Senior-ish, work in City, need help with wardrobe

[Newhouse76]

My work wardrobe is a bit of a mish mash of Zara, Hobbs and a couple of things from Reiss ..although having checked its predominantly Zara. I wear mainly dresses and im not really into fashion 😳

2 woman have just joined the team and look effortlessly chic! They dont wear suits but separates which are really nicely put together.

Im very lucky to have been paid a bonus this month so would like to put some of it towards uograding my wardrobe.

Where should i start? I walked into Hobbs but walked out again as i felt panic and didnt know where to start 😳. Im not sure whether to try again or if someone could recommend me an independant personal shopper who is not affiliated to just one shop?

Im 43, 5 foot 4, size 8-10, people often think im much younger (ie in my twenties) than i am

I'm a similar age, work in The City and had the same dilemma recently. I saw a House of Colour advisor in Greenwich and she really helped. Sounds drastic but life changing. She worked out what colours and styles of clothing looked good on me and then told me which shops would be good for me to shop in. If you PM me I can give you her details. Reason being what looks good on others doesn't necessarily work on you as there are so many factors to consider, body shape, skin tone, hair colour and style. Definitely recommend it as it means you'll then just know how to shop quickly.

How about trying Cos, I worked in the city until recently and had good separates - skirts, trousers and shirts and tops from there. Also Jigsaw, John Lewis, and some H&M pieces. The one near St Paul’s has some good ranges - upstairs near the accessories they had some better quality stuff - white label I think, I found.

Reiss for me - that would be because their stuff happens to work for my body shape.

I second the recommendation of getting an advisor or personal shopper, though. I'm militantly non-stylish outside the office (to the extent that my own mother failed to immediately recognise me the one time she saw me in full work gear), so I could never pull the corporate look off without relying on professional help.

I need to look very professional, but I aim to have some personality in what I wear.

I really rate Cos (but I know some people hate it), Jigsaw, and ( selectively) Mango.

My top tip - if you are well groomed (smart hair and nails, everything perfectly ironed, good shoes), I think you can get away with being a bit less corporate in you clothes.

The Fold?

The Fold has some very smart and chic office wear. Really good for when you have more important meetings or need to make an impression. Some of the dresses are so smart they would also easily work as wedding guest wear too. Great investment.

A John Lewis personal shopper would have access to plenty of brands

Don’t bother with Hobbs, it’s for older women who like very classic style for the most part I think.

I would look at Whistles and The Fold, the Fold especially if you are senior.

I still like some things in Reiss and jackets/shoes from poor old LK Bennett.

Buy decent tights as well; it makes a difference! (Wilford/Falke)

Thanks so much everyone - lots of options by the looks of things

The Fold looks good, a friend recommended a company called Dai also. I had a look at Cos and felt the same as when i went into Hobbs - panic 😳. I really struggle to visualise clothes worn when they are plain, but admire simple elegance in others!

I work for a bank

Max Mara, The Fold and LK Bennett

I thought I’d check out some of these recommendations but what on earth is Cos all about? half of the dresses look like they belong on someone about to scrub in on heart surgery...

I’ve never heard of them before

Senior bankers who want to be more senior dress very well indeed, as you'll have noticed. There is no virtue these days in looking clueless about style.

Call Selfridges and they'll sort you out - you're tiny, so you need clothes to give you some clout. Be brave, expensive clothes always look duller than they are, so believe them when they give you something you think might be 'adventurous' - it won't be.

Anything here take your fancy?

www.winserlondon.com

What a great discussion, thank you OP. Marking my place.

Never heard of Cos before, looked up online just now and I'm not amused. I accept that in real life it's potentially different but what I see on the website is well out of my comfort zone - too quirky / too much of a statement.

I think Hobbs is massively overpriced for what it is. They also don't have my sizes for most things - I'm 6ft tall. Meh.

I like Suistudio and TM Lewin for shirts.

Cos looks terrible esp online but is well worth investigating; have a good rummage and there is some fantastic stuff among the shrouds and sacks. Their striped t shirts are beautiful quality for an easy introduction.

However, for the OP, effortless chic is as much about decent hair, classy makeup if you wear it, and good shoes and accessories as it is about the actual clothes. How are you doing on those?

John Lewis have personal shoppers. Why not book an appointment with one? Even if you don’t buy much, at least (if they’re any good) they’ll be able to show you things you might not have considered.

Exactly the same age and size as you! Am a city lawyer. I have bought a couple of things from The Fold and don't like them that much... the skirts/dresses stop right on the knee and I prefer midi length. Obviously you can shorten them but not lengthen. And not that many people are in full black or navy suits these days - which the Fold has a lot of. I much prefer a dress and jacket or navy trousers/tweedy jacket/cashmere jumper etc.

Most of my work wardrobe is Reiss and Whistles. Goat maybe for work dresses although I have similar skirt length issues! Theory can be good (buy in Selfridges) or Claude Pierlot or DVF. The Fold prices but I think a bit trendier but still smart.

(Could you wear a black leather midi skirt and a blouse? Just a thought as I am thinking about it...)

Have fun shopping!

Another for The Fold

I agree with a PPs about Cos. I just took a look at their website expecting some great things as I remembered a previous thread poster referring to them and and am a bit shocked with what I saw. Nothing I saw even looked flattering on the models.

Even city lawyers aren't all dressing in formal suits these days (unless they're regularly in court).
The Fold has some nice basics but I find the dresses a bit Claire Underwood (House of Cards) for me.

For a bit more of a modern look, try ankle length slim fit (not skinny) trousers, non traditional blouses/smart t-shirts and cropped blazers (I like the round neck boucle style).

Dresses with sleeves in a structured material are your friend and can be smartened up with a blazer but don't have to be.

As well as quality materials (and even at Whistles etc you'll often be looking at polyester) look at fit. For me, a dress from Mango that fits is better than a dress from Whistles that drowns me.

Recent purchases for me have been Mango, Zara, Boden petite and Uniqlo.

Slightly younger than you OP but same build and also have senior role in the city.

Seriously Cos is wonderful for your build. Go to a store. No point looking at it online.

I looked at the Fold - not me at all. Very formal and for me too much for some of my client sites.

I agree with a PP - would rather have something from Mango (not great quality but will look current) than Hobbs or Reiss. And mix with other brands.
Hobbs sale is very good online and at John Lewis.

Often wear ankle grazer trousers with cashmere/silk slim jumper.
Blouses from Monsoon (plain I never wear print)

Armani exchange dresses

Recently discovered Me and Em

Not keen on Reiss as fabric always too thick for my build. Do have some stuff from there though.

Shoes always from Lk Bennett sale.
I also like John Lewis own label for shoes.

I like Libby London as an alternative to The Fold. I also find The Fold a little too formal. Winser London does very comfortable and hard wearing dresses.

Also agree that narrow trousers, soft top, interesting jacket and necklace is a very easy way to look reasonably stylish. It also lets me wear flat shoes as I have a dodgy back, which is harder in a skirt/dress.

I’d also agree with getting your colours and style done - it has made sorting out my work wardrobe 100% easier.

Book a personal shopper in a department store, I used Debenhams but they all do it, no obligation but they will put together outfits for you and they made dd feel really special.