New super senior job - need wardrobe refresh - advice please!

[NicolaMarlowsMerlin]

Been browsing online to no good effect this morning.

Am 10 days away from starting a new, super senior job. For the last 18 months I have been working (in the office) in a range of largely dresses, mix of M&S, MeandEm, Finery, Jaeger, couple of more upmarket ones but less often. Mostly a subdued set of colours and patterns, although I’m not averse to colour. And then a few times a month a pair of black trousers with a pussy-bow neck and a jacket.

New job has a very smart dress code. Senior men at my level are in shirts and ties and have suit jacket ready to go when required. Feel I might be better off in range of more block-colour dresses that can have a jacket or scarf over them, or more trouser suits. Pattern doesn’t seem to convey the same authority!

Am suffering from not-helped-by-covid lack of fitness so currently an 18 on the bottom, 16 on top. I’d rather settle back at a 16/14 but will obv take rest of the year to get back there, and I want to express authority from day 1.

Also got a shoe problem in that have lived in trainers/brogues through the pandemic. Brogues prob ok in new job, trainers def not! But I can’t teeter around in kitten heels any more so some suggestions on conveying-authority shoes with a big of a heel but not pointy also welcome.

Have looked this morning at M&S, SilkFred, Net-a-porter, John Lewis, and just been super uninspired. Have previously got on well with Cos but it all looks super frumpy atm. And have a couple of great items from Marlene Birger but similarly looks like it’s gone a bit more outre and not sure I can carry it off with my more matronly shape now!

Any suggestions much appreciated, budget is not massively constrained but equally not 1000s.

Seconding Winser London, but frankly I’d have a consultation with a stylist or personal shopper if I were you. It will be worth it. They will know how to make you look smart, appropriate and current.

You might find Lizzie Edwards' book useful :

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/191261541X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_MD49XBVDY605XZVEG6FA?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Max Mara at John Lewis, also some Jigsaw stuff and Massimo Dutti. Monikagoestowork on Instagram might be worth a follow.

Get a decent hair cut and colour, then book a personal stylist. Brogues and loafers would be my go to. Don’t underestimate understated jewellery to help pull things together.

Zara or Mango usually has a good boucle jacket each season which you can throw on top of a shirt.

Thanks all - this is really helpful and encouraging. Haircut is good thanks to brill colourist/stylist I’ve seen for years (and they’ve managed to correct the crap home jobs I did during lockdown). Make up is ok but could do with a refresh so I’ll look at that Fenwicks link.

I used to wear Hobbs a lot but the lengths stopped working for me, I’ll have another look. Agree the slim trousers, shell top and jacket is a good combo.

Thanks again, you are all brilliant.

If you are in London the women's section of Ede and Ravenscroft is brilliant, on Chancery Lane. They have a good range of items which are conservative and perfect for senior women. I also recommend Me and Em for workwear.

Cefinn is pretty smart.

I think you could still find bits in Whistles, Jigsaw and Boden. Possibly LK Bennett dresses and shoes. (I always have found the Floret's the most comfortable). I agree there are more floaty dresses around these days. But maybe you can wear them with heels and a jacket. Baukjen used to do fitted dresses - don't know if they do still?

I don't really like Hobbs.

I'm slightly envious of you! I've changed sectors and we only dress down now. It's quite nice to dress up for work.

When I took a senior role in a conservative industry a couple of years ago I went and had a session with a personal shopper at Fenwicks (chosen as the service is free, they don’ have a minimum spend unlike Selfridges and I thought they had a better selection of work-appropriate clothes than other options). It was great, I bought several things from brands I’d not previously come across and they all became wardrobe workhorses. So, I’d definitely consider that as a starting option.

Have you considered Marina Rinaldi? It’s the Max Mara plus size line. It’s not cheap, but they also do some great classic pieces in high quality fabrics.

If you are planning on losing some weight and are looking at expensive clothes be sure to try to achieve a capsule wardrobe to begin with. I went on a real splurge earlier this year when I'd lost a stone, now I've lost another two some of the things I've got in the wardrobe are too big and will need to go on ebay soon, after just a few months. I find most higher heels uncomfortable but Ecco and Gabor usually have comfortable heels and if you are really pushing the boat out Chie Mihara are lovely.

Totally agree with the Cefinn suggestion (as well as the others). I would also say I have found a silk shirt and good accessories- earrings/watch and bag- plus lipstick if it's your thing- can make a huge difference to looking professional/finished. Good luck.

@ExConstance

If you are planning on losing some weight and are looking at expensive clothes be sure to try to achieve a capsule wardrobe to begin with. I went on a real splurge earlier this year when I'd lost a stone, now I've lost another two some of the things I've got in the wardrobe are too big and will need to go on ebay soon, after just a few months. I find most higher heels uncomfortable but Ecco and Gabor usually have comfortable heels and if you are really pushing the boat out Chie Mihara are lovely.

Can you not find a local dressmaker to take them in? They can do it with wedding dresses so sure they can sort other stuff?

Are you actually going to be in the office much?

Most of the city firms are still largely from home or only 2/3 days

I might look into getting them altered, I hadn't thought of that. I get strangely emotionally attached to some of my clothes so there are 2 or 3 dresses I'd like to carry on wearing.

I had a lot of clothes that I loved altered when I lost some weight, and it was very successful.

I second Ede & Ravenscroft on Chancery Lane. It's lovely and they are very helpful. Much of the workwear is black, as they cater to a lot of barristers, but they have a lot of other things too.

I also second a Fenwicks personal shopping session. I have got some lovely things over the years from Fenwick. I think you need to go upmarket

My trick is to always have clothes tailored; I quite often will size up, then see my seamstress who then fits my blazers, suits and dresses to my body.

It seems crazy to buy clothes then have them fitted, but it looks so polished.

And a great haircut with regular visits for trims and colour top ups.

Hi OP. I'm larger than you and in a senior corporate role.

My work wardrobe is always a struggle. It consists mainly of
Studio 8
Marina Rinaldi (bought only when on sale or from eBay)
M and s
Navabi
And some "jacket dresses" from dress barn in the US

I hear good things about a London store Beige Plus, but it's pricey

I have very wide feet and wear this type of heel from van dal

www.vandalshoes.com/all-shoes/wide-fitting-shoes/ophelia-black-croc.html

Personal shopper/stylist twice a year. Proper one who will get the right clothes in the right size for you and you spend an afternoon trying on.

@PersonaNonGarter

Personal shopper/stylist twice a year. Proper one who will get the right clothes in the right size for you and you spend an afternoon trying on.

But if you buy top end quality - it will see you through years. Rather than having to buying new batches of clothes twice a year.

Thanks for the further suggestions.
Re the ftf question, yes this workplace is mostly ftf although I can occasionally wfh.
Looking at Cefinn now!