new work wardrobe required!

[Clarabell100]

I am starting a new job in June, in an area I have been trying to get in to for a while. My current role is fairly casual, I mainly wear black jeans and basic tops.

At my interview I was shown round the office and everyone looked smart. Not OTT, but trousers, dresses etc - no jeans!

I admit I am in a bit of a style rut. Same stuff for work all the time and I have a toddler so weekends are casual comfort!

Can anyone recommend a kind of 'capsule' (actually hate that term!) work wardrobe. I am so unhappy with my weight at the moment (size 16) so i probably dont want to spend more than £500ish as I will hopefully lose some weight.

Thanks in advance!

To avoid spending too much but still look smart, I’d probably head to Zara. If you’re used to trousers, you could just get 3 pairs of trousers and several comfy blouses.

Sorry, don’t know if that’s a capsule but it sounds like it’d be a good ‘uniform’ for you given that you’re used to jeans+tops.

Thank you! I usually avoid Zara as I am bottom heavy and I always worry I won’t fit into anything

I will definitely have a look though. I think you’re probably right about the trousers. I could just get a few pairs in a sightly different styles and then mix and match with some blouses?

I had the same when I went back to work after a time as a SAHP. I bought several pairs of trousers either black or dark blue and colourful tops/blouses/jumpers. My favourite trousers are from phase eight, I think they are called Lia. They are stretchy and so comfortable - I'm very stomach-heavy but have slim legs and I find non-stretch trousers get quite uncomfortable round the waist.

You need book a personal shopper appointment at John Lewis specifically for a work edit. They should get you all the best shapes for you and in budget. It should also give you a really good idea of what to go for in future.

Good luck with the new job

I see what you mean about Zara potentially not being a flattering cut. The stuff fits me very well but I'm very tall and without much of a waistline or hips.

A John Lewis appointment could be a good idea - if you're in London, then the Oxford Street one is vast with loads of different brands and a prleasant personal shopping area.