Help with formal workwear please

[TrixIrl]

Hi all,

I've just returned from maternity leave to a new role which mostly involves representing the department in court. The other side is normally represented by extremely stylish (& much better paid I'm sure) solicitors and I'm feeling very frumpy and it's impacting on my confidence at arguments...

I just don't know where to shop for stylish, sleek midpriced work suits and dresses. My old go-to for workwear (Next etc) just feels a little "polyester black suit" if you know what I mean? That sounds horrendous but I'm not sure how to explain it better!

To complicate matters I have 40g boobles and a post section tum so am an 18/20 on top and a 14 on bottom. I also have endometriosis so can get very bad bloating so can't really commit to altering clothes as they may only fit 2 weeks out of 4. And I can't do heels (could never walk in more than an inch or so).

Writing all that makes me sound hopeless so please help, it'll be very much appreciated!!

Watching with interest.

I’m about to change jobs with a more formal dress code than I’m used to, albeit not going to court formal. I was a bit uninspired by next and M&S. Seemed expensive and not great quality.

FYI my endo improved no end after having babies.

On the upside you’ll be the only two women looking for formal work attire this year so you should be able to get a bargain - good luck finding any in the shops next year though.

Start with a killer haircut and put the effort into making it look great every morning - invest in straighteners/Babyliss Big Hair if necessary.

Hobbs sale worth a look but maybe still outside your budget - some other people will come along with good ideas I’m sure.

Uninspired is exactly the word @redcrayons! I don't want to spend huge money but want to look well put together and even the playing field somewhat.

I had 5 blissful months postpartum before my periods returned but the endo is back with a vengeance now (she's a year). Planning another baby for when she starts school (as two sets of crèche fees would kill us) and can't wait to have another year "off" endo.

Thanks @smiletolerantly I think sale at (slightly) higher priced retailers is probably my best bet, I live in Ireland and just don't know the brands. Will deffo give the Hobbs sale a go.

Im woman number 3 looking for formal work clothes and struggling. Ive spent 20 years in hoodies and jeans for work so complete change for me. Im size 18 with fat legs, tummy and big boobs. Ill be watching with interest.

I find Reiss have fantastic workwear but their prices have shot up to about £250 for a good blazer, their website has an outlet section though, so always worth a look for a good bargain!

John Lewis (they have a fab sale on just now) their own John Lewis & Partners and Modern Rarity brands are always great. Massimo Dutti also does good tailoring

Hobbs (KildareVillage, if you are anywhere near there).

Tommy Hilfiger- order stuff online. I use their trousers loads for work, some have been going strong for 4 years on wear-wash rotation. If you are in a town, it's a small job to parcel stuff back up in the delivery box and drop off at the Post Office for returns.

Dunnes- the Gallery range (ummf, you have to be lucky, some good some bad) or the Paul Costello range. Again, you can order stuff online, get it delivered to home and return the unused stuff in-store. I was surprised how easy this was.
I got a really nice basic but well-made pair of Paul Costello navy wide-legged trousers from there- more expensive than the usual Dunnes stuff (maybe €90? cant remember) , but they hang beautifully, and have lasted well.

@septemberissue thanks so much.

Reiss was unsuccessful as only go to a 16 and out of budget tbh but great selection on sale at John Lewis.

Kildare village definitely on the list once the lockdown is lifted!
Dunnes I do find great for my "normal" workwear but find it's not the greatest selection in the world for more formal)better tailored items

Ok, went to have a little squiz at the Dunnes site.
How about these with a shirt like this?
Might be out of your budget, but it's an appropriate outfit in the wardrobe that you can change up with a cardigan, or skirt jacket etc.

I’ve been experimenting with body-hiding clothes for a long time! What works for my upper body are

Boden
Jaeger
Toast (recent discovery)
Hobbs (gone off it lately)
LK Bennett - Maxi dresses rather than suits for me now

Reiss and Zara imo only work for skinny bodies.

I work in a law firm and lots of people wear loafers, plain ankle grazing trousers, a plain silky top and then a bright blazer. Always good hair, nails and decent make up and they look great. Oh and a good handbag which carries everything rather than 4 different bags.

I work in law and am similar in shape to you OP.

I find Boden, Mint Velvet, Esprit and White Company suit my body shape and aren't too expensive.

I cant wear heels either and tend to stick to Clarks for low heeled shoes.

I always wear makeup and perfume and straighten my hair. I also wear mostly silver jewellery and often a scarf.

And yes, a decent bag. At the moment I have a navy and white Ted Baker one that I got for Christmas.

Good luck!

Ladies these are all outstandingly helpful and I'm actually excited to properly look through all the suggestions. Thank you so much! It was all getting very disheartening!

Oh and BTW I didn't mean to imply that I am 'well put together'. Far from it, but I do try and am also envious of those who seem to achieve it effortlessly!

Also try the boob or bust site if you are size 16/18 it’s unlikely that your back size is 40. A good fitting bra will make clothes fit/look better.

In a solicitor too, although I work in house so definitely more casual. However, I do like to dress smartly from time to time and I actually find the H&M workwear range quite good for decently priced basics. Bit more edgy than say Next. Although I do try to mix it up with slightly more expensive bags, shoes, blazer etc.

Also second Reiss (although pricey), and I like whistles.

Mint velvet is another go to, but I think it's more casual.

Avoid heels - they’re very out-dated now. Smart flats look much trendier.

Hobbs every time, their workwear lasts ages and is brilliant.
Worth full price in my opinion.
Boden is also good for workwear

I would avoid traditional suits if possible they are quite dated, dresses and trousers paired with more interesting or contrasting jacket or blazer would look better (if you need to wear a jacket - I don’t know court etiquette). Boden is a safe bet, I like the ottomen dresses and they are very versatile.

I think its worth investing in things like one or two really flattering jackets that go with everything, good shoes, good hair and a good bag. You can then choose cheaper items. Also consider jewellery - good costume jewellery changes an outfit to stylish.

Agree re Hobbs. Also phase 8 is very forgiving for women with larger breasts and a few extra lumps and bumps - many of their dresses are slightly stretchy, have patterns that break up the way your "problem areas" look etc. With a jacket or great cardigan they look v smart.

Wallis is also my surprise go to. 95% of their stuff doesn't work but I pop in about once a year and always come out with one or two good work tops. I actually bought a couple in a size up as maternity wear as they were very forgiving. Wore them until about 34 weeks. So might also work for endo bloating if they still have similar styles.