Style me for work

[LadyBrienneofTarth]

Ok ladies - Heres a challenge

I have just landed dream job and I mean "pinnacle of career" job - there is nothing higher or better after this - I need new clothes that make me look professional approachable efficient and relaxed all in one

I normally wear black boots, black pants and a black loose top (sometimes blue, occasionally red)

I am 5 foot 3 inches and overweight at 145 pounds / 66 kg - c cup - hips - used to be flat stomach but now not flat - so hate tucking anything in and don't like belts

I also hate shops so if I can order online all the better

I need 5 outfits worthy of exec / board level

Help

What sector is it in? How formal? What do others wear in the same kind of role?

Budget per outfit ?

Yes what sector is it in, what do others wear? What sort of money do you want to spend?
And congratulations!

I really wouldn’t order that all online - not unless you already know which premium high street brands suit your figure and what sizes you need as well as what you want to wear. It will just be more hassle than it’s worth, with all the guessing at sizes and whether or not something will suit you.

I’d book a personal shopping appointment at John Lewis and do a big shop all in one go (maybe two, clothes shopping is exhausting). You’ll be able to try things on and make sure you’re happy and feel comfortable

Do you know if black actually suits your skin undertones? Lots of people wear it because it’s easy and feels like it hides a multitude of sins, but it really doesn’t suit everyone all that well.

What sector is it? What did people wear in the office when you went for the interview? Congratulations, btw! I am hugely envious - I can’t even imagine reaching the pinnacle of my career.

Industry makes a big difference - law, the arts, public sector, finance, fashion?

I agree the sector makes a huge difference, and also that finding a new style online sounds exhausting and frustrating.

But for 'executive' style I've heard good reports about The Fold and Winser. Me and Em are more fashiony but I think would work well in some sectors.

And congratulations! They obviously think you're up to the job so no need to feel intimidated.

Sorry for delay - ok to answer questions:

Finance in the USA

Per outfit, probably 750 all in including shoes

The office is smart casual - no ties or stockings

I worse black pants, boots and different tops to interview - but as I'm going to be "in charge" I feel like I should up my game a bit

Yes I know my size pretty well - I'm a mostly size 12 on bottom and 14 on top

I'm ok with just pictures and can then source the clothes myself - my problem is I have no idea what goes with what and what looks good (hence my black "uniform")

I don't know if black suits me - I've been wearing it for years - I'm comfortable in it - reduces my need to make decisions and have multiplepairs of matching shoes

There isn't any other female at my level so not sure I can look to others for what to wear

I'm happy to go to stores and try things on if I have some sort of "style" to look for

otherwise I just feel overwhelmed with all the choices and end up trying things on that don't look any good on me and then going home with something I will never wear again because I don't feel comfortable

Clearly I'm crap at shopping - luckily that's not required as part of my actual job 😂😂

From what you've said, I'd go for a session with a stylist in department store - Selfridge's, John Lewis. Or the US equivalent if shopping there.

@thedevilinablackdress thanks - you're probably right [inwardly sighing at thought]

I would go with
One dress
One skirt
2 trousers
4 tops
1 jacket
2 shoes
All in same colour range so easy to mix and match and to add to when needed

Isthebig Think OP meant she could afford 750 pet outfit so can probably get a lot more than that.

I’d start with getting a 3 nice suits that includes jacket and skirt and trousers. In black ( since you will have lots that work with it) and maybe navy and grey. Then a few different bright shirts that look good without the jacket. Then maybe two or three dresses that can take accessories.

M&S has a free online personal shopper website called Tuesday and overall I've found it really good for outfit inspiration! No pressure to buy anything either, which is fantastic!

I've taken your collective advice and signed up at a large department store for a personal shopper - thank you all

It helps to have a good idea of what you need so I would make a list beforehand.

For a very basic starter wardrobe I would want at least two jackets, plus two pairs of trousers and two skirts to match those exactly. Then one pair of trousers that coordinates with both jackets but isn’t the same colour, and a skirt and dress that also each coordinate with both jackets but don’t match.

Dresses are great - less to think about in the morning. Patterned, block colours, whatever you prefer. Just make sure it all fits together so you don’t have to think.

Great shoes make an outfit. Spend as much as you can on the shoes, and make sure they are quality footwear. Again make sure everything sort of goes together. Then you’ll have a good basis on which to build on.

I always go for interesting shoes.

Also you must have a seriously, fuck-off, I’m awesome handbag!

Agree about awesome bag and shoes.

Can you show me what an awesome handbag looks like ? Same with shoes ?

I'm crap picking both

Maybe you should binge watch Suits for inspiration!

@Ninkaninus really ? Never watched it - ok - any character in particular ?

(For bags...not so much for the outfits IMO)

Bags, I’d probably look at Hermes, Celine, Mulberry. Maybe Chanel, Dior, LV (but leather, not the monogrammed canvas!). I don’t really know what people are wearing in Corporate America just now, but I imagine you can’t go wrong with a very good quality, structured, boxy bag.

I envy you so much right now!! - Not just for the fun of going shopping, but mostly for your fantastic achievement!

So excited for you!

Max Mara, with some Margaret Howell and Joseph.

I really don’t get the handbag thing but for US you will need a label. Bleurgh