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Original poster

Please style me for my new job

21 replies

Needajob1 · 17/03/2019 09:42

I need a total wardrobe overhaul due to landing myself a customer focussed job.

I am 5'4", size 20 and and am very round. I can't wear size 18 tops because my shoulders and upper arms are round. I have a belly overhang and my calves are extremely large to the point that my jeans are baggy on the thigh and stick like superglue to my calves. Everything I own is black. Shoe-wise I have never worn anything higher than converse.

Is there any hope for me? Can anyone help? I dont have a lot of money, would have to use my credit card so would be limited to about £100 -£150 max.

OP posts:
Original poster
Needajob1 · 17/03/2019 14:18

Anyone?

OP posts:
justaweeone · 17/03/2019 14:23

What type of job is it and is there a dress code?
Congrats on the new jobSmile

Original poster
Needajob1 · 17/03/2019 14:28

Thanks justaweeone. It's in the job centre so have to be smart. I'm told bold colours would suit me but I only ever wear black. I would love to have a new look.

OP posts:
mumonthehill · 17/03/2019 14:37

I would try next, they do lots of different trousers and they come in petite. I am size 20 and have had some luck with gap, they do larger sizes online but their sizes can be a bit hit or miss. I would get comfy trousers and then look at getting a couple of tops you can mix and match. Keep it simple until you find what works!

TenaciousP · 17/03/2019 14:46

Congrats on your new job!

If you are a trouser rather than a dress type of girl, I would wear a wide legged trouser to help combat your 'baggy around the thighs' issue.

I'd then team the wide legged trousers with a fitted top - I'm thinking a wrap top. If you feel your rounded shoulders need to look a bit wider, I'd go with a puffed sleeve.

As you're not a high heel fan, I'd get a loafer or brogue shoe instead.

If you're going to be stood up a lot, I would spend more on your shoes if you can stretch to it.

Clothes wise, ASOS do a curve range that is very reasonably priced and I've seen some smart work pieces on there.

Hope this helps.

SlinkyDinkyDoo · 17/03/2019 14:56

How about a nice jersey wrap dress?

justaweeone · 17/03/2019 14:57

I think it'd stick with basics in black ie black trousers and maybe a black top then add pops of colour in a cardigan, scarf, accessories and shoes
This way as well it will be not as expensive and you can gradually expand your wardrobe
Then as you become braver and spring is definitely on the way add in brighter items of clothing
What colours do you like?

foxsbiscuit · 17/03/2019 15:00

You can't have a total wardrobe overhaul on £150. Dig out everything you have from your wardrobe that would he appropriate and then see what you need to add. For your budget I would suggest George at Asda or Matalan who do a lot of work wear. I would stick to plain basics like black/ grey trousers at first so it's not immediately obvious when you are are re-wearing them then add to it overtime then you can add a few pops of colour as the seasons change.

justaweeone · 17/03/2019 15:04

Also following on from Fox what do you already have that you wear casually and to work

DeadCertain · 17/03/2019 15:07

Sainsburys do some decent clothes that might be suitable for your budget. I am just in the process of having to invest in a whole new work wardrobe (career change!) and am trying to mostly get lots of interchangeable separates, mainly in block colours, and change them up by accessorising.

SlinkyDinkyDoo · 17/03/2019 15:10

I second Sainsburys.

These shoes?

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/wide-fit-black-2-part-block-heels/p/616268901?comp=Browse

EggysMom · 17/03/2019 15:21

I'm a similar shape and size, my work 'uniform' consists of plain black trousers (supermarket clothing) and a variety of different tops - nobody really sees the bottom half of me as I'm sat at my desk unless walking to the toilet/coffee/lunch! I've just come back from a shopping spree, had some luck this time in Evans and in Yours. I wear sensible shoes because of my commute, but keep a pair of plain black courts at work in case I feel the need to 'power dress' Smile My main extravagances tend to be coats, I cannot bear a frumpy coat; and having my grey roots hidden regularly.

Original poster
Needajob1 · 17/03/2019 16:02

Thank you for all the responses. I will have a look at all the links. I think as you suggested to buy black and throw in a bit of colour with cardigans or jewellery. I currently wear jeans to work so have nothing in my wardrobe that is nice and fits. Hopefully a couple of pairs of trousers and a few nice tops with a decent but cheap pair of shoes will see me through till I get paid.

OP posts:
Kazplus2 · 17/03/2019 21:35

eBay is your friend. What about something like this?
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F303099417410

Frostyapples · 17/03/2019 21:54

Definitely eBay - I buy all my shirts And jackets from them and then add trousers from the clearance section of the next website ( latest pair were £7). Add some accessories from Primark and shoes from newlook.

missmouse101 · 17/03/2019 21:58

I'm a short size 20 and love Bon Marche trousers. Smart navy, really comfy, 4 leg lengths. I wear with smart plain blouse, gorgeous coloured scarf and longline navy cardi.

dancingqueen345 · 18/03/2019 08:41

What about going into M&S for one of those free consultations? You can try and few things on and then have a look for cheaper alternatives elsewhere.

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