40 y/o starting a Graduate Program - Help me not to look Frumpy?

[DietRite]

What do I wear to work?

What do I avoid?

I'm 5'7", size 14, rectangle shape, top-heavy, small boobs, big arms, long lean legs, narrow hips.

I know, I have a weird shape.

Also - do I need to wear perfume?

It depends on the workplace environment, someone in a creative role will wear something different to an accountant.

There's no need to wear perfume if you don't want to.

Avoid scarves and statement jewellry? I am bad at this though.

I was looking at Hobbs suits/dresses/shoes (mostly flat loafers) yesterday and thought that style if you can find similar is unfussy and professional.

It's an IT graduate role for a telecoms company.

I don't wear scarves or jewellery. I also don't wear perfume, but wondering if it's a good idea to start? Or not?

Book a free personal stylist session with a personal shopper at John Lewis or similar. What do the other staff wear?

You definitely don't have to wear perfume.

A strong perfume can be off putting.
If you find a fresh, light day time style one you like, you can of course wear it. But I would say hardly anyone in my London tech-y company does. (I do, because I like it)

You need one very smart outfit for external meetings, big meetings in the office - dress and jacket style thing.
Otherwise, you would be best looking at a portfolio of tops, skirts and trousers that you can mix and match so in whatever range of colours goes together. You don't need to be in a formal suit jacket every day.
Also separates might mean it is easier to get stuff that fits and suits you.
A free personal shopping appointment at john Lewis or similar sounds like a good idea.

Have a look at uniqlo they have smart work wear lots in sale atm

My sister is 40 & works for an international company in a customer facing role; she wears black skinny trousers & heels with floaty white or black embroidered blouses, or an assortment of dresses with heels & a blazer.

I think she buys her work clothing in a variety of places eg Zara, m&s, H&M, River Island etc

I would buy a couple of things you like and then suss out what the general dress code is, then after that a personal shopping session would be more focussed. If in doubt go classic/ smart to start with.

If its IT I reckon most will be in jeans and t shirts