Help me dress for work!

[kittybo]

I’ve been lurking on these threads and everyone is so amazingly helpful. I am hopefully about to rejoin the world of work after almost 4 years away mummying. The last time I worked in a formal corporate environment was 2014. I have no idea what to wear! I would love a “uniform” so I don’t need to think too hard in the mornings. I’m 5’3” , 6 months pp so a bit rounded/ curvy size 12. I’ll definitely need a suit or at least a jacket for some days and won’t be able to be very loud with the prints and colours. TIA!!

What is your budget? Happy to suggest.

Not unlimited but willing to pay for classic core items!

I’m a similar height and shape to you.
I wear/like:

• The Fold, good sale at the moment.
• Jigsaw suits, tops and skirts and jumpers, only from the sale/ Brand Alley though.
• Whistles and Reiss- same as above.
• Aspinal for work bags, Knomo if carrying a laptop.
• Monica Vinader and Alex Monroe jewellery, nothing too bright or flashy.
• I normally get lots of stuff in the sales and a few good things rather than lots of things. You may have found the same, but cheaper suits or tops can look awful around the bust area if you’re a bit curvier.

I don’t work in a formal corporate environment but am expected to look smart in a senior role and find the above works well.

For something pricier, the Roland Mouret dresses look lovely (I had a cheap imitation years ago).
I love the clothes in The Split/ Scandal, not quite on their salary though, sadly 😂

Thank you! Yes that’s the look I had in mind, love all the brands you mention except never heard of the fold so off to check that out!

I wear (cheaper brands though) a sort of mix and match "uniform" am 5ft 10 and a top heavy 16/18

Navy, black, grey print skirts
Black wide leg trousers (M&S, heavy and hang well)
Maroon, dark green, grey blouses
Tops in green floral, navy, black
Navy cardigan, black cardigan
Black blazer, printed blazer
Black ankle boots, black t bar heels, nude t bar heels, black loafers
Black or nude tights
Black bag, tan bag

Then I have dresses (too many!) in various colours and prints including grey, black, striped, small floral prints

I can go to the wardrobe and pull out a black skirt, green blouse, black blazer, tights and shoes and be done!

Oh and my advice is if you love something and it fits well, then buy the other colours which is what I did with my blouses!

I do smart jersey dresses (Boden and Hobbs) and tailored jacket over (Hobbs) but with wfh I only wear dress mainly with a statement necklace (I'm 40 and apparently you need statement necklaces when you reach that age!)

I buy Ralph Lauren dresses in the sale typically they’ll be halfprice in house of Fraser and as others have said I will buy every colour I can if I know the dress suits me. Nobody wears skirt and jacket or skirt and trousers suit combinations now. I haven’t worn a seat since 2015.

*suit

I suspected this was the case, main catalyst for my question!

@Jessie75

I buy Ralph Lauren dresses in the sale typically they’ll be halfprice in house of Fraser and as others have said I will buy every colour I can if I know the dress suits me. Nobody wears skirt and jacket or skirt and trousers suit combinations now. I haven’t worn a seat since 2015.

Meaning I suspected no one wore suits any more

@NMC2022

I wear (cheaper brands though) a sort of mix and match "uniform" am 5ft 10 and a top heavy 16/18

Navy, black, grey print skirts
Black wide leg trousers (M&S, heavy and hang well)
Maroon, dark green, grey blouses
Tops in green floral, navy, black
Navy cardigan, black cardigan
Black blazer, printed blazer
Black ankle boots, black t bar heels, nude t bar heels, black loafers
Black or nude tights
Black bag, tan bag

Then I have dresses (too many!) in various colours and prints including grey, black, striped, small floral prints

I can go to the wardrobe and pull out a black skirt, green blouse, black blazer, tights and shoes and be done!

This is the type of shopping list I need, thank you!

It's all about interesting separates. One pair of dark wide leg trousers and one slightly cropped cigarette style will get you a lot of mileage. Add nice blouses and subtle jewellery. Wear with heels, ankle boots or chunky loafers.

I wear dresses for work the majority of the time
Sweater dresses in winter
Jersey dresses - some shift some wrap style in spring and autumn
Linen in summer
Layer with edge to edge fine knitwear if required
Sometimes a soft jacket or jersey blazer
Good wool coats
I rarely wear separates at work which helps me distinguish when I’m not!

Thank you everyone! Lots of good options to think about

The Fold, lovely dresses, won't crease, super quality.

Great ideas on thread, thank you