At this rate I'm going to work in my PJs : Help

[foolonthehill]

Hi Clever ladies, I am in despair having just spent the day shopping for work outfits (3) and come back with nothing. I am returning to my previous work after 20 years absence and feel totally lost..

The rules: No bare shoulders, no dangly sleeves/scarves/ties, no high heels, no open toes, no headache inducing print/colour (but more reserved patterns and colours are allowed), has to be able to be worn with jacket but will mostly not be worn with jacket.

In my wardrobe I have one navy jacket, one slim leg check trouser...that's it!

The body :( apple with size 18 shoulders/boobs, size 14 trousers/skirts. I'm 5'7 and a greying blue eyed invisible middle aged woman.

Thankyou if you even read this!

Have a look online at Uniqlo. Their stretchy trousers are lovely and don't look frumpy like stretch often does. And maybe a couple of shirts like this. It's not hugely imaginative or cutting edge style but it would keep you going for the first few weeks until you get some better ideas.

thanks. that's helpful

I forgot to say that I'm also an apple and I find that a lot of trousers are baggy on my hips if they fit on the waist, but Uniqlo are quite good for apples. Also Wallis trousers have been good for my shape especially if they have some stretch. Most of my Uniqlo trousers have two way stretch, so that if I bend over they stretch with the bend, whereas the Wallis trousers tend to only stretch horizontally so need a bit of a hoik up after I've bent down eg to get something off a low shelf.

Another 50 something apple shaped woman and would also say Uniqlo - particularly keen on their shirts. Their online sales are pretty quick - I've ordered things and have them with me the following day.
Might also be worth trying Arket, who have some very grown up clothes at the moment - more expensive, but really nice.

thank you...looks so helpful, much better than my efforts!

I'm wearing this today in red. It's lovely and light and it doesn't crease when I slouch. I find a lot of loose tops make me look like an ageing hippy but most of Uniqlo loose tops and shirts have a very simple cut that sits well and looks elegant. I'm not keen on their t-shirts though, the necks are usually too high.

If you're starting from scratch then could you try to start a capsule wardrobe? There's some good inspiration online - pick colours and stick to them. Try to choose things that will mix and match well with all of the other items. Stylebook is good for testing how items will look together.

Thank you all,
I have started a small blue based capsule....because I had a navy jacket...so far I have a stripey blue blouse, a Gerry Weber skirt (in the sale get me!) A pair of Uniqlo trousers on order and a dress from the local charity shop.
You have saved me from "shopping blindness" and embarrassment on Monday.
Thank you!!!

www.next.co.uk/xc0202s5#423431

Next Skinny Trousers £22 - these are fab. I’ve also got the tapered purple check ones for £28.