Modern distinctive workwear

[smerlin]

Hoping for some advice on brands I haven't considered.

Have a promotion (not started yet) and thought this was a good opportunity to rework my office wardrobe. Don't have to wear a suit but do like to look q smart so normally a blazer over something. Am looking to straddle a line between smart but also fashionable/with a bit of a twist.

Second holy grail is shoes to go with the above- with a heel but not stiletto so can walk in them all day!

Any advice would be great- was thinking Reiss but is ££

Cos. In my local shop they usually group things by more casual, smartish, smart. Website probably doesn't give the best idea so hopefully you have one near.

Watching with interest...this is exactly what I need!

Cos all the way.

Me too!
Want good quality, on trend but not too trendy, smart workwear that doesn't make you look like you're trying too hard
Not much to ask. Lol

If I was still in a job where it mattered, I'd go for Me and Em, albeit only in the sales.

Karen Millen and Ted Baker I like for smart dresses.

Another vote for Cos. You need to try EVERYTHING on though to get a feel for which bits work on you (unless you are a 5'10 model, in which case, buy the store)

Also Warehouse do bits that are quite modern and interesting for work, but once again, you have to pick and choose.

Finery
Cos
Arket
Massimo Dutti
Reiss
Uniqlo - for their designer collaborations
John Lewis Kin brand

Book a free stylist consultation at John Lewis as they'll suggest styles which suit your body shape and colouring. It's free with no obligation to buy & you'll get ideas for future reference.

m.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling

Great ideas thanks- Cos looks like first port of call. Have bought lovely jewellery from there but no clothes yet.

I like Finery but clothes can be a bit shapeless/ funny length I've found

These are my choice of shoes. Go with everything, look fabulous and pretty comfy too. 20% off at the mo aswell. www.lkbennett.com/product/SCFLORETNAPPANaturalTrench~Floret-Leather-Courts-Trench

I was watching this thread with interest and decided to check out Cos. What the actual...?! I've never seen so many hideous items of clothing.

thUnderdog I'd never heard of Cos before and I totally agree with you.

As for paying £190 for a pair of plain looking shoes from LKB

Obviously I don't earn enough!

You really do have to go into a branch at Cos. The clothes don't particularly look good on the hanger, in photos. I'm buying a new work wardrobe at the moment and my requirements are almost exactly the same as OP's. It's almost all Cos.

Though I'll be watching out for other ideas...

LOL My nearest Cos store is 200 miles away so I won't be going any time soon!

Just checked out the cos website, seriously fugly
Maybe it looks better in store and as it seems popular here I’m willing to believe it but there is no store local to me and based on the website I’m not inclined to travel to find one

It's not really a debate on Cos, though, is it? It's just suggestions for the OP, who might have shops near her.

I've recently started a new job and overhauled my wardrobe. I spent hours in John Lewis and house of Fraser since you have access to a wide range of designers. I took in loads of stuff to the changing room and got some really good quality stuff in the sale.

Reiss
Cos (yes, there's lots of shapeless stuff but there are some real gems too and the quality is generally good for the price)
Karen Millen
Warehouse and oasis (but choose carefully - some of the quality is dreadful)
Zara used to be great for this brief but I've given up over the last couple of seasons

Definitely try Cos. If you want to look like your nan that is.

I went in to one about 3/4 months ago and was gobsmacked by the shapeless dullness. Tried a few things on to see if they changed my mind, but no, not for me. (Though I may just be a funny shape) If you want something with a twist, I would avoid.

I would try: Finery
Massimo Dutti (not for their dresses but they do some gorgeous shirts)
Karen Millen

About the lkbennet shoes - they are absolutely worth the price tag. They look expensive, the cut is beautiful, the leather is good quality, they are refined, sexy, professional and go with everything. You cannot get this quality with cheaper shoes - I know, I've looked!

Agree with Cos looking horrendous!

Hmm I have a cos quite nearby so can go to check which viewpoint is true!!!

I find Karen Millen can be a bit 'bling' rather than timeless

Yeah I agree with everyone else that Cos looks awful.
I saw a top on DMBL40 lady, lovely navy with a lime green contrast band.
And I thought I'd try just that one piece......am now a fan like others.
On my last trip on, I got a plain-ish dress, knitted, knee length. The twist is the sleeve.
I've worn it to a family dinner, given two presentations in it, work, wash-and-wear. So handy.
Last dress from there was a black knitted one....looked like nothing online; and 5 years later, it's still my fall-back for work/theatre nights/nice dinners out.

Other than Cos, I always find Tommy Hilfiger good....I know it's not rated on here, but I buy and buy their trousers. I'm a definite hourglass and waist-to-hip ratio is difficult elsewhere- with TH I can buy off the hanger almost.