Help! Starting a new school office job. What do wear?!

[ninjawarriorsocks]

Please help! I have got a new job in a school office. I have been a SAHM for the last few years so have been living in jeans and waterproof coats. I need a work clothes wardrobe and have no idea where to look!

I've been into the office for a couple of meetings and been clocking what the other staff wear, mainly seems to be smart jumpers and trousers, or jumper dresses. Not suits, but not jeans either. So I guess I want to look smart but not frumpy....

Any advice out there for what sort of things to buy? I have quite a few nice tops so I guess I mainly need to work out trousers / skirts / boots / shoes. Size-wise I am a bit curvy, (14 bottom, 12 top) so nothing too clingy, and I am average height.

I've had two demoralising shopping trips already and am dreading going again. Please don't suggest Uniqlo, everyone raves about them so I tried on loads of their clothes and they just don't suit my figure, they make my bum look massive and far too clingy up top. I also had a depressing shopping trip in Zara where all the trousers in my usual size were really tight (except weirdly for one pair which were falling off me).

I would really really appreciate any help from those more stylish than me! What's office style nowadays? Thank you smile]

Just wear what every other woman in education wears - black trousers, ankle boots or courts, and your nice tops!

My advice is not to worry about what's in style nowadays. IMHO it's always better to choose classic and/or what suits your figure. Also, if you can afford it, go good quality - maybe at sale price - as these will look better for longer. I have some clothes for 10+ years and I promise they still look good.
As long as you're professional, no-one will mind i.e. no denim or tracksuit gear. However, as you're keen to upgrade your wardrobe, think about the lines that do suit your figure-type. If you are curvy round the hips/bum, stay away from Top Shop and Miss Selfridge trousers. Next and Oasis seem to cater better for this but avoid any low-rise or hipster trousers. However, if you do want better quality, Ted Baker, Karen Millen and Coast are good. If you're an in-between size - go for the larger one in these lines. You can get their items well-reduced at sale.
If you don't want to look frumpy, avoid standard black trousers from Primark, BHS or M&S, and go instead for burgundy, deep green and other rich colours. What you pair with the trousers will always make or break them. The right make-up, top and footwear will set the trousers off so if you need advice on that, do ask. Once you conquer the smart trouser look, you'll be investigating pencil skirts and tailored dresses. You'll be knockin' 'em dead in no time. Happy Shopping!!

THis is really useful advice. I’m starting a new school job in January too!

Go for dresses so you don't have to worry about matching tops and bottoms.

Ooh thanks all!
I like the idea of trousers in other colours. I tried on some of those patterned ones that were fashionable in the summer, but patterns and my bottom don’t mix. However I think dark colours could work.
Yes low rise styles are definitely out - I need to find trousers to give my waistline some definition. I’ll have a look at Oasis.

I currently tend to wear the ubiquitous skinny black jeans with Chelsea boots - boring I know but it works. However I have noticed a lot of the smart trousers are ankle skimmers which don’t work with Chelsea boots!
It’s also hard as everything in the shops seems to be party wear right now...

Ex school admin here; black, blue grey, plum trousers, any tops that go with them. Are you high school or primary school. High school you can get away with heels; primary ifound it best not to wear them as little fingers get everywhere if you’re walking through or in a classroom.

Try somewhere like H&M, ASOS new look dottyp ps. Again if primary you will get stuff on you ! Glitter gets everywhere... so does vomit.

Good luck it’s a great job.

Secondary - so I hope not quite so much glitter!

TU at Sainsbury's have some really nice work clothes. Good luck!

Ah well definitely less glitter! I agree Tesco Asda or Sainsbury’s do a good range. My old school was right by a big Sainsbury’s and most of the female staff shopped there. They do lovely work dresses.