Plus size work wardrobe. Help!

[MeredithMae]

Hi S&B,

My last job was in a SEN school, with a very casual dress code, trainers fine etc. I lived (live) in leggings and long tops. I'm a size 22-24. However my next job will be in a mainstream school so a smarter wardrobe is needed.

I'm thinking trousers and smartish tops- I'm so big I haven't worn trousers for years and I'd need cotton ones to avoid dreaded thrush. I also have a full arm of tattoos which I think would need covering, so I'm looking for long sleeve things really.

Any suggestions? I want to be comfy, I get SO hot all the time which I hate, but this feels like far out of my comfort zone. Thanks.

Dresses? Loads of options, and can wear with nice tights?

Primary or secondary? I think there's quite a difference in dress between the two

What sort of shape are you please? And YY, is it early years where you'll be on the floor helping children, or secondary where you're going to be standing or sitting on a chair most of the time? If it's the latter, I'd go with dresses, unless you aren't comfortable in them.

I am bigger than you and buy a lot of my clothes from Seasalt. They have dresses and trouser/tunic options (you also get a discount if you work in education!). Lots of natural fabrics.

Just stay clear from some of the more colourful flowery options!

@BadlydoneHelen

Primary or secondary? I think there's quite a difference in dress between the two

Primary. But SLT. Non-teaching role.

I have enormous calves due to lipodema. So I'd feel very self conscious in tights, I do wear dresses normally but with leggings.

I would say dress with leggings would be fine in primary- the only person in my school who wears traditional workwear is the school secretary. Everyone else is fairly casual- the smartest I would see might be a blazer and trousers with loafers/ brogues

bumping :)

Simply Be capsule range is good for basics without spending too much. If you’re after tights snag are great - divided opinion on here but if you aren’t a ‘standard’ shape they are great.

I think you could still wear leggings and long tops but replace trainers with smart ankle boots or loafers.
I buy a lot of harem trousers when I want something comfortable but not leggings. Morrisons do ones which aren't too baggy. They aren't expensive, so I replace them when they get a bit worn looking. If you wanted more expensive ones I've seen Hush harem trousers recommended on here.
You could get a blazer for when you need to be a bit smarter and that would work with existing wardrobe.

I'd never really considered Simply Be before, but I've ordered some blazers and shirts to try. Didn't like any trousers though. Hopefully leggings with a long shirt will be ok with a blazer.

Popsy have a range of dresses especially for primary teachers which are cute, they also do footless tights (thick enough to be almost like leggings) to go with them.

You can get away with leggins ancle boot and a tunic top or dress.
Just slightly smarten up what you currently wear. You want to be comfortable and be yourself. Good luck op.

What about something like these trousers? I'm a teacher (secondary / sixth form) and I wear the black ones. They look like trousers rather than jeans and go nice with a smart top.

I have been browsing at M&S and found this: https://www.marksandspencer.com/sateen-roma-rise-straight-leg-jeans/p/clp22494516?intid=mobileappppdpshare

@BeginningBridge, Seasalt gives a discount to people working in education? How did I not know this! Do you have to have their parcels delivered to school?

I'm similar size and thick calves work in school. I like jersey dresses such as Boden or white stuff. I do wear with tights (snag are game changers) but might do leggings in winter but I'd wear a wedge sandal or block heeled slingback to smarten it up a bit. Got great ruched sleeve blazer from Tu, comfy enough to sit in. Also do wear trousers and nice blouse. Thin long cardigans can look smart over jersey dress, also chunky jewelry.

[quote Mathscourses]@BeginningBridge, Seasalt gives a discount to people working in education? How did I not know this! Do you have to have their parcels delivered to school?[/quote]
You get a discount code by signing up on the website https://www.discountsforteachers.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItsGWlfSq8gIVFu3tCh3kjw9EAAYASAAEgIO8fDD_BwE.
No need for parcels to be delivered to school ( thankfully - I have made good use of this discount since I discovered it about 6 months ago). Discounts vary - currently 25% off full price items but has been 35% and for a short while 50%!

Thanks everyone.

@WeeFae the Popsy website is right up my street, the dresses are very 'me' but I think at a 22 they probably wont fit. I've ordered two dresses and some footless tights to try though, so fingers crossed they're a generous fit.

They are generous I find, I wore a 22 when I was a size 24.

I'm a similar size and find that jersey trousers are good (can look smart but still have some "give" in them).

Also some plain long sleeve jersey tops - I really like the next active wear tops, definitely don't get too hot wearing them.

If you wear a jacket over then I think this looks as smart as you need to.

I get trousers from Curtis's. Find I have to sometimes buy a size bigger, but they're really comfy! Also sainsburies for tops and next too. I'm a similar size and mainly shop in these!

How have I never heard of poppy? I love their dresses , browsing away now!

Thank you for that link, @BeginningBridge