Workwear - if I like Reiss...

[MrsA2017]

I’ve just started a new job that involves frequent client meetings. I don’t go into an office as I am home based but when I go out to clients I need to look smart.

I’m 28 and “into fashion” so I don’t want to always be in a suit. Any suggestions for stores similar to Reiss? I like a nice shirt dress and I’m particularly into colours like navy, burgundy, bottle green, grey. I look like a Victorian child with flu if I wear black.

Help!

Anyone?

I also meant to say I’m looking for at least semi good quality fabrics, ideally stuff that is long lasting and looks well made but isn’t dry clean only levels of quality!

Bumping for you.

What's your budget?

Is this because you want an 'in addition to' rather than 'instead of' because IMO Reiss is a quality brand.

mango, zara, sometimes h&m

Try The Fold, London. Cath Kidston believe it or not occasionally has shirt dresses if that’s your thing in more sober colours than floral pattern usual offering.
The Fold’s a bit expensive for me for regular purchases but I’d buy from there all the time if I could afford it. Otherwise it’s getting increasingly difficult as retailers fold or move into the polyester recycled nylony type fabrics without reducing price from what they used to charge for natural fabrics!

I've had nice work dresses from Urban Outfitters and All Saints in the past. Currently neglected in my wardrobe as I wfh in jeans and hoodie!

Mint velvet.
The fold.
Oliver bonas
Hugo boss

Hobbs is a work favourite for me. Usually in the sale or off eBay.

I'm coming to the end of my working life so it's a year or so since I've spent much on workwear but, in your shoes, I'd probably go for a mix of Zara for the fashiony stuff with somewhere like Massimo Dutti or Arket or (if it's to your taste) Cos for a bit of gravitas and more consistent (though not top drawer) quality.

If you can afford it, I've found Me and Em good for quality but modern workwear, although I've not bought anything recently.

Likewise Baukjen.

I've also found that Zara can do surprisingly good tailoring.

Wraplondon

I used to have a lot of client meeting and worked in an office. Also 27. I used to have a lot of trendy blouses/ tops from ted baker. Paired with a pencil skirt or black pants x

@LizzieMacQueen Thanks for the bump!

As well as Reiss. It seems quite difficult to find work dresses particularly. Everything seems either short and tight, or frumpy!

@reducingfootprint thanks for the suggestions everyone, I’m avoiding Zara because I’ve ordered so many things that have turned out to be not what I thought or that don’t fit well 👎🏻

I can’t wait to be able to try on in shops again (if we ever can)

Great suggestions everyone though, I appreciate it

I love Reiss and also shop in Whistles and AllSaints.

I buy a lot from Reiss; would recommend Massimo Dutti too. I love the look of some All Saints but tend to find it's too muddy/ dark grey/ black so its not suitable for my colouring.
John Lewis is worth an online browse too.

Look at Libby London and some of Winser London too. The Fold does really good sales, I’ve never paid full price.

Have a look at Gant. These 2 are from their newest arrivals.

Massimo dutti has some nice things that could be worn to work.

Hobbs, Jigsaw and whistles!
Also, sometimes John Lewis carry some relatively unknowns that are amazing quality

Nothing to add, have the same problem so just placemarking.

I'd add Finery to your list too OP.

Whistles definitely. I got a great shirt dress there in the sale and it’s amazing quality and get lots of compliments. Finery can be good, but watch out as they use a lot of polyester rather than quality fabrics. John Lewis can have some gems. Hobbs can be prone to frumpy-ness but again I have some great pieces from there. And jigsaw - love it and often have sales on, will be sad to see them go.

Hi @MrsA2017 I also have a smart clothes job though I am ahem a little older than you. Reiss is undeniably the best, Bicester Village outlet is great for reductions if you are ever in the area, as you are 28 you are prob at a wedding in the Cotswolds every weekend! Other places to try are The White Company and Winser London. Good luck!

Is Jigsaw closing? I just bought my first item from there.

Also suggest Whistles. Got a gorgeous shirt dress from there.

I love Reiss and I also shop at

Whistles
Jaeger
Massimo Dutti
Whistles
Jigsaw
Hobbs

Hi Everyone!

Thank you so much for all the replies and ideas, I’ll be spending this weekend online shopping I think

I’m determined that I’m only going to buy items that I LOVE though, which are generally few and far between

I’m not a fan of fast fashion, but sometimes it is hard to distinguish between not-fast-fashion and fast-fashion-with-a-bigger-Mark-up