Help, where do you more “mature” ladies buy your workwear from?

[BorsetshireBanality]

I’ve got an interview for a job, not having worked for quite a few years. My old work clothes don’t fit.

I used to buy work wear in places like M&S and Next.

Went to a big M&S hoping to find a suit (jacket/trousers rather than jacket skirt) and apparently they don’t do suits any more and you can even match the fabric type/ colours. Saw some nice green tapered trousers. The green jackets near by were a similar colour but had really crappy gathered sleeves and no button to keep the jacket closed and my fat tummy covered. Similar navy trousers but navy jackets don’t match in terms of colour or fabric. The M&S dresses look like Pam Ayres’ cast-offs from the 70s, nothing plain and unadorned. (I admit there was a Jaeger concession but I can’t afford £200 for a dress!)

Then swung by a big Next. Nothing there either but loads of jumpers!!

So where do you buy your workwear, if you want a Hobbs/Whistles look, but don’t have the ready cash to pay those prices?

Can’t match fabrics and colours so you have heavy fabric trousers and summer-weight jacket in a slightly different colour.

I’ve got some really nice wide leg trousers from M&S , blazers from H&M , shirts from Zara .

I’ll look at H&M & Zara tomorrow in town. No wide-leg trousers for me, I look silly in them!

www.lucyalice.co.uk/

Interview is Monday am , so too late to buy something online but maybe I’ll get something from Lucyalice if I get the job!

Where or what is your interview for and what do you mean by mature?

I agree suits are no longer de rigeur for interviews now more likely dress and non matching jacket or blazer and non- matching trousers or skirt. Blouse or top in plain or subtle print.

Loafers not heels too. I could buy and out for from any high street store or supermarket.

Seasalt is good and boden - but may not arrive in time.

I've just decided I can only cope with one shop and it's Jigsaw. Lurking the sales helps with the prices.

Latter end of the 50s, size 12-14 M&S (so 14-16 Zara), apple shape with tummy

Job is technician, with some working outside and dealing with clients so trousers rather than a skirt but I think a dress/trousers plan top with non-matching jacket would be ok.

So I would go for a cigarette or slim trouser with a tucked in top and blazer. Patent loafers and a slim
Belt.

Have you any trousers /blazer / top combo that would work?

Jigsaw is very good for anything work related. There is an outlet section on the website with older stock, including lots of nice and good quality work things. Best of luck with the interview!!

Suits aren't really a thing for even the smartest of workplace interviews now. Not even in the City.

That's why you're struggling to find them.

Smart trousers/skirt and a smart top would be fine.

I would invest some time to look in charity shops, only buy the better labels.

Thanks for the tips!

Zara shut for good in local shopping centre.

Have bought a pair of trousers and top and will wear with old blazer!

I wear dresses. Thought, Joanie, Collectif, M&S, John Lewis etc.

Definitely recommend Jigsaw too. I search their Outlet section all the time.

Phase Eight for good quality knitted dresses

oh... if only Jigsaw did my size.....

I'm 65+ .The last time I was interviewed was in 2006, and M&S did me proud. I got the job.

Uniqlo is very good. (Teacher)

My smart go to outfit consists of a midi length black dress, wrap jacket/card thing, tights and loafers OR cigarette trousers, black bodysuit as I don't like tucking in and blazer & loafers.

I've started to buy monthly one or two smart casual items that can be dressed up or down. This will save me from having to spend money out in one go when I return to f/t work. For new pj's and jean are suitable for working from home.

I loved Uniqlo when I lived in East Asia and bought a lovely raincoat from there which I may wear tomorrow!

Have you even tried Underwood’s?

I buy preloved tailoring from charity shops and on eBay and sometimes Depop. I have at least 8 -10 blazers from brands like Cos, Arket, Daks Jaeger, Hobbs and Autograph. Just bought a tiger print one ( yes very classy) and a beautiful dark green one from Pendleton. I wear with wide leg trousers with trainers or slim 7/8th cigarette pants with DM shoes or ankle boots. If I had loafers I would wear those too. Tailoring is not very fitted at the moment so if the jacket is more fitted I prefer the wider cut trousers or a midi skirt. I don’t mind a looser top and bottom but I don’t like fitted top & bottom.. it doesn’t look very modern to me currently.