Work dress recommendations please! Fat and poor 😁

[Fubitch]

I'm struggling with autumn/winter work dresses. I'm mid 40s, size 14/16 and a tall pear, although at the minute I'm big everywhere. My budget is relatively small. I love the dresses and black tights combo. Not an overly smart office, but I do want to feel like I've made an effort. Can anyone please help? I've just been to Matalan and that was dismal.

Can you keep it dark swing style dress with differing colour tights and different necklaces (not long enough to clunk on the desk or get caught in anything) and earrings, colourful hair bands - I’d concentrate on different accessories maybe from charity shops ( only clip on earrings if charity shop) they have some interesting bits under their counters. I like plain cheap scarfs too with broaches etc bringing transferable sparkle and colour they can put holes in dresses etc. Waistcoats over a plain dress too also charity shop, you can get some lovely stuff just let your imagination go and embrace your shape

Second to charity shop finds. £30 dress for £2 yes please 🙂

New look has some good work style dresses that aren’t too expensive.
I also got a load in the debenhams sale before it closed down. - may be able to search ebay for some.

H&M do some great dresses and I find are good for pear shapes (am size 12-14 age 51) example

I've never done charity shops. Perhaps I need to start. I just feel overwhelmed with all the stuff (and the smell).

I really like the h&m dress.

We don't have a New Look here and I like to see things in the flesh but will have a look online.

Thanks for the suggestions, they really help.

Next have some good dresses in at the moment too

I’ve just ordered a few off eBay. If search next dresses and your size there’s some really lovely ones come up for much cheaper. I’ve paid £10-£15 per dress. I hate everything in my wardrobe right now. Nothing looks right after working at home for so long in lounge /comfy clothing.

@OxanaVorontsova

Next have some good dresses in at the moment too

This isnt really a work dress imo.

It's new look all the way! I have work dresses (non jersey) I've had for years from there. They used to do a lovely high waist print dress in loads of colours that suits a pear - will see if there's any online

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz I'd wear it to work, but you needn't

This kind of thing www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-floral-long-sleeve-mini-dress/p/805782309

Mango this is lovely

Tu have brilliant stuff in

Loads more at Mango red and black

@Quitelikeacatslife Tu are fab for work clothes

@OxanaVorontsova

Next have some good dresses in at the moment too

That's not a work dress though is it?

(I'm old fashioned)

I'm a short size 16, wrap dresses look best on me, you can get for day or evening, I tend to wear plain jersey wrap dresses, with black tights and boots in winter, lighter wrap dresses with pumps/sandals in summer for work

Some people do wear flowery dresses to work

Look on eBay. Search dresses size 14/16. I've bought lots for school, Joules, white Stuff etc. Never pay more than £15 incl postage. I add "with pockets" to my search as I love pockets!

Roman have some suprisingly nice stuff if you get past the mother of the bride and some frumpy stuff, some of my favorite things have come from there and they are quite good quality but not mega expensive

Have you thought about leggings and long shirts or shift dresses, wear with chunky ankle boots, calf length boots or dress up with a shoe.
Primark have some really nice long shirts and shift dresses, I find if I wear leggings I can get away with shirts or dresses above the knee rather than a longer more conservative length. Also primark goes up to a size 22, plus you can dress up outfits with primark jewelry.

@Leibham

Some people do wear flowery dresses to work

It's not so much that its floral, its the style/shape plus the floral.

I find Monki shirt dresses go well with a belt and tights or leggings. Plus they’re generous / oversized so still fit if I go up and down in size

Have a look at Wallis as well. Although they are only online they have loads of reasonably priced dresses that would be great for work with black tights.

Sorry, I forgot to come back on and say thank you. I've been busy googling and have ordered some stuff from dp in the sale. I'm planning on going shopping on Thursday.