Help an out of touch old bird

[Landedmydreamjob]

Hi I’m hoping you can help me.

I went back to uni to get a qualification and straight out of uni I’ve landed my dream job. My salary has increased massively. (Almost a 5x increase) I’m wfh but there will be some office days starting soon ish I expect.

I’ve bought some new clothes out of Marks and Sparks which was always expensive to me before but I want to properly treat myself. I’ve done my house up and booked a holiday and now I want to spend on me.

I want a designer bag - something classic and leather and good enough to be noticeable but not in your face. Up to maybe £1000-ish.

I want a nice coat - some sort of work appropriate thing - I have no idea what’s fashionable!

I’m buying a warm puffa for the winter. 😁

I’ve invested in some shoes (hotter and wide fit sketchers I have foot issues)

Where does one go for even just one bloody nice outfit when one is not even 40-something anymore and a short apple with boobs? I need a sharp suit and blouse/top in a corporate colour but I want it to look absolutely spot on.

Be warned. I’ve lived on the clippings of a tin while at uni and put my kids first. I’m not joking when I say Marks and Sparks is upper level for me. I’ve lived in Asda leggings and charity shop kit for years and years.

Help please!!

Forgot.

I’m a 5ft1 size 16

If your budget for a suit is M&S then I really wouldn't bother blowing £1k on a handbag. There are plenty of great options around the £200-£300 mark, add more to your clothing budget. Try and wait for a sale maybe or browse The outnet bag section online to get a feel for what you like.

In terms of a nice suit, are you sure that's what you want? Separates can be just as smart and far more versatile and with a bit of clever buying a capsule work wardrobe will get you a lot more wear and versatility.

If you're in reach of a John Lewis then I'd book a Personal Stylist session, even if you don't buy anything it might help you to understand what suits you better.

Alternatively you could try the online equivalent like stitchfix.co.uk and see if they can help you get some key items

Ah I wasn’t clear. My budget is now £££ because of the new job 😁 and I don’t know where to go or even what’s in fashion.

Or better than £££ more ££££

Thank you was actually just looking at stitch fix after seeing it here.

What about a Phase eight dress and matching suit jacket? Much more flattering than a suit

Ooh right, ok.... Have you tried Boden, Hobbs, Banana Republic, Reiss, J Crew and Everlane.

• i just want to say well bloody done!!!

ive been you - M&S was aspiring. just to say - no matter how much cash you have, m&s is great, no one gives a shit about your bag. get designer shit off ebay if you really want it. if you are middleclass aspiring - i guess you want to look at boden, joules, hobbs, phase eight, reiss, whistles. i'd go a size up as these posh fuckers tend to size down to make you feel shit :) proper posh people dont spent money - remember that.

And Paul Smith for the ultimate suit. I've not tried them on (m&s budget here) but they're absolutely stunning and some great colours if you wan to add some personality

No clue about the clothes OP but just wanted to say congratulations and well done!😀

Please, what is your nee job? I'm so thrilled for you to have gone back to uni and secured a great job at an more mature age!
Shop:
me&em (they come up quite feverish in size.
Massimo Dutti (Zara's grown up and good quality big sister)

I wouldn’t get a suit as such. Some smart trousers & skirts, a dress or two in neutral colours & a flattering jacket n a colour that suits you to go over them all.
As you have the cash now but are unsure of what suits you, Id highly recommend going to a House of Colour consultant to book both a colour & a style session to get really good guidance on what will suit both your colouring & your style & body shape. Best money I ever spent.
I too won’t see 40+ again & lots of shops cater mostly for younger women,they forget that lots of the spending power is in the older generation, their loss.

Forget totally obvious “work” brands like Hobbs and Phase 8. There’s way more fun to be had.

You are quite short so can you wear heels? If not high heels, go for medium heels that are comfortable. Then look at brands like &OtherStories and Arket. They are part of H&M but classier than the standard offering. Look at trouser suits. Look at skirts with shirts and belts. No need for jackets with a skirt. Dresses are everywhere at M&S and the Ghost ones are very good. Avoid the black/grey uniform look. If you need to look ready for business and need to impress, Winser and Fold are expensive but flattering.

For winter coats, get a classic. Look for mark downs on brands like Joseph, Max Mara diffusion lines. Look for single breasted and classic. Or a wrap coat. They last very well. Ideally below the knee and camel is eternally smart. Make sure it’s mostly wool.

Zara usually do well priced puffa jackets. Massimo Dutti are part of Zara and their clothes are exceptional. Really stylish.

Bag: I wouldn’t spend £1000. I would get a work bag and a day bag. APC, Cochinelle and Russell and Bromley are mid priced. Have fun looking!

Hello fellow short person! Petite and smart is actually hard. The upper end of the high street doesn't really cater for the short of leg.

Hobbs petite range is good and smart for work.

Boden petite also good, not that much in way of suits, but smart dresses and tops.

Bloody well done OP!

Hope you have the best time choosing clothes you love x

I think I'd invest in a personal trainer and go to John Lewis and have a good long session with a personal shopper. You could be transformed!

And huge congratulations on the new job. I'd love to know what you used to do and what you do now.

I'd say cut out the trial and error torture and go straight for a stylist.

I'd second the John Lewis stylist. But you're much better finding an independent person.

Money doesn't equal style. So spend money on getting your style right as well as on the look.

Get a make up lesson and an expensive haircut to complete the whole look. Get good skincare. Again go and see a professional.

The bag you but might just be a Zara or Aspinal but it's how you put it all together that will make you look expensive.

And enjoy!

Whistles, Joseph, hobbs, the fold, reiss,

Ooh, great fun!! Try to enjoy it all.

I'm a 52 yo, shortie, more of a melon with boobs! I HATE clothes shopping. At some stage I'm going to need more than leggings & oversized t shirts 😩

I need a career change too - what's your new job?

I think in your situation it's best to invest in getting someone to style you/ help you shop, rather than make expensive mistakes.
The whole capsule wardrobe concept is a great one. Some separates in a classic style that suits you, in a neutral shade, and some more fashionable less expensive items to add interest.
Less is more jewellery, and a bag that favours practicality over brand.

Huge congratulations!
I know Boden gets a bit of a bad rap here but I swear by Boden, have done for years (short dumpy pear shape.) Quick easy ordering free delivery&returns, try on loads of stuff at home and you get some gorgeous dresses and jackets, which as others have said are perhaps more flattering than a traditional skirt suit.
I'd honestly not spend £1k on a bag. The really fabulous Chanels are upwards of £3/4k now and I personally think Prada, Gucci and LV are a bit overdone now. Aspinall or Mulberry are great quality, classy brands and definitely worth a look.
Don't forget some good underwear!
I agree with others to suggest you spend some money on pampering yourself.
Enjoy, you deserve your good fortune x

Capsule wardrobe is a great idea.

I’ve had a great haircut and colour and I’ve sorted my make up out. I need to hit Mac etc for eyeshadows but I’ve got a good foundation and base. And primers and all the skincare 😁. I give that 6 weeks before I get fed up with it it. 😂

I’m noting down all these brands.

I used to be a standard clerical assistant on min wage and now I’m a consultant in an area related to what I did at uni.

Thankfully lockdown means everything is online for now so I’ve time to shop.

I do think the answer is a personal stylist to get me to try on stuff I wouldn’t usually. But that means actually going shopping (which I hate). John Lewis would be a good shout mind you because they have lots of brands.

Sorry, Aspinal, stupid auto correct!

@AlmostSummer21 that’s me too I absolutely loathe and detest shopping and I live in soft jersey wide leg trousers and long tops 😂