Reentering the workplace, what to wear ?

[LIZS]

The possibility of employment has appeared on the horizon, mainly office based admin work , but possible meetings. Wouldn't need to power dress just be comfy and smartish . Don't want to splash out, but what is the norm ?

Go with the basic choice of plain black trousers (there are a load of bargains about, I usually rely on Dorathy Perkins for mine - they're machine washable and about £15, but George at Asda, and Florence & Fred at Tesco are worth a look.) In terms of tops - then keep it relatively plain again (especially since you don't know what everyone else will be wearing). I would go for t'shirt style tops (not too casual), but also don't need ironing ! Or, slightly smarter, thin wool jumpers (again, Dorathy Perkins is good, or M&S are about £15-£20). All can be machine washed, and none of the above need ironing (I don't even have to iron my trousers, as long as I hang them up straight from the washing machine !!)

Thank you . Was looking inD P's this morning, some nice coloured jumpers, 2 for £20 too ! No trousers my size/length though.

What size / length you looking for ?
The bigger DP stores do a "long" length, and a seperate "tall" range, and "petite" if that's what you need. Bigger or smaller sizes ?

I need the shorter trouser length, they only had them in 6, 8 or 22 ! Small branch though , will look in larger one at the weekend. Trousers are ok then, what cut ?

I would usually go with boot cut (easier shoe choices then available !!!) but then again, I don't have the legs to get away with the skinny types ! Or straight leg (depends what shoes you've got in mind). If you're going with court type shoes, then straight leg is fine, if boots or clumpier shoes, then I'd go with the boot cut.

You need to be smart , but comfy. I mean, especially when you are starting a job, you must be able to put clothes on, feel good, stylish, but then forget about them - because there will be so many other things to think about - meeting people, finding your way around etc - no good worrying that one of your straps is falling down, or that you might 'pop out' of a top, or something.
I wear something like this :
www.wallis-fashion.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId= 20551&storeId=12557&categoryId=62402&parentcategoryrn=45258&productId=421248&langId=-1
with this:
www.wallis-fashion.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId= 20551&storeId=12557&categoryId=45259&parentcategoryrn=45258&productId=429030&langId=-1

Would that suit ?
M&S and Asda, have some great, cheaper then Wallis, basics at the mo - black trousers and skirts for example.
What kind of thing do you want to wear ?

I never seem to find black trews that fit properly. I've just gone back to work and the best thing I've bought is a black pencil skirt. Can be worn with a blouse/shirt (lots of lovely ones around at the mo) and jacket for smarter days and with a less formal top for the rest (or belt your everyday tops to dress it up a bit). M&S limited edition £35.

Thanks , like the trousers Oblomov, not sure the top is me thoguh , a bit "fussy" !

what about something like this Liz ?
www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B000RZ4EWS/sr=1-7/qid=1189696471/ref=sr_1_7/202-5987894-7959040?i e=UTF8&node=&m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&keywords=&mnSBrand=core&size=9&rh=n%3A43074030&page=
Too boring ? Too fitted ?
actually tops for work are easier to find. If you went on an outing to ... M&S, Tesco, Asda and Debenhams, you would probably be able to find atleast 4 or 5 you liked.
Trousers that fit are harder. I am only 5'2" and find trousers hard to fit.
Start with your bottom half , then tops are easier.

That 's more my thing ! Will go shopping at the weekend with the 20% off Daily mail/Debenhams tokens . There is a Wallis in there too.

I used to work with a woman whose style I always admired. SHe probably had about 3-4 pairs of black or navy trousers, about the same number of jackets, shoes, bags etc BUT loads and loads and loads of tops.

It might sound boring but she looked good - and different every day.

I agree with Mercy. A woman at my work is the same and I am trying to be more like her. A pair of good fitting black trousers, a brown pair and a couple of black skirts - e.g. this one which I wore to work today -
www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B000UVJK4Q/sr=1-1/qid=1189697709/ref=sr_1_1/202-5987894-7959040?i e=UTF8&node=&m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&keywords=&mnSBrand=core&size=9&rh=n%3A43094030%2Cp%5F10%3ABlack&page=
plus LOTS and LOTS of tops - and more importantly, different styled tops, different length sleeves and she looks sOOOO good.
I know what I want to look like

nice skirt