Work clothes -starting from scratch

[Tyrozet]

I'm starting a new job in a couple of weeks and need some new clothes.
At the moment I have a uniform and only casual clothing for outside work so I'm starting more or less from nothing.

It needs to be smart but not formal business dress and I'd prefer to stick to mostly black. I'm size 16/18 and most of my weight is around my middle. I'll be on my feet alot and don't like restrictive/stiff outfits.

Suggestions of styles that might work/stores to try/ specific items would be much appreciated!

Typical smart casual workwear: long sleeve dress, opaque tights, ankle boots.
Tailored trousers or stretch slim trousers and silk type blouse or jersey top or fine knit jumper. White shirt with tank top over.
I wouldn't wear top to toe black necessarily.
It's fine to wear low heel ankle boots or brogues.

What is your budget ? You might find say a John Lewis personal shopper session helps in getting a selection of outfits that go together.

Thanks NotMe

Sadly budget wouldn't stretch to a personal shopper! I'm likely going to be ordering online as well - my local high street isn't up to much at all.

I don't have an unlimited budget but I'd rather spend a bit more on a few decent items I can mix and match as opposed to having 20 outfits that will fall apart in a few months because they are cheap if that makes sense?

What do you tend to wear outside of work? I always think that's a good place to look for inspiration for work outfits.

I wear jeans a lot outside work, because I'm more comfortable in trousers. So, there isn't that much point in me buying loads of work dresses and skirts for example. Ditto high heels. I don't wear them outside work, so why would I wear them at work?

If I was starting totally from scratch, I'd probably go for separates and layering pieces. A few pairs of trousers or skirts and then shirts and sweaters to wear with them. I find cardigans can look too casual for work and I struggle to make jumpers work over dresses. So even if I loved skirts and dresses, I'd probably go with skirts.

Footwear depends a bit on your commute and if you mind changing shoes when you get there. But I'd give that some thought as good footwear is so expensive and can ruin your outfit and be really uncomfortable if you get it wrong.

Personal shopper at John Lewis is free and often pretty helpful.

Uniqlo is worth a look. I like their skipper tops with a tshirt or roll neck underneath and cropped trousers.

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-viscose-skipper-collar-34-sleeved-blouse-2020-season-429414COL69SMA001000.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA866PBhAYEiwANkIneNz3ytHoe9MTu629Xfy3rkuU4_lfpr1mY-_5I6rGvRtrDKsW-CaPLRoCcJsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

What do you tend to wear outside of work?
Pyjamas

I tend to be more comfortable in a dress with tights or leggings than anything else. I have some scarring on my lower torso so elasticated waists tend to be more comfortable.

Willing to spend a decent amount on footwear as I have problems with my feet - I was considering some of the less chunky styles of Dr Martens.

I always forget Uniqlo exists so will have a look there, thankyou!

I was thinking along the lines of maybe a pinafore style dress with a couple of different tops to go under - but I'm in my 30s and don't want to look juvenile!

Pyjamas

You're my kind of woman

I love pinafore dresses! I think some are smart enough for the office. Maybe a midi length black one? Would look nice with your DMs too I think.

Also, the good thing about pinafore dresses is that they actually do work really well with knitwear, unlike other dresses (for me). I love a roll neck under a pinafore dress.

I like dresses for work as it takes the hassle out of matching up outfits. I've a few from H&M but you really need to shop in store there as material and fit is so inconsistent. Wallis can be good for fairly cheap, comfy dresses if you keep an eye for sales - often with pockets

I agree about in-store at H&M being a good start - can you take a shopping trip OP?

My successful work buys from there have been:

• thick jersey dresses (with pockets!) ideal for work
• thick jersey wide-leg trousers (with pockets
• v-neck jumpers that are smart enough for work

I'd also recommend heavenly feet footwear if you'll be doing a lot of standing.

Thankyou! I do like H&M - our local one has closed down (along with just about everything else in my town). I could try and find a day to drive to the city though.

I found a corduroy pinafore I quite like - if i could wear a nice top underneath and a jumper over it that might work. I'm always really warm in my current job so removable layers are good.

I'll have a look at heavenly feet too - I've never heard of them before.

I really love the Uniqlo blouse that was posted upthread but not sure what id wear it with?

I'm a similar size and shape to you - late 50s. It really does depend on your taste - I buy quite a few things from Cos and whistles (sale). I mostly wear dresses for ease of putting things together. M&S can have some good dresses if you're prepared to trawl through their site and Kin at John Lewis (similar style to Cos). White Company also in the sale for dresses and separates. I've just got a new job which pays a lot better so I may splash out on a Me and Em dress too. I wear my dresses with ankle boots - mostly with a little heel or flat Chelsea boots. I might get some slightly chunky loafers too. I would also wear flat long boots but my calves are pretty chunky so I don't have any at the moment.

Thanks Bouledeneige.

I think I'm pretty set on some Chelsea boots. I like Dr Martens but open to shopping around for something cheaper but still supportive.

You're right about not having to match up outfits - that and I'll need fewer items if I stick to dresses as opposed to shirts/blouses with trousers and skirts.

I found a couple of nice dresses on Wallis that I think I'll order to try on - just simple shift dresses with a zip that will be easy to wear.

I do quite like a quirky print but not sure how "out there" I want to be until I see what everyone else is wearing. I'm already conscious of my weight so don't want to stick out like a sore thumb 😫