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Office work wardrobe- have been struggling for years

16 replies

Frumpyfatand40ish · 01/01/2019 20:11

I'm 41, 5'3" and a size 14 with a fairly big belly. I'm have been unsuccessfully working on losing weight for years. I've always planned to buy new clothes when I've lost weight but all that means is my work wardrobe is old, is doing nothing for my self esteem.

So whilst I'm going to work on losing weight and getting fit this year I am going to buy some decent clothes asap.

Problem is I can't find anything I like! I think dresses suit me better than trousers and they are easy as all I have to do is find tights.

My job is fairly senior, but very male dominated so there's a bit of flexibility in how smart I have to be (I can get away with a bit as there isn't really anyone to compare me with). However, I want to be smartish. In the past I've had dresses from Debenhams Collection, Lands End, sale stuff. A colleague has said wrap dresses fit me.

I found nothing in Debenhams yesterday... I've just ordered a few things from Boden.

Where on earth should I start? I'm quite tempted by a work "uniform" wearing pretty much the same versions of things every day, maybe changing colour, jacket but keeping life simple. I've had my colours done and am a spring person, so navy, grey, stone all colours.

So, in summary, I'm not sure where to start with a brand new work wardrobe. I have a bit of a budget but e.g. Hobbs full price probably too much. And if anyone can work out what questions I'm actually asking, well done!

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2019 20:45

I'm a similar shape and size and live in dresses for work. Hobbs sale is good, phase eight too (you just have to avoid the matronly stuff). I also have some success with french connection and ted baker - both can be bargainous in sales.

HundredMilesAnHour · 01/01/2019 20:47

Have a look at The Finery, especially their Sale section.

NisekoWhistler · 01/01/2019 20:55

eBay is your friend! Hobbs and LK Bennett will be ideal for you

Blibbyblobby · 01/01/2019 20:57

I am petite and curvy as well.

I have some great work dresses from here: www.jeetly.com/

But they seem to be out of stock of a lot of stuff these days - I hope they are doing ok.

Also Fenn Wright Mason's petite stuff can be really good.

(I refuse to buy anything for work that has to be dry-cleaned, hence no Hobbs!)

itsboiledeggsagain · 01/01/2019 20:59

Asda dresses are too short for work imo

BentNeckLady · 01/01/2019 21:06

Asda dresses are too short for work imo

Depends on the height of the person wearing them Grin

PinkysEars · 01/01/2019 21:30

Worth looking at Baukjen too.

HannahnotAgnes · 01/01/2019 21:36

I'm not too dissimilar to you Op & I wear dresses from Phase 8.

Snowdrop30 · 01/01/2019 22:13

Check out Winder's sale. I am the same as you and the dresses with ruching over the stomach are fab

Snowdrop30 · 01/01/2019 22:14

Sorry Winser

Frumpyfatand40ish · 01/01/2019 22:22

Oh amazing, thanks everyone. I was expecting no responses as it was such a vague post. Some of these names are new to me so it's all very exciting! Thanks so much.

OP posts:
biscuittime · 01/01/2019 22:27

I have a belly and find I can’t wear work trousers so always wear dresses, have you looked at joules ? Dresses can be smarted up with nice shoes and jewellery

Frumpyfatand40ish · 01/01/2019 22:29

Ooh, loving Winser!!! 😍 Thanks Snowdrop

Biscuit* only for casual stuff and accessories.

Thanks everyone else too!

OP posts:
PurpleNailVarnish · 01/01/2019 23:22

Frumpy I'm 5ft tall and I was a size 12 but I'm an 8/10 now.

In part it depends on your body shape but I'm on hourglass and find that skater dresses suit me, they are forgiving and smart when worn with a tailored blazer/jacket, good quality shoes/boots and tights.

This shape Dress shape.

I second (third? fourth?) Hobbs, Joules are worth trying too, I love L K Bennett, they're too long for me without taking them for tailoring. Boden petite range can be good.

Snowdrop30 · 02/01/2019 08:03

Glad you like it OP! I am quite big chested too and find this style gives me a bit more space up top - the wrap style ones tend to gape (although might not if you are under a GG!) www.winserlondon.com/miracle-collection/lauren-miracle-dress.html

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