Where to buy work clothes

[blodynmelyn]

I'm starting a new job in the autumn, and am in serious need of some new work wear! I've been doing care work for the past two years and so my work clothes have been jeans and a t-shirt (most of which have ended up covered in holes and stains). My new job is in the NHS, patient facing but not 'hands on' like care work. I need to look smart and professional but not intimidating and unapproachable - a suit would be inappropriate. Where do I find clothes like this that are good quality but not too expensive, as I've been earning barely above minimum wage as a carer (hence the change of jobs).

I'm in my twenties, 5 foot 4 and a size 10-12 ish.

I would get yourself on ebay or similar.

I buy a lot of my workwear from there, for Primark prices you get barely worn clothes in natural fibres that look good and last.

If you've got a bit of time to browse and set up saved searches and so on you can get some real bargains.

Yes to the above, most of my ‘nice’ work clothes come from eBay. For smart but not too much, I always like 7/8 trousers or chinos, flat shoes and semi-casual tops. For warmer days culottes work well too.

I nhs worked my way up over the years now management but I still get most of my clothes from Supermarkets ie Asda/Tesco/Sainsbury or Next sale

If I have a consultation with a healthcare professional then I want to be able to focus on what they’re saying rather than what they’re wearing. So I’d advise simple neat dressing, eg blouse and smart trousers, and as pp have mentioned you can buy good quality clothing for very little on eBay, eg try searching for silk shirts. I have found Boden to be good for smart but machine washable trousers eg www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/richmond-7-8-trousers-navy/sty-t0114-nav Not cheap if paying full price but if you find that you like them then you will find them in multitudes on eBay

Supermarkets

Asda and sainsburys are good for basics

Dresses are easy. Not as formal as a suit but very smart.

Hobbs do good sales

Definitely Next.

H&M do a lot of nice work wear.

I'm senior management in the NHS. I'd say casual knee length dresses are your best bet. You'll look smart but not overly formal. Sainsbury's might be a good bet if your budget is low, not expensive but wash well, just buy the same number as days you work!

Thanks everyone

Asos, mango & new look

Matalan have great midi dresses which would be smart enough for work, and wash really well. I have 2 and they always get loads of compliments

Try Vinted as well as Ebay once you know which brands suit you. I buy most of my clothes from there now e.g. I recently got a £240 Kooples dress, worn once, for £25.

Get a blue light card if you work for the NHS and you can get 25% off at Boden with discounts in other stores too. Goodluck with your new job