Professional clothes

[Noseysoso]

Hello everyone,

I'm starting a new job in 3 weeks and for reasons that would out me, I need to get enough work clothes for 5 weeks (limited access to a washing machine so it's recommended to bring enough). I've never worked in a professional job before so I own one smart (and boring) dress.

My questions are ;

Where can I find reasonably priced professional clothes/shoes/accessories ?

What do you recommend for someone wanting to be stylish but has to look professional ?

Five weeks' clothes is a big ask, especially on a budget. Is there definitely no way to get them washed/dry cleaned?

To give you an idea, my outfits for this week at work were:

3 pairs of trousers (all black, all slim fit)
2 white and black graphic print blouses
2 black tops
1 black/taupe pattern print shell-top
1 boxy jacket
1 trench coat
2 pairs of flats (one animal print, one plain black)

Most of my workwear is from M&S, if you shop carefully there are some really good office essentials amongst the terrible pink dresses with bell-sleeves. I also like Cos and Jaeger, but they're a bit pricier if you're on a budget.

My biggest piece of advice is to try to make sure everything matches, choose a colour-palette (I am always monochrome at work, with tiny hints of colour in my accessories, but navy/mustard works, as does grey/coral pink) and stick to it, so everything goes with everything.

All we were told was there is limited access to laundry services and to aim to bring enough.

Thankyou for your advice. More is appreciated

Is the next Apprentice starting soon? Congratulations, I suppose. You'd think the BBC would stretch to some dry cleaning!

But honestly I'd suggest getting a one-off session with a stylist - a good one will be able to help you create a capsule wardrobe that's stylish and flattering. Being comfortable and confident in your choices will help when you go off on challenges / into the boardroom!

I would go for 1 shift style dress that can be worn with a blouse underneath. Blouse as above. Black and navy trousers. 4 tops and 1 jacket. Pointed flats and chunky ankle books. 2 scarves and or chunky necklaces. I love colour and pattern so not going to attempt that as you may suit a different style.

Can you hand wash or get to a laundrette?
I commute and set out my clothes for the week ahead then wash as the weekend. I use Pinterest capsule wardrobe ideas when I get bored.

Haha I wish it was the Apprentice !

I'll give Pinterest a look, Thankyou. I guess I could hand wash - I may have to call them and push for further details regarding the launderette services. 5 weeks of clothes is a lot !

I agree with @Kingfisher - find a colour scheme that works. I like black and nude for work. It's smart and easy to mix and match with itself and white shirts etc.

Trenchcoat, black blazer, pencil skirt, wide leg trousers in black, another pair of trousers in beige or brown. Several tops in white and cream. Black court shoes, black ankle boots, and a selection of accessories.

Try the supermarkets if you're on a budget. There are a lot of end of season sales on at the moment too. I'm starting a new job soon and have picked up some great bargains in House of Fraser online.

Silk or wool t-shirts hand wash and dry quickly without creases. Otherwise you will need 35 tops.
What sort of climate?

I think it depends on what your job actually is - can you be any more specific? I work in a "professional" role, I'm a lecturer, but my work clothes would be very different to someone working as a solicitor, for example. I'm just back after the summer break, but my current outfits are things like midi dresses, and cropped wide leg trousers with tops, worn with brogues - the dresses and trousers could easily be hand-washed and drip dried over the bath if need be. Another thing worth thinking about is how will the weather be in five weeks? By the end of September I will definitely be back in opaque tights!

uniqlo. A few pairs of their easy care ankle trousers, some shirts and shift dresses.

Thankyou for the Uniqlo recommendation - I've ordered 4 blouses - let's hope they fit !

Judy it's very similar to Law

Regarding Climate, it's in the U.K.

Thankyou NC4