i need help i have to have a whole new work wardrobe for a new job

[ska]

and i have to have SUITS!!! Last wore a suit 6 years ago and have slobbed around since. So I have no style direction at all, don't understand the 'new' shapes - can I wear smart trousers with good 'cardigan' type things and as i have a small budget until i actually start the flipping thing - what do you recommend? I am 5'1 and fairly slim (not curvy). i think i need a few basics and then can add to it as i have money but i feel i can't go in looking like apor relation. btw, I have worn the SAME pair of jeans every day since 1 October (washing them in the night)so I really do need some help.

bump! please?!

what's the job?
and the budget?
bluechip city firm different to meeja etc
if dress code says suits it means suits and cardies will not do
if it says business formal or similar you have more leeway

maybe get one suit with both a skirt and trous to start with?

working in a management consultancy as a consultant. they commented on my (old) suit at interview (not ery approppriate - you need to be very smart for clients) so i need suits for most days i think, some office based days i can do something a little less formal. my budget is small - i was thinking jigsaw? love hobbs (well, used to!) and tried m&s but failed miserably - think i need focus!!

Jigsaw might be a bit boho, but Hobbs a very good idea, also Austin Reed and Reiss. Zara also a possibility but you will need the trousers taking up.

Anniemac is very good on suits, I never wear them so am not too great.

I am 5' 2" and would like to recommend Wallis petite range.
If you took the jacket, skirt and trousers, then that makes 2 suits :
www.wallis-fashion.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=20551&storeId=12557&categ oryId=45263&parentcategoryrn=45258&langId=-1&top=Y
Is this the kind of thing you were thinking of ?

Hobbs very good, agree. I am similar size to you, and like Whistles suits - I do have to take up the trousers, but find the proportions of the jackets work well. Similar price to Hobbs at full whack, but often good reductions in the sales. Also try Sticky Fingers - you can find them in dept stores.

If you're really skint, try ebay - loads of size 10 petite suits on there. I buy lots of my work clothes on ebay!

I wear petite trousers but regular sized jackets/shirts with my suits.

If you were thinking of jigsaw, then I reckon your budget is bigger than small .

I have a Next wool blend suit (lined otherwise I find it too itchy!) (limited petite range but suits v smart and good value for the price, also some lovely work shirts - I actually find their petite trousers quite long on me ) and 2 M&S suits which are by far and away the most comfortable and I think look the smartest.

Then a few other work pieces that I fit together (so not entirely formal suits but still smart enough) picked up from all over the place - John Lewis, La Redoute, Sainsburys even.

I find Reiss's trousers an odd fit so have never got a suit from them but it's worth going in because they have a good range.

I think, if you are on a budget, the key is to keep your eye open for bargains. I try and only choose good materials and I think that can really make a difference.

Although I hardly ever wear dresses now, I do think it's worth getting one gorgeous black/charcoal jacket.

You can wear it with a dress on days where you don't want to look all suited up and it can still be used as part of a trouser/skirt suit on other days.

..and there are loads of sales at the moment. I noticed Austin Reed has one and also Charles Tyrwhitt. There's a gorgeous suit in CT that I've got half an eye on (if I think I can justify the cost of it!).

If you have a NEXT Clearance store near you get in there they always have loads. I am not petite but they do have a good selection I picked up three trouser suits with a skirt to match one of them and two soft cotton turtle neck long sleeve fitted tops for under them for £150. They also do cheapish shirts and lightweight woollen tops.

If you pick up a couple cheapish ones you could always at a later date buy posh ones to wear when seeing clients IYKWIM>

thanks this is good stuff.
i used to buy jigsaw suits and thought them very samrt and a bit more unusual than next. they are a bit expensive but i reckon they last well. never tried wallis so will go to store near me. LOVE charles tyritt, never heard of them before - have to work on the budget though even in the sale. i want to look ok with some mix and match stuff, maybe 2 suits and then 3 or 4 pieces to mix in. budget of £250 tops to include tops and shoes. my coat will have to do for now. will ask for money for xmas.

(if you are used to Jigsaw do not bother with Next)

Principles do lovely suits and have a petite range too.

If £250 is your budget, and you need a number(?) of outfits, I think highstreet - next, wallis, principals are more like what you can afford, rather than the lovely designer and boutiquey ones mentioned. I would never buy anything other than Hobbs and Charles Tyritt, if I had the money.

Next do a capsule working wardrobe in their catalogue.

Bit boring, but might start you off. I think it comes in about £250, but not sure

I used to be a management consultant, in another life...

Suit is probably best to begin with, and then you can see as you go whether you can branch out and be more feminine.

I'd go to Jigsaw, of all the shops listed. I bought a fantastic fine wool tunic top (very smart) there this season - I got it in beige, but you could buy black and some matching black trousers, and then buy a couple of cotton polo necks in different colours to go underneath. The tunic top is £119 I think, and the polo necks are £30, and you should be able to get some trousers for £70. So you could start off with that.

this is the smock top - also in plain black and plain beige

Thanks - love the smock top! Trouble is I have Hobbs taste and Next budget until I have been back at work for a few months! Plan was to spend £250 to set myself up with a few key pieces and then add in as and when I can afford it. On Friday I bought a plain pair of black trousers and 2 tops from M&S. Will get the matching jacket online - 2 oufits! And have my eye on a lovely smartish cardigan that I think would work for office based days. I am going to ask for money from inlaws for xmas and use that for sale suit from hobbs/jigsaw or even charles tyritt. my dh can't understand my worry - he wears the same thing day in day out but although I have confidence in my ability I still need to look the part. And after 6 years it's been a big break!

oh yes, does anyone know if bicester sells any of these brands?

Not sure. But go to Bicester anyway. God I love Bicester.