How do you look professional but not corporate?

[sleepykits]

I want to look smart but fashionable at work. Definitely not a trouser suit person and I need flats as I cover a lot of ground! Office environment and client facing.

I'm early 40s. 14-16. Clueless

Oh and also it's quite "old school" so nothing too obvious.

Not sure if I'm totally qualified to answer. But. I wear loafers generally as my flats would also consider brogue types but haven't ever found ones I like. I'm considering DMs as an alternative but not purchased yet.

Then trousers. I still wear somewhat tailored ones with the loafers, not the full wide leg trousers but prepared to be corrected. They do work on some body types I think.

Then a blouse or shell top (I think I mean shell top here) or similar. If required, I also wear a cardigan or jacket. But I usually get too hot for these.

I find this is professional enough for my environment, with lots of options for different colours and styles, which I enjoy.

I think you could easily swap out the trousers for a skirt and tights. Most wool skirts would be ok.

And I am avoiding the DMs as I think they would look "unprofessional" but I might dare anyway. But I think your environment probably wouldn't tolerate this.

Dresses (jacket optional)

Trousers or midi skirt with
shell top, smart tshirt, blouse, or fine knit in a toning colour, then
(oversized) blazer (not a suit).

following - as I need to know too!
My colleagues that look good often wear a tightish tucked in top, with a skirt or trousers, but I can't wear a tight top at my size/age, need a bit of leeway around the stomach area!

A line dresses and tights
Trousers and a jumper
I tend to wear ankle boots with dresses

@Starface thank you for your reply. That sounds like a good place to start.

I've just been reading the uniform thread... it may be the way to go!

What the hell is a shell top?!

Mixing it up a bit with colours, accessories and shoes works IMO. Incorporating a few trends. I'll wear e.g. a black trouser suit with my white t-shirt with a cheetah on it and white trainers. The outfit I'm planning for Monday is slimfit trousers, a boyfriend blazer and chunky loafers. Or a smart top with wide-legged trousers and flats. As a rule of thumb, I'd suggest taking an outfit you think of as "corporate" and replacing one item with a more casual or trend-led item - swapping heels for chunky or colourful loafers or even minimal trainers, swapping slim trousers for widelegs, swapping a fitted jacket for a boyfriend-cut or slouchy one. That's my general approach, and I work in a trendy media/tech-type corporate.

@MonthofMondays

following - as I need to know too! My colleagues that look good often wear a tightish tucked in top, with a skirt or trousers, but I can't wear a tight top at my size/age, need a bit of leeway around the stomach area!

@MonthofMondays yes, same. I want to look like that but feel my figure wouldn't cut it!

@sleepykits

What the hell is a shell top?!

Usually a sleeveless top cut quite close to the body in a plain fabric. Smart rather than casual.

I'm a good size 14. I wear ankle grazers with loafers and a blouse or a midi skirt or dress with long boots. I have a couple of long sleeved midi dresses in a ribbed jersey with loose belt and collar (black and maroon) that always look smart but so comfy and a bit more on the smart casual side rather than too office or corporate.

@ZoeTheThornyDevil tbh I think you need to live in my wardrobe to dress me up each day

classic shell top

I'm not suggesting you have to pay this much - this was just literally the first Google result and demos it well.

[quote sleepykits]@ZoeTheThornyDevil tbh I think you need to live in my wardrobe to dress me up each day [/quote]
It's tempting I love fashion.

In all seriousness, a pair of clompy black loafers would be an easy win right now - they go with almost anything and would add a flavour of "current" to any workwear outfit. Mine are from Arket, but practically everywhere has them including M&S and there are about a million on ASOS.

Ah yes I see, just did my own Google search.

Ah fuck that link didn't seem to be working direct. Here's a screenshot anyway for anyone else reading who needs a visual on a shell top.

Any other shop recommendations?

I think my biggest problem is that I've been very casual for so long. I've never had a massive interest in fashion and always feel I get it wrong

A line dress, tights and boots, funky blazer, good handbag. Smart coat for non blazer days. Best quality can buy, not lots of clothes, lots of scarves / wraps in gorgeous colours.

Smart midi dress, boots.

Fab hair, nice make up, nails etc.

John lewis do a style consult. I did it as needed to completely change my look due to surgery.

I liked the 2nd person I spoke to at JL. The first one wasn't right for me re style ideas.

You could go on Pinterest and get some ideas-.

@Cupcakesandjam Pinterest is a good idea. Maybe I'll have a look on instagram too?

I almost need to copy someone!

Treating the streets like a runway on instagram does good workwear examples

Good advice from @ZoeTheThornyDevil

A work uniform is great but it sounds as though you might want to try a few outfits before you commit.

Block colours especially neutrals help to keep things professional and coordinated.

Agree re chunky loafer or smart trainer or chelsea boot.

Chunky loafer going on the list!

@sleepykits

Any other shop recommendations?

I think my biggest problem is that I've been very casual for so long. I've never had a massive interest in fashion and always feel I get it wrong

What's your budget? Either per item or total?

If fashion isn't your thing - and that's fine - then definitely keep it simple. Neutral and classic colours, some nice natural fabrics can do a lot to smarten you up if budget allows.

@ZoeTheThornyDevil it's for a new job. I think I could go to £600 total for some "base" items and then add as I go.