means that for the first time, I'll have to dress smartly instead of whatever fits. I'm a size 16 (big tummy, hips, bum and thighs!) with a little-ish budget. What brands do you suggest?

I was thinking trousers in a couple of colours (black, grey), tops and a couple of smart dresses (Ones that tie at the waist and then flow flatter I think!).

Also, what about shoes?? I struggle with stiletto style heels.

Thank you!

I probably should also mention that I'm mid 30s!

Try Next and Marks & Spencer Autograph, see if you like the cut and style of anything.

M and S has a range of heels that are slightly padded / structured to be less painful. Or you could wear smart flat shoes like loafers or brogues. Also Clark's shoes, although they're more expensive (might be sales on now?)

I'd head to Sainsbury's

I have found that decent quality high-end stuff bought second hand from Ebay is often better than cheaper stuff brand new. Get your staples this way eg. trousers, dress etc and then use cheaper shops (even supermarkets) to accessorise.

Tip for shoes - always shop at the end of the season for next year. I never pay full price for shoes by doing it this way (usually buy my summer shoes in August/September) and lots of this year's summer tops were bought in the Jan sale.

Thank you. I've been looking at the Next website, hadn't thought of M&S. Will have a look.

I've heard good things about Sainsbury's, so will definitely take a look there.

Rufus......I do this for my children's clothes. Always buy in the sales ready for the following year!

Similar shape to you and find East dresses are a good fit - via eBay though!

Imsorry thank you. I'll look on eBay.

I'm your size and a similar shape and I swear by Dorothy Perkins for my work stuff.
I have a 'uniform' of sorts so winter: leggings tunic dresses and smart knee highs with my suit jacket / blazer, autumn: skinny jeans and longer tops, ankle boots and blazer, summer: dresses with a cardigan.
Next and monsoon sometimes have nice dresses or tops in the sale.

Watching closely as went from very casually dressed part time to smartly dressed full time a couple of months ago. I definitely need more tops and have completely failed on the summer dress front! Recently bought 2 tops from White Stuff which I thought were my saviour however one has stretched to a 'tent' on washing!

Debenhams is good too. How about some clarks Hamble Oak brogues?

Hobbs sale or outlet could be your friend here

Have a look at esprit, they have a good sale section.
For shoes, I usually go for a mid height block heel, I can't walk in stiletto heels either. M&S often have decent shoes for not too much.

Thank you all I've slowly started building my work wardrobe (though have decided losing some weight would be a good idea!).