I need to go from ageing indie kid to chief executive

[KickBishopBrennanUpTheArse]

Major promotion at work and I really need to smarten up. I've been working in a client facing role in a welfare charity so jeans and trainers or occasionally black trousers and boots with various tunic tops or jumpers.

I need to smarten up. Not pinstripe and briefcase but definitely no more jeans. I'd like to retain a bit of the inner indie kid though.

I'm size 12 top / size 14 bottom and I really struggle to get dresses to fit.

Thanks everyone! Lots of scope for an online shopping spree.

I think the pp who said wear the same but better quality might have hit the nail on the head. I think better fitted and new versions of what I currently wear would make a big difference.

Sadly the link to Dai will still be out of my price range. CEO salary for a small charity doesn't pay that well

Time is the commodity you are likely to find in the shortest supply given your promotion, on which congratulations. I think you need a friendly independent retailer who gets YOU that is close enough to home or work to shop regularly. A good one will quickly identify your style, and call you to tip you off when there is stuff you will like and that works (it's a bi annual call usually). I have a brilliant shop in a market town, and spend very little (because I am retired) but still she always knows what I've bought before and what I'd like, and what I can afford and what I might splurge on. So, she gets most of my spends, and the rest is Uniqlo and M&S. But what I buy from her lasts for years, wears and washes well and has remained quite edge-y. I am still wearing stuff I bought 20 years ago. (none of which applies if you are 20, but I became her customer in my late 30s and am still, at 64 expecting to remain a customer until she sells the shop. All bets will be off then).

You also need to use your shop. Or it won't look out for you. There has to be some loyalty in both directions.

Congratulations!!! I would have a big trying on session in Cos and mix some interestingly cut trousers and jackets in with what you already have

I like Kin, Modern Rarity and Pure Collection, which I shop the John Lewis sale for. Also the John Lewis & Partners range. From Debenhams, I like J by Jasper Conrad and James Lakeland. YOOX.com for handbags and shoes. Jaeger is very good but overpriced, ditto L.K. Bennett.

I agree that Uniqlo is very good, as is Lands End for basic stuff.

Congrats! And yes yes and yes again to the same but sleeker so maybe darker dye denim in a boyfriend or skinny, keep your shoes, bags and coats in good condition, funky/your style accessories, interesting shaped tailored shirts and 'tailored sweats and Ts. Good jewellery. I know some charity and public sector chief execs who have maintained their slightly gothy or indie girl look. And a particularly brilliant punk gran type. I like Kin and Cos and get a fair bit in H&M more expensive lines. Gap and Oliver Bonas for jeans and OB for some tops and jewellery.

Try Cos.

Also ME +EM

I’m a charity CEO
Wear jersey dresses or tube skirts with lightweight jumpers
Skinny trousers with same
In summer I wear mainly linen dresses
My edginess comes from accessories
I rock ‘out there’ shoes, love a designer handbag and am obsessed with jewellery

The female senior managers around my way sometimes go for a polo neck under a midi dress and ankle boots which looks current (to me anyway) and is smarter than it sounds. I also agree with the Scandi tip upthread for looking modern. I’d be dressing ‘like an architect’ if I were to wake up as a CEO tomorrow- there have been some great S&B threads on that look.

Could you channel Helen Mirram, in her master class? That's my dream but as a part time sheep farmer I'd be overdressed.

Similar profile OP. I wear dresses mostly now. Try to keep it very simple. I like coatigans and a good coat. Due to work location I need quite sturdy shoes.

Cos, White Stuff, Boden, LKBennet,

Maybe dress from charity shops on principle?

Empire line dresses for your physique.

Please can I ask why so many people like Doc Martens? They are extremely ugly

Your shape is perfect for skater dresses (a-line) and hobbs and phase eight have these a plenty and some good sales at the moment. Boden occasionally have them too, bought one for £35 the other day. Can be worn with heels, boots or pumps

Congratulations. I agree with shortcake about upgrading your current style rather than trying to reinvent yourself - unless of course you want to. So smart jeans, and then I'd invest in a very sharp, tailored blazer - pay as much as you can possibly afford and you could probably wear it over the Joe Browns tops. Maybe one dress for when you have to meet trustees / ministers or whoever. If shoes are your thing, make them the focus of interest. Be yourself and let your clothes reflect that.

I've worked with lots of senior people in the charity sector and NHS/local councils and lots of women dress really individually and look amazing! Went to a meeting recently where the most senior person wore metallic/colourful trainers with cropped wool trousers and looked amazing.

I would look in Toast, Thought and the like, and also some things from Uniqlo, White Stuff and Seasalt - you can get smart clothes without losing your individual style.

LesLavandes DMs are not to your taste but a lot of us like them very much. They make me feel good - confident and comfortable.

OP, seconding COS

I would try Cos, Kin at John Lewis for clothes in natural fabrics that aren’t conventional but smart and mix and match. A nice handbag and some cool shoes - platform brogues or slightly quirky heels?