Help! I’ve lost my formal work clothes mojo

[flairyfairy]

I used to have a ‘uniform’ for work events that really worked for me - a tailored dress in plain, dark colours and statement heels. I could do a 4 hour event on 4 inch heels and still walk the next day. Then, had a family, changed jobs to home-based, relaxed office dress code, covid, etc etc and I basically haven’t worn smart work clothes or heels for 3 years.

I’ve just moved into a new, visible role which means more travel and more business smart and my old approach feels a bit tired. Plus I’m not sure I can do heels for more than an hour!

Any advice on how I can update my look a bit and possibly get some more wear out of my old dresses with the right footwear? I’m a size 14-16 curvy/pear and the old stuff still fits me (kind of).

Fellow curvy pear.

What about adding accessories like necklaces?

Other ideas:

Shirt, round neck sleeveless jumper, wide leg trousers and heeled boots or black leather trainers

Silk shirt and slim cashmere jumper

Statement shirts - vertical stripes, statement collar, open collar in a bright colour

Smart breton

Long navy cardigan

Slightly shaped sheath dress with black chelsea boots or black lace up boots.

When I have to be formal I wear low-ish kitten heels or "pointy flats".

Boots! Boots mean easy comfortable elegance. I mourn when it gets too summery for boots. Beautifully tailored trousers work well with flats too. Places like the Fold do tops that look very smart but aren't outdated suit jacket etc. In recent years if I do do jackets, I like the softer jersey blazer type. Smart but less formal.

Tough as most tailored dresses (lk bennet type, bodycon etc) are not v trendy at the moment so can look a bit dated. Am also a pear so benefit from heels but just can't do it - and also think they are a bit dated for normal daytime (I work in a city law firm).

I go for smarter trousers and a cashmere jumper or blouse plus necklace etc and trainers (smart ones!) or pointy flats. Or shirt dresses/knitted dresses with a belt. With knitted dresses you have to be v careful though as they can be v unflattering if too clingy!!

I totally agree with the boots idea. I am loving my patent Chelsea boots with a more of a tread (slight platform). I wear them with dresses.

Ankle boots are your friend in the comfy but smart footwear category.

Agree with a PP that a tailored dress will seem very dated.

I’m a similar shape and size, I wear boots with long, loose shirt dresses with a jacket, wide leg, slightly crop trousers with either a fine knit or a silky shirt tucked in. Jewellery and red lipstick.