University academic mid-life fashion - upping my game

[PiratePanda]

I'm a university academic in the creative end of the humanities. Since I started as a lecturer, back in the day when I was willowy and - not that I realised at the time (sigh!) - rather restful to the eyes, I have been getting away with a work wardrobe of nice dark navy jeans, elegant flat or heeled shoes, some kind of top, and a jacket.

But I now very definitely look my age, 43, and have resigned myself to the fact that as DS is now 7 I'm probably not ever going to lose the baby weight. The level of casual of my current wardrobe is no longer working for me, and I really feel that I need to up my style game as I progress towards professorship. I'm aiming for a glamorous media don kind of look -- I'm not on TV, but I do do a lot of public speaking. I can certainly get away with librarian chic, and a twist on tweed and elbow patches.

I'm an hourglass with an E cup bust, and a size 14-16. My legs are my worst feature no matter how big or small I am, so trousers are great - or would be, except I have a hard time finding suitable sizes and fits. I used to look amazing in things like L K Bennett dresses, and have several in sizes 10 and 12, but thanks to massive mortgage and small boy I don't currently have the disposable income to buy a whole new wardrobe on that level, though a couple of investment pieces for sure. I also hate synthetic fabrics, and avoid them if I can.

Anyone willing to have a go at helping me up my style game?

over invested in this thread

Fluevogs!!! Those shoes are gorgeous! Bit pricey, but YUM.

Wey hay! for the trip - sounds fabulous! And if you're an art historian (you don't have to answer that) then kudos - art historians are the most stylish of all brands of historians (believe me, hanging out with social and/or political historians, I know this).

I'd say keep an eye on the following:
Classic basics in navy, grey, white, black from Uniqlo - supima cotton, merino
Bold prints from Monki - their shirt dresses and polo necks are fab
Sale pieces from Me & Em - great classic styles but too damn expensive unless in sale, in my opinion
Follow classic items / brands / fabrics on eBay
Clarks Originals shoes are knocking out some great simple, classic styles

Not technically an art historian, but a historian of something very close, and interdisciplinary so work with art and material culture a lot :-) I'm learning. My art historian colleagues have really taught me how to see. In another life that's what I'd be for sure.

How long until your conference? I'm jealous as can't really do travel at the moment. I haven't been to America since child 1 was born and I used to buy all my clothes there. I'm going to aim to go next year.
I also like James Perse, Barney's, Sam Edelman shoes.

The outlet malls and TJMaxx places are amazing and cheap. A lot of my work wardrobe is from DKNY outlets. And actually my working at home stuff as well. A Cozy is lovely for cold late night writing.

Old Navy is really good for basics and very cheap. I've got a lot of dresses from there, got a lovely silk shift dress that I wore loads and was machine washable.
Agree with WeyHay that dresses are easy to look smart in, esp. if you're an hourglass. V necks are quite hard to find though unless it's a wrapover or tea dress style.

The most stylish academic I can think of wears a minimalist base (either slim fit black jeans / fitted skirt and top with cool edgy details like Isabel Marant wedge trainers or a vintage leather jacket. She's 50.

Jaeger and the Outlet, some fab bargains in the sale.

I live in North Jersey here in the US and do my work clothes shopping in the U.K. It's far far better at home than here. If you need discounted items you are better off calling the outlets in Bicester and/or Cheshire Oaks to see if they have what you want.

34E here .
You can wear shirts!
I have buttoned shirts stitched up the front to just above bust level , wear a sports bra and am never without a vest for compression.

I have buttoned shirts stitched up the front to just above bust level

That is an absolutely genius idea.

I'm really interested to hear shopping in the USA is better. My only experience is New York and admittedly I was scruffier in those days but the first time I went, I was massively disappointed in the shops. The consignment / charity stores were amazing but I didn't buy a single thing new - it all seemed to be either designer and out of my price league or supermarket and not very nice. When I went again a couple of years ago there was a bit more of a high street but apart from a J Crew on every corner, I saw nothing you wouldn't see in Europe. (Again the second hand scene was bloody marvellous).

Are you saying it's the out of town outlets that you need to head to? Apologies for the digression but I'm curious in case I go again!

I used to shop in Anthropologie and Banana Republic in New York well before they jumped the pond. Those were the days.

@habibihabibi that's a brilliant idea. I do occasionally wear a fitted buttoned shirt, but always undone to the navel with a camisole underneath.

Flo I totally agree. I live just over the water from NYC. If you are bigger than a proper U.K. 10 forget it. Most of the upper end shops just won't carry bigger sizes. I'm a size US 12 which is a 14 in places like coast.

Can I suggest Me & Em. Their wrap and cross over tops are so flattering on larger busts (I am an F) and the trousers drape so beautifully. Worth the money and great reductions in the sale too.

I also like Baukjen, but I find they are a little less forgiving.

Could OP or folk with similar shapes post pics of the successful outfits they've found?

OK, next thing, ladies (though I may have to start another thread):

I also need a bag. It has to be a rucksack-type because I have a hidden disability that means I can't carry heavy things on only one side. For the same reason it needs to be as lightweight as I can get, it needs to be waterproof-ish as I cycle, and it needs to be big enough to carry a mac-book pro plus a few books, etc.

But I do NOT want an outdoors style rucksack, even a "ladies" one. I want it to be elegant.

Please noone mention Fjallraven. I hate them.

Knomo for bags Pirate, sometimes available in TK Maxx.
This has inspired me to look for new smarter work clothes. So far I like these (all very expensive) and fit in with which i think stylish academic types looks like:

This is perfect shape for me atm, although may not look good with larger boobs, depends if the buttons open:
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/work-dresses/bella-swing-dress/204212153

Love the shape of this, v neck, wrap but not at the top. Heels and jacket for smart, flats and twinset type cardi for normal:
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/work-dresses/fallon-fine-pleat-dress/204265351

Like the overall look of this with the boots
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/jaeger-jersey-seamed-detail-dress/d605500.pd#225036719

I'm going to be stalking this for the sale
www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-VP49-POEDS/dresses-skirts/checked-dress.htm

I have a nice backpack for work that I got at Manchester airport (of all places!!!). The brand is Knomo. Mine was about £40 in the shop sale and it's held up very well.

If you have a bigger budget Marc by Marc Jacobs has a nice range of canvas bags that includes a back pack. The Tumi one is nice but silly money.

Ooh, I've found my people! I too am on the quest to look a bit less shit.

I'm the same size and shape as you, OP, and this has been v handy. Me&Em have some lovely stuff, but sadly most of the sale stuff I like has sold out in my size.

Have you thought of Agnes B?

Tangent - I looked at the poetry website and love these brown boots - are their boots good quality?

www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-VK29-POEFT/footwear/knee-high-leather-boots.htm