Help me look professional and not like a sausage!

[Scatternobrains]

I am starting a new job in a month and I desperately need to buy a new wardrobe. I haven’t bought clothes for years because I’m always going to lose weight in the next few months so wait - unsurprisingly that hasn’t happened 😢.

I am 5’3’’, I have a true hour glass figure, big boobs, small waist, big hips all of which I don’t mind but I do have large untoned legs that I hate. I am around a size 16, probably smaller in the waist but unless trousers have a stretch even a 16 trouser would be tight. I’m very nearly 40 and feel like I’ve lost my style a bit.

I need to look professional, but not suited and booted. In the past I have bought from next, new look, supermarkets etc. What other shops should I try? I’m willing to spend a bit of money on myself.

If your a similar build to me, and rock an amazing outfit and you want to share photos and items please please please spam me.

I have to say that I haven’t bought from them, but you could look at Bravissimo. They are designed for hourglass figures and there is quite a lot in the range that is suitable for work. I would think shirts and trousers might wok for you and some of the dresses.

Pinafour or playsuit with cardigan
A line skirt with blazer and a tucked in shirt
Shirt dress with trousers

Shops: debehams, hobbes, monsoon, joules, seasalt, boden, hush, cos, nomads.

No advice but love the thread title!

@Raffathebear - where do you work that a "playsuit" would be appropriate ?

Oasis has good work clothes and Warehouse, you have to shift through the shite but generally it's quite current and smart.

Wrap dress below the knee.
Or
V neck blouse with big sleeves, high waisted pencil skirt or trousers over the top
Or
Black loose jumpsuit in a nice material with tie at the waist

Bwahahaha im so sorry i meant jumpsuit

A v-neck blouse is an absolute must, or rather many v-neck blouses. Nothing with a high neck.

www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-spot-print-fitted-shirt/p/clp60443396?color=NAVYMIX

This classic dress would be very flattering for your figure. I have an hourglass figure as well, btw.

www.marksandspencer.com/heart-print-v-neck-belted-midi-dress/p/clp60457456?color=NAVYMIX

Debenhams are close to going bankrupt! Avoid. Boden sale could be useful.

It would be good to have an idea what the job is and the size and type of company. For example, my friend and husband do the same job but what is smart and professional in her small, less corporate office would see someone in the same role be sent home from his corporate behemoth office.

It is as a psychotherapist in a prison. I will also be developing a new project for their high risk prisoners who aren’t progressing through sentence due to their own trauma. It’s a bit of a fine balance. I need to look relaxed and informal enough in the therapy space but professional enough for meetings, parole boards and supervision other staff.

What about a v neck blouse, more relaxed chino style trousers and a blazer you can throw on top for meetings.

I would definitely get some wrap dresses! I wear them to work and they are comfortable and smart and you don’t have to worry about matching tops with bottoms, it’s the whole outfit in one! I know someone said Debenhams was in trouble but you can get really nice ones in there for only about £20 if you are still able to order. Will look really good on an hourglass shape too and decent length.

You are doing a valuable and important job, don't think of youself as a sausage. You can change lives.

Is a dress practical? I always think as an hourglass you are always told to show off your waist but that can lead to quite a cartoony sexualised look and I'm not entirely sure that is always appropriate in the workplace. Particularly one where you are dealing with criminals (are you working with male or female prisoners)?

Sounds like you need a smart casual wardrobe. So what about jeans in your preferred cut, loafers and a silky/drapey shirt (tucked in, top button or two undone). M&S is probably a good place to look for jeans, big choice of shapes and finishes, environmentally friendly cotton and safe working practices in their warehouses for workers apparently. Or some smarter trousers with brogues and a v neck or boatneck jumper or tshirt (utilising everyone's favourite french tuck). I like linen tshirts for their drape, and cotton/linen mix jumpers are nice at this time of year, Boden usually have some nice sluchy jumpers in a wide choice of colours.

I think well fitting black wide leg trousers with shirt/blouse tucked in or fitted 3/4 sleeve jumper would look perfect on you - loafers for shoes, jacket for meetings if needed x