Big and tall workwear

[ryanne]

Ive decided to dress for the job I want rather than have. The problem is I have no sense of style and no idea how to dress myself!
I'm tall- 5ft 10, so have to buy tall/ longer length clothes. I'm also a size 20 with big boobs and chunky bum and legs.
I cannot walk in heels as I've never worn them (shyness issue due to height) and feel massive in them. I wear trousers everyday as I feel dresses at work etc need heels.

Dies anyone have a similar body type and rock workwear? Or have any ideas/recommendations?

Currently sitting here in a jumper, black trousers and ugly flats feeling so frumpy! I'm 33 and feel invisible.

I'm a bit shorter than you (5'9") and I wear:

• wide leg trousers
• fitted jacket/blazer
• fitted tops such as shirts with a bit of stretch, smart jumper
• flat shoes - brogues, Mary Janes or smart boots
• accessories - a nice bag, scarf, jewellery

Other things that might help are

• a good haircut
• tidy nails
• wearing a small number of colours, e.g. Most of my workwear is navy/grey, then with a splash of white/colour

I’m 5’9, size 18 and I really like Boden dresses for workwear. Their Ottoman dresses are really flattering (the fabric is thick and smooths over any lumps and bumps) and look really good with flat shoes. I’ve got a few the Marisa Ottoman for winter and the Elsa Ottoman for summer.

They are expensive but last really well and Boden have so many sales that it is worth keeping an eye on the website for 20% off. I also set up an alert on eBay for the style name & size, I’ve bought 4 from there over the last year or so that way!

Also take a look at the new Curve collection from M&S. They’ve got some nice looking black trousers in Ponte fabric (another fabric I’ve found to be v flattering) and they come in longer lengths.
I haven’t tried them myself but I bought some jeans from that range last month and LOVE them!

Forgot to say, Boden go up to size 22 in the dresses I’m taking about And has Longer length option as well as regular and petite.

M&S Curve is size 18 - 28 in the trousers and also has longer length as well as regular & petite.

M&S Curve have a decent looking trench coat as well, for when the weather gets a bit warmer.

Thank you all. Some great recommendations there. Love that trench from m & s!

It's really hit and miss but I'm exactly your size and get my work dresses from either Asda, Sainsbury's or Roman originals. I wear low heels mostly or boots.
ASOS curve do some good stuff too.

If you're uncertain or shy maybe start some kick ass new accessories and work up from there?

I am tall, I tend to wear plain dresses to work with a statement necklace. It makes me look taller and much slimmer. Don't be afraid of bodycon dresses as you will be surprised how good your curves look and your height will help.

This is also an ideal

www.melalondon.com/mela-curve-wrap-effect-kimono-sleeve-dress/

This is good too, but you need the right shoes and jacket, you will feel amazing

www.marksandspencer.com/plus-double-layer-bodycon-midi-dress/p/p60143034?image=SD_01_T42_2022E_E0_X_EC_90&color=BLUE&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect

I'm taller but a smaller size. I find that longer versions from the likes of Boden, M&S or Asos are still way too short.

Amongst high street shops, New Look, TopShop and Long Tall Sally do nicely fitting tall stuff. The last one also does a premium range.

If the budget stretches beyond the high street, then most designers have very long stuff, e.g. Escada or Max Mara being good options for work clothes.

I'm always with new look and Dorothy Perkins

I would not say I rocked workwear but I would do trousers smart or bright too a statement necklace and how about boots with a small chunky heel. I’m 6ft and also dislike heels but find even if I wear boots with a inch or inch and a half heel I stand straighter, walk better and feel smarter.

I am as tall as you and size 14, used to be size 18. I love wearing heels. They transform my work outfit, give me confidence and put me in ‘work mode’. However, I will only go up to a 6 or 7cm heel, never higher. M&S has a few options, also Clarks and I swear by LK Bennett ‘Elena’. So comfortable!

I live in shift dresses (M&S) with either a long (knee or mid thigh length) cardigan or a long jacket (Zara or H&M). I recently boight an amazing long black cardigan with a white from Zara for £49; it will jazz up any plain black dress.

I find trouser shopping painful and difficult. Although with cropped lengths being in fashion it should be easier.