New job, new wardrobe needed, please help

[peachypetite]

Hi all I am almost 30 and feel I have lost my way a bit slightly. For the last couple of years I haven't bothered investing in my wardrobe since I worked for a charity and it was very much jeans/jumper workplace. I have just landed myself a fab new job and I really want to overhaul my wardrobe. I am petite with an hourglass figure. Help!

Bumping for the morning crowd!

Well what kind of environment/role is it?

It's not super corporate, I would like to look stylish and put together. I'll be a manager.

I have had a look on oasis/warehouse. Might go shopping one day (I have a week between jobs) and actually take my time to try things on I wouldn't normally go for.

Book yourself an hour with a personal shopper at Debenhams or John Lewis. Set yourself a budget and it'll be the best hour you spent.

I recently started a new managerial role and spent a wad at a jigsaw shopping outlet, great quality clothes, not overly dressy but smart. Could that be an option?

I like jigsaw, where was the outlet? I've never thought I needed a personal shopper but maybe I do! Will look into it a bit more.

My colleague has just returned after long term sick and due to nature of illness has had to change her work wardrobe and she looks amazing- navy or beige trousers with smart stripey shirt and a smart jumper and big scarf (although I know MN thinks scarves are out of fashion!!) but she looks really stylish and Parisian without being OTT smart . She said she had to buy totally new work clothes so just bought three smart shirts two smart jumpers three pairs of smart trousers and a good scarf

I'm a CEO from a non corporate environment - I like clothes that aren't very corporate but need to be smart. I tend to go with smart black trousers and ankle boots or heels with nice tops in strong colours from eg. jigsaw, mint velvet etc.. or I go with dresses from places like Cos or Hobbes with long flat boots or heels and black tights.

I am not a fan at all of suits which I think look frumpy and avoid suit jackets or blazers (they also don't suit my shape).

Thanks! This is helping.

I go with dresses for work with tights, boots or shoes. It means one outfit is done without having to match top and bottom. Always looks smart if you get the right dresses. I go for material that hangs well and doesn't need ironing. Always have a jacket available just incase you need to dress up abit.

Was just about to suggest oasis too. They do personal shopper service in stores too.

For smart but not too corporate I use Diva Catwalk; sale/online outlet as full price can be expensive.

I also buy from EBay; either new discounted items or second hand; Hobbs, Phase Eight, Diva Catwalk, The Pretty Dress Company. There are a fair number of little used dresses, jackets, coats, I assume because people purchase for interview and rarely wear again!

For smart but not too corporate I use Diva Catwalk; sale/online outlet as full price can be expensive.

I also buy from EBay; either new discounted items or second hand; Hobbs, Phase Eight, Diva Catwalk, The Pretty Dress Company. There are a fair number of little used dresses, jackets, coats, I assume because people purchase for interview and rarely wear again!

Personal shopper. My friend persuaded me to go for same reason. Went to a big Dept store, everything costs same but she got it all and once saw what liked got more of that. I had a glass cava with friend for free. stuck to my £200 budget and got discount as got store card - which yes I paid off in full.
Woman was lovely and told me right up front it’s service store delivers no tipping and it’s way of getting you to buy from them. And she was right. And as I’m rubbish at shopping it was perfect - though friend helped too!
I prob need to do again sometime as that was 4/5 yrs ago now.

Any good recommendations for trousers? I'm only 5"3.

2 hours with a personal shopper at John Lewis should help! Worked for me after Mat leave

Try uniqlo for trousers. Their cropped ones with an elasticated waist are so smart and comfy, I have two pairs. I am 5'5 and they are above my ankle so should be full length on you.