Work Suit

[Piffyonarockbun]

I need a suit for work. It will only be used for attending court rather than general workwear. I would prefer trousers.

I am short, approx 5'3 ish and im a 14 so chunky but not hugely so. Im pretty in proportion and tend to an hourglass shape.

Money is not really a consideration (sorry if that sound a bit wanky, its not meant to). Its just far more important that I look smart and professional and feel so. For years on the very rare occasion Ive needed work clothes Ive bought on a budget and generally felt sloppy and bad about myself. I have no idea how much made to measure would cost or even where I would go to find that bit I would def consider it!
Online isnt really helping me but Im happy to go into a Fenwicks or John Lewis if its likely they may have concessions that would help. I have to be able to try various styles as I have no idea what will suit.

Can anyone suggest any brands that might have the kind of thing Im looking for? I buy all my normal clothes at fatface and tesco! And my general work clothes are provided so this is a whole new world for me!!

And any suggestions on colours would help. Not sure if black would be too funereal or if its acceptable!

I’m smaller than you and was happy recently with a suit I got from Next. Similarly, I could have spent a fair bit but this did the job.

Why not try a personal shopper at John Lewis?

I did and she was amazing. No pressure to buy and came away with some stuff I wouldn't have looked at.

Hobbs and Jigsaw are both good for suiting. Both have 20% off at the moment. I generally find Jigsaw staff to be great at helping you find things that suit.

I’d second using a shopper at John Lewis - great idea.

OP if you have the time and money, go to BOSS on Bond Street. Their skirts are amazing and they can tailor it further to make a perfect fit.
Skirts go for about 150, it’s the jackets that are more £££.

Thank you for the suggestions. Im in London in november so will check out BOSS. I might try a personal shopper. Ive never really considered it before. Ill check out hobbs and jigsaw. Ive always found with next that i dont seem to be the right shape but if im in town anyway i might have a look . My new role is a huge step up and i really need to look the part. Im hoping good, well fitting clothing will help me feel more like the expert i am supposed to be

Oh it will! I had a big leap in career 2.5 years ago, and went from Next suits to BOSS suits with a Burberry trench. I felt like a million dollars, and my confidence was boosted to match new responsibilities.
New polished haircut and LK Bennett shoes also help. And invisible make-up. Excited for you, OP!

The shoes were the next battle tbh. I live in workboots, trainers or my Laura Vita boots. I def need to keep on top of my hair too but luckily my hairdresser is my friend so I can book in quick if i need to .

If money is not an issue, I strongly recommend theory.

If you can get to Bicester Village, you can get a Hugo Boss suit for less than half the usual price. They always have a good selection (and there are usually plenty of size 14s). I always go there rather than paying full price.

An alternative is JCrew - they do petites which might work better for you given you want trousers (you’d need to have any from Boss altered as they come long).

Hobbs

A lovely MNser recommendation that I got was Max Mara and another was Wisner London. I got a beautiful outfit from each.

Ooh thank you for the extra selections. Theory looks lovely but all the models are incredibly statuesque! Its a bit intimidating . I actually have a BOSS outlet within reach so i might try there and im def having a day in town so ill check out some of the other. Who knows, i might end up with a couple of suitable outfits!! I genuinely had no idea where to start so i appreciate all the suggestions!

Little update. Thank you for all the advice. I went for a personal shopping session in fenwicks this morning and picked up a navy hugo boss suit. Its pretty perfect! Just need the trousers taking up

Nice one, OP. Now onto shoes

Court shoes, with a manageable heel height (say 2.5 cm) in an unexpected colour to tone with your blouse, is a good call for spring, summer and autumn. Chelsea ankle boot if it's winter or very bad weather, same heel height. Black or tan probably with navy; dark brown could be a bit drab.