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 would highly recommend using a style advisor to give you a basic look to follow and what colour palette to follow. I did it years ago and it was the best money I've ever spent. There's an online one that would give a great starting point https://www.styledbysusie.co.uk/ I've not used her but know people that have and they've been really pleased.

There's lots about offering a similar service.

For brands as well as those mentioned, I like Other Stories and Arket. Finery has some nice pieces too. I tend to avoid suits now and wear lots of dresses and separates.

As already mentioned 'the look' is also about personal grooming, hair, nails and make up.

Coster Copenhagen is the scandi brand I mentioned. Only a few pieces suitable for work but excellent quality.

M&S Autograph is also worth a look too.

swimminguphill I have both those dresses!

The black crepe is my current absolute favourite and I’ve had comments on it. The weight is great and it has pockets. I’m 5’5 and it’s good on me.
The Lola is nice but it’s unlined and I find it a bit thin/light for important work stuff.

I tend to buy in whistles, COS and occasionally Hobbs - the Marciella dress is similar to whistles Lola but slightly heavier weight. They usually do a couple of different patterns each year www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0119-5310-9021L00&productvarid=0119-5310-9021L00-NAVY-IVORY-12&refpage=dresses

Hi i just wanted to post back to thank everyone for their suggestions and to say that i ended up booking Lizzie Edwards who was recommended up thread.

Ill let you know how i get on - i was becoming so confused with various options i think i just need someone to tell me what to buy!

Ooh, jealous! Yes, please let us know how it goes! Enjoy!

Hi Newhouse - have you seen Lizzie Edwards yet?!

Hi! Fellow City person here (well actually just left for the West End :) ). Does anyone know where to get good work trousers if you’re tallish? I’m 5’9 but nothing fits - basically want almost black jeggings but in a better quality material! Zara, M&S etc too short...

I like Hobbs's skirts. Boden has some great work dresses that don't make you look like a granny :)

I like The Fold. H and M weirdly have some nice skirts that aren't expensive and also look good with 'posher' tops. I'd agree with M and S autograph though it's very hit and miss

what I find annoying is that for the first time in my life, my legs are actually decent so I'd like to wear shorter dresses - most things pitched around my age group (late 40s/50s) are longer and I would rather be a bit more fun!

notmyrealname Boden have THE most fabulous pair of tight fitting work trousers that are legging like but a much thicker material. I get loads and loads of compliments when I wear them

I can't find them on their website now but I'll see if I can find what they are in the label when I'm home

btw one thing I will say about most of these shops (other than Boden) is why does everything have to be grey or black! The Fold particularly is a big fan of the black dress. I like to be quite colourful at work (as do a lot of women I think) so it's a shame when shops seem to think we all want to look so monochromatic.

Amazing, thank you!

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/clearance/womens-workwear-range/trousers-skirts/t0027/womens-hampshire-skinny-trousers

I think it's these but I will check when I'm home

ps I'm also on linkedin if you want to connect :)