Business dressing - size 20 - help please!!!!!!

[JinglePies]

Help! Blind panic. Am normally a size 10-12. Lockdown plus being unwell has made me BLOOM and I’m a size 20. I’m not tall. It’s a nightmare.

I have to go to an actual work conference and it’s really important I look smart. I’m a lawyer but been on maternity leave.

NO IDEA WHAT TO WEAR and it’s not helped by it being summer and probably quite warm on the days I have to be with other people.

Please tell me what to wear? Links welcome.

Did I mention that I’m in a blind panic?!?!?

When is the conference, you mention summer? Is it possible you could lose a few pounds by then if that's what you want to do? Not suggesting that you should but just that if you were eg a size 16 rather than 20 you would then have more options available to you?

Next Petite section goes up to an 18 and I'm not sure maybe a 20? I'm an 18 in there. They always have good basics, like a good suit. They had soke nice dresses I saw in there the other day. If you can't get it in petite, you could get it altered if you have time.

M&S have lots lovely dresses at the moment up to size 22- a wrap style with blazer or fitted cardigan over the top (think Nigella) would be smart but summery?

I think this was it. It wasn't too long on me and I'm 5'2" so could easily be altered it not available in petite.

www.next.co.uk/style/st494243/279574#279574

Thanks all. Can lose some weight but will be a fat size 18 at best!
Flowerclock - thank you for the link. I think it will just look so dumpy on me as I am now.

I used to wear tailored trousers, skirt and a blouse/shirt. Easy! Now... I’m at a loss!!

Will look at M&S too...

Here is a link to M&S for Blazers in a size 20:
www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/coats-and-jackets/fs5/blazer?filter=Size%3D20&originalPrice=20%2C300

For blouses in a size 20:
www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/tops/shirts-and-blouses?filter=Size%3D20&originalPrice=15%2C150

For trousers in a size 20:
www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/trousers?filter=Size%3D20&originalPrice=5%2C210

You may find a dress and blazer better than blouse & trousers:
www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/dresses/fs5/work?filter=Size%3D20&originalPrice=15%2C260

I'd go for something like this for footwear:
www.marksandspencer.com/wide-fit-canvas-wedge-espadrilles/p/clp60495952?color=SAND
or
www.marksandspencer.com/buckle-strappy-wedge-espadrilles/p/clp60449781?color=GOLD#intid=prodColourId-60449781

What shape are you op? I'm sure you could still wear trousers and shirts. If you're more bottom heavy, then maybe wide leg trousers with a shirt. Or if you're more apple shape, then maybe slim fit trousers or ankle grazers if that isn't too casual.

I think wear what you're comfortable in, just in shapes which suit your new shape and size.

Btw, I also piled on weight a little after having my last baby three years ago, (breastfeeding a very hungry baby kept my weight down and then as soon as I stopped the weight came piling on), and then during lockdown(s) too. I've really had to have a word with myself and have battled my way back to a 16, but it can be really tough and stress, lack of sleep etc make it harder. It's important to dress in a way which helps your confidence in the meantime, as it will help you get to the right place emotionally to lose weight if you want to.

I would get some nice midi dresses and blazers - a dress is a lot more forgiving than separates. My default formal work outfit is a black jersey midi dress then a blazer or Chanel type jacket over it

You need a dress of some kind. I'd suggest jersey fabric. Try not to panic! The pandemic has messed up everyone's work wardrobes anyway and you've been on mat leave.

Something like this?
www.landsend.co.uk/s/LandsEndUK/Womens_Twist_Front_Fit_Flare_Wrap_Dress/pp/5528765.html?_cclid=Google_CjwKCAjw47eFBhA9EiwAy8kzNA3dMDwpg_3wn-6ke3rcCqHkrqUUq0SELXMCqi-FGFTMtJkOJRlnZxoCz5oQAvD_BwE&cm_mmc=search_g_pla_12816854159_m_51950020W9H&gclid=CjwKCAjw47eFBhA9EiwAy8kzNA3dMDwpg_3wn-6ke3rcCqHkrqUUq0SELXMCqi-FGFTMtJkOJRlnZxoCz5oQAvD_BwE

Simply be have some really lovely business type stuff in at the moment. Definitely worth a look!

This teamed with a black blazer would be lovely.

I would stay away from wide leg trousers, ime they just make you look bigger. I went from a 16 up to a 26 and now back down to a 14 so I like to think I have a decent idea of what flatters each size now!

Marina Rinaldi?

Dress Obviously they have shirts and trousers too!

Is the problem that you don't want to have to spend too much if you're hoping / planning to lose weight soon?

That Marina dress is ace if the budget could go that far. Team with some black heels, a nice bag and a decent blazer, you'd be on fire OP.

For a one-off on a hot day I’d get a dress and a cropped jacket. More forgiving than trousers, if you get something nice you’ll be able to make use of it out of work and probably cheaper - what’s your budget?

Thank you all. I’m reading everything and clicking every link!

My shape is... sort of apple but with fat legs and arms. I’m normally a bit more of a pear shape when I’m my normal slimmer size.

Shirt and trousers and jacket is fine. Dress and jacket combo work well too. Is evans still about, lost track, they used to have smart larger clothes

And yes, would love to get away without spending too much but also I do need something I’ll feel ok in.

Boden have a few jersey dresses which if you ignore prints come in dark navy or black - one of those with a blazer over it

At least with Boden you could order more than one size , there will be a discount code floating around & usually free returns

Okay. You don't say if you're obliged to wear dark colours or not - perhaps conferences offer more flexibility.

Here's a dark dress from Toast that may or may not work on a hot day, depending on how the fabric acts in practice. Not sure if this is a shape you'd countenance, but I'll carry on looking.

(Getting dressed was pretty much the most fun part of my former life in the Law!)

A simple belted dress: www.navabi.co.uk/product/belted-jersey-dress-64412/#color_76_4

Shirt dress www.navabi.co.uk/product/shirt-dress-64132/#color_76_4

Another dress: www.navabi.co.uk/product/spotted-dress-64411/#color_76_91

This one might be better - and cheaper.

And this one would need a jacket.

@MayIDestroyYou or a cashmere cardigan!

Mmm ... Have to say my sartorial aim, in my previous profession, was to be quite intimidatingly smart - so cardigans didn't really happen. But you may prefer a more approachable look!

I would advise trying the John Lewis website. They have a huge range of brands and you can go to Dresses and then filter by size, length, neckline, pattern, colour, sleeve length, occasion (I’d suggest Smart and Work) and it will give you a zillion options to scroll through very quickly to get your eye in.