Anyone up for a workwear thread?

[whitershadeofpale]

I'm currently waiting to hear about a job role which would involve me having to alter my wardrobe to fit a more corporate environment. This has involved lots of daydreaming and browsing about the kind of clothes I would wear if I got the job.

I get lots of inspiration on here for casual wear but I find that the workwear is usually geared more towards interview outfits or too plain for me to pull off. I'm short and curvy with massive boobs so while I think a black suit and crisp shirt with brogues looks amazing on other women, I'd look like a prison guard.

My dream would be to wear the kind of outfit that you'd see on Joan Holloway (I have a dress similar to this ]]joanieclothing.com/hendricks-check-stretch-pencil-dress-croissant.html]] but in charcoal which I love) but obviously I don't want to look like I'm overdressed or worse still in fancy dress!

So I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions or would just be up for sharing some good work finds?

Agree on Hobbs! I'm also short and curvy in a fairly traditional corporate environment, and skirt / trouser suits never look good on me.

I tend to stick with smart dresses - as well as Hobbs I get a lot from Boden (who have a good petite range), and also some from Jigsaw.

I’m mid 30’s, 5’6, size 10 with 34D boobs and work in a corporate environment. I usually go for trouser or a skirt with a smart top and then some kind of blazer. I’ve got a few dresses too for summer

Shoes - some really nice mid heel courts and sling backs around at the moment.

Shops: Reiss is perfect for sharp tailoring and a “high quality” sort of look. Hobbs brilliant for winter dresses that will last forever. Zara is good for the odd blazer, trousers and top but very hit and miss for me and some of the stuff is too fashun for my style.

Try to get a few pictures of the type of look you’re after and then build a wardrobe focusing on just a few pieces to begin with that you can mix and match.

If your budget is healthy you might like The Fold (wonderful dresses for women with your curves) and possibly also Winser London. £££ though.

Oh, and French Sole flats - I don't mind my short-ness and value comfort! They look really smart and don't disintegrate in 10 mins like cheaper flats.

Agree with pp re Reiss - I have a lovely dress and matching jacket, and they arranged alterations for me with a local tailor as they didn't ( don't?) do petite fit.

I love the look of The Fold but it’s a bit pricey for me atm. I picked up a few Hobbs bits in the sale that I’ve worn to interviews.

I’m 5’3, early 30s, size 16atm with 34H boobs. Hourglass shape.

I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t buy things for work ‘that’ll do’ since I spend more time in work clothes than any others, so want to feel as great as I can every day. Plus when I know I look good I feel more confident.

I’ll have to check out Reiss.

I think I haven’t quite got past get feeling that I’m dressing up in my Mum’s clothes when I go for interviews/ try on smart stuff for work, it just feels a bit muted and not quite ‘me’. I want my clothes to be professional but still have a bit of personality.

I’ve been eyeing up some French Sole shoes for ages, might have to finally give in!

I’ve built up a kind of work uniform, generally wear a plain black or white vest top and black or navy smart cardigan, with just above knee length skirts in a variety of colours and fabrics, with tights and flats.

Most of the tops go with most of the skirts so I don’t really have to think too much about what to wear, but everything looks smart and is comfy.

I’m a hard shape to dress, very short, very curvy. This style works for me so I’ve just gone with it! Luckily I’m not that in to clothes, and can’t wear heels. I am envious of some of the women at work though who look fab in a variety of styles.

Some examples of things my mum definitely wouldn't wear (!) With plenty of colour chucked in:

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0219-9585-9044L00&productvarid=0219-9585-9044L00-BURGUNDY-NAVY-12&refpage=shop-business-suits

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0219-5868-9021L04&productvarid=0219-5868-9021L04-BLACK-CAMEL-12&refpage=shop-business-suits

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/violet-ottoman-dress-ruby-ring/sty-j0466-dpr?cat=C1_S2_G175

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/jessica-ponte-dress-broad-bean/sty-j0503-ivy?cat=C1_S2_G175

Love those berry dresses @peeeas. When I said like my mum, I didn’t mean mumsy so apologies if it came across insulting in any way. Just that I feel the same way that I did trying my mum’s shoes/ clothes on as a little girl, I kind of love it on one hand but also feel that I’m playing a part, not really being myself.

Thinking about it, I think part of the problem is that I have imposter syndrome. I’m from a very working class background with an accent to match and am now working in a corporate environment where I stand out a bit. I guess I’m torn between fitting in and being myself.

Also I think I feel a bit guilty at times spending too much on clothes, some of the shops give me the pretty woman feelings (although everyone is always lovely) as if they’re ‘not for the likes of me’ (that’s my mum and nan’s voices right there 🙄).

No, I didn't take it negatively! My mum was from a working class background, and I'd say we were lower middle class growing up. And I'm northern working in the south, and sometimes conscious that my background is not the same as my colleagues'... And my mum wore lots of blend in black suits to work (sorry about class tangent!)

So I sort of get it, though possibly not to the same degree! I think if you own your style / accent / foibles and don't apologise for it then it gets easier and people respect you for it in the long run. Although that's obviously a bit workplace dependent...

On the pretty woman thing, Boden's online and I always find Hobbs really friendly. Reiss / Jigsaw always feel a bit more intimidating, don't know why. Makes me consciously check my posture and make sure I look confident walking in to counter it!

The stuff is better quality and lasts longer, so good value price per wear (I tell myself...) I only top up every 6 months or so now, so not buying stuff regularly.

Thanks @LittleMissEngineer I think that’s where I’m at at the moment, thinking about upping my game.

I LOVE the dress you initially linked to OP. Maybe that is your style? (If so try prettykitty too)

op, that website Joanie that you linked to had some really nice things! I just bought the denim a line button through skirt and a bold striped jumper. Their things remind a bit of Sugarhill. If I like these two shots what else might I like???

Ooh I’ve never looked at Sugarhill. I’ll check it out and Prettykitty too.

Love that Hendricks dress op !

It does make me feel like I should be in a typing pool somewhere in the 50s 😂 I love it!

This is actually the one I have joanieclothing.com/hendricks-polka-dot-tap-shoe-black.html it’s more charcoal than black though and the material is lovely and thick so smooths any lumps and bumps.

Goddamn OP for linking to that website. Never heard of it before and just spent £106 in the clearance. 5 items though including dresses and dugarees.

Oh let me know what you think @FairiesontheSwing I have a couple of work dresses from there, not the best quality in the world but really good for the price. On par with M&S I'd say.

Here is what I ordered with an extra 10% off:

joanieclothing.com/celia-paperclip-print-dress.html

joanieclothing.com/leroy-cord-dungarees-cabernet.html

joanieclothing.com/willa-floral-cut-out-detail-dress.html

joanieclothing.com/vonnie-star-print-wrap-dress.html

joanieclothing.com/mylen-satin-tie-lace-overlay-dress-cabernet.html