I don’t know what to wear for work

[Anothernamebitesthedust]

Please help. I’ve lost my way a bit. And when I went shopping recently it was all floral floaty stuff which I just don’t feel is me.

I am 5.5, size 14ish and curvy - boobs and bum, bit of a mum tum but I do have a waist. Decent legs, revolting arms.

I’ve always gone for a fairly fitted dresses, ideally a bit above the knee, with opaque tights and proper heels. Not exactly cutting edge but flattering for me, legs definitely best bit. Always statement jewellery and make up.

Starting to get back in the office post-lockdown and I’m lost. I can’t find these dresses that always worked for me - where are they? It’s either horrible, dull shift dresses or these floaty things, often with a tie at the waist which isn’t great on me.

Where should I go? What should I buy? Please help! I’ve not long got a new job and keen to impress.

Fwiw I am senior professional. Attire is smart but doesn’t require a suit/ a bit of personality ok. I usually like Whistles, Jigsaw, Hobbs (though can be dull and dated)...that sort of thing.

Ideas of styles to try and brands to look out for please!

I love The Fold! Their pieces are well made and have really interesting tailoring. Every time I’ve worn an item of clothing from them I have received compliments .

I have the same question OP. There must be more options out there surely?

Winser London might work for you. The Fold is great but expensive

It's tricky. I've ended up buying some silk shirt dresses, which do the job. Still wearing heels (wedges now as I've forgotten how to walk).

I'm tempted by this dress but not sure about the zip.

Have you looked at Damsel in a Dress?

I had seen a few Winser London things actually but only online, will look further. Off to look at The Fold now. Thsnks!

Keep them coming. I’d love links.

I like that dress nowlook though that length isn’t great for me. Nice though.

I like this vilagallo brand for summer. Toned down with a plain linen blazer or similar.

Alex Black for shirt dresses (more for Friday's, obvs)

As well as dresses I tended to wear plain black or navy trousers (7/8th length - I’m not sure if they’ll still be in style when we finally get back to the office though!) with a bright shirt on top - either patterned (Mercy Delta has some lovely ones, or the Fold) or plain block colours (Cefinn is good for this). You can then swap between heels or flat shoes as you prefer.

mercydelta.com/collections/silk-shirts
www.cefinn.com/collections/blouses-shirts

I don't have specific clothing recommendations, but I love Holly Willoughby style on This Morning. It's that smart/casual/very pulled together chic look. She posts pictures of her outfits each morning on instagram and tags the brands. She is on the very slim side, but the styles she goes for I think are very transferable to all body types.

Senior professional and showing your legs don’t always go together in my book!

I would try and embrace pleated skirts and shirts. Classic and easy to wear. Below the knees. Also shirt dresses are good. I think M&S actually have a decent range of dresses right now. You could also look at Ganni if you are prepared to spend money. I also think The Telegraph style pages always gave great suggestions. I like trousers and a blazer. They must be modern cut and this year the trousers can be wide. Dresses can be ditched in favour of slightly more casual work dressing.

These are M&S and are great in my view.

John Lewis (website) is probably a good place to find new brands

Have spent ages pouring over John Lewis website but everything is the floaty stuff - just not me.

percy only an acceptable amount of leg, don’t go in for miniskirts in the office here 😂

Ha, yes I see quite a lot of what counts up under the 'Work' filter is pretty floaty.
Fenn Wright Manson, Reiss, Winser look at the smarter end.

I’ve also seen some good items by Iris & Ink on The Outnet. A mix between more structured and softer suiting pieces and some nice dresses. They often go on sale as well so it’s worth signing up for emails if you like anything!

I’m struggling at the moment too. I’m a different size/shape to you but the whole massive floaty patterned dress isn’t me either. I like plain fitted clothes....