New work wardrobe - ideas welcome please

[parrotonmyshoulder]

To keep my confidence up while applying for a new job, I’m thinking about what I’d have to buy if I were to get it! I’ve worked in uniform for the last 7 years. My style is generally scruffy but I’m happy to change that!
It’s school based, but not teaching. Needs to be smart but not too smart. I can’t wear heels and have the most terrible feet, so footwear is probably the most difficult part.
I’m medium height and size 10. Small of boob. Short wavy (messy) hair.
Thank you.

Good luck!

I'd really recommend spending a few hours on Pinterest, type in things like work outfits, smart casual outfits etc and save the ones you like, from that you should be able to come up with a shopping list.

Find the best shoes first then sort out a uniform capsule mix and match 3 to 5 outfits. Shoes are the hardest and most important part so start there. Klarna and Amazon prime wardrobe let you try before you buy.

I definitely agree about starting with footwear- would you wear ankle boots or loafers with a flat form?

Both shoe styles would work with a -

skinny trouser or smart black/navy/charcoal skinny jean
Knee length stretch pencil skirt
Knee length patterned flippy skirt
I’m going with knee length skirts as I think shorter or longer are harder to wear for work.
Culottes - a width to suit you
Crop trousers - Zara do a great one every year with a discreet elastic back waist
I also like a smart fabric uncuffed jogger

Tops-

Wallis/ASOS/Mint Velvet/Zarado a good selection of longish (tummy covering) but tuckable, no ironing required, tops with a little sleeve, plain or patterned In that polyester viscose mix fabric.
Thick strapped camisoles to wear under jackets and cardigans.
Longish shirts - wear tucked in to skirts/crops/culottes and untucked over skinny trews or jeans

Outerwear-

Long calf length cardigan
Short swingy cardigan
Blazer
Leather jacket
Faux suede biker jacket

I think all of the above are interchangeable and will make dressing in the mornings fairly easy. In the winter add in jumpers and knitted dresses with tights. Good luck, I hope you get the job.

Have a think about what body shape you are and what suits that shape. If you're not sure, there is lots of advice online.

I tend to suit clothes that cinch in at the waist and then flare out. So my work wardrobe consists of lots of skater-style dresses, and short sleeved tops paired with A-line skirts. Add in a few blazers and cardigans and it's basically a mix-and-match wardrobe. I always opt for shoes in black and nude, a mix of heels and flats.

Thanks for the advice.
I think I’ll try on some loafers to start and look for trousers and a top for if I get the interview. I have a good black blazer but would need to match the black carefully I guess.
I haven’t worn skirts or trousers and smart tops for years. Quite excited!

I have dreadful feet and work in a school, I find fitflop shoes comfortable. They often have good sales on and come up on brand alley fairly often. I have just bought a pair of Ecco shoes that have a small heel for when I need to be a bit smarter. I’m only 38 and miss the days when I could wear beautiful shoes but I had plantar fasciitis for 2.5 years and the pain was so horrendous I never want it to come back!!

I’m looking on Pinterest but still overwhelmed! Everyone is young and funky.

I’m liking the idea (for the interview I’m hoping to get!) of using my existing black blazer, with new loafers, slim trousers and blouse/ top. That would mean not too much to buy and if I don’t get it I haven’t wasted much.
I had HOC colours ‘done’ a few years ago and am a winter. Best colours are green and black, but white, hot pink and silver also good.