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Original poster

In person meetings argh!

43 replies

Notapartyanimal · 04/03/2022 20:45

After working from home happily in my joggers and a variety of zoom-friendly tops for two years, next week I have not one but two face to face client meetings. I have literally no idea what to wear! Send help...

Professional role so need to look absent/groomed but a suit would be OTT. A little bit of edge is fine as long as not too out there. Quite like idea of a dress with ankle boots but not even sure where I picked that idea up from or if it's ridiculous.

I'm 5ft5, about 2 stone overweight and a definite apple shape following two c-sections. Budget reasonable for the right thing but not crazy - I just want something that's going to make me not look like a complete frump! Any ideas gratefully received!!

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Original poster
Notapartyanimal · 04/03/2022 20:53

*absent? Don't need to look absent!! Need to look smart! Stupid phone 🤣

OP posts:
nancybotwinbloom · 04/03/2022 20:59

Sorry no help but watching with intrest as I too will be in the same boat soon

DarlingCoffee · 04/03/2022 21:31

Also watching with interest. I quite like the smart trousers with an oversized shirt and loafers look. I recently sold several of my smart dresses as they felt a bit like ‘The Apprentice’ ladies, and I think things are a bit more casual now even for client meetings.

nancybotwinbloom · 04/03/2022 21:34

I bought an oversize shirt I just looked even fatter as I have a large chest.

Looked fab on the model who was also large chested but with jeans I just looked like I had my husbands shirt on

TolkiensFallow · 04/03/2022 21:35

No help but I’m not sure I’d function in person anymore

Original poster
Notapartyanimal · 04/03/2022 22:21

I like the idea of oversized shirt/loafers but I just don't think it will work for me, will make me look enormous. Loafers are a good shout generally though, any recommendations? I definitely cannot wear heels.

Re dresses - def not going for a tailored apprentice vibe. Oh god I really don't know what I'm looking for HELP!!

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Original poster
Notapartyanimal · 04/03/2022 22:22

Prob should have said in OP I'm a 12/14 depending on fit but almost all weight is around tummy area.

OP posts:
DameCelia · 04/03/2022 22:30

In exactly the same boat. I've found dresses a good compromise between a suit and anything more casual.
Currently loving The Fold but V spendy and do rely a bit on having a waist.

Hobbs? LK Bennett?(although their quality has gone shockingly downhill).
I think if you're apple shaped anything too oversized in top can be problematic.

Original poster
Notapartyanimal · 04/03/2022 23:53

Hmm yes I have come to realise I have no sort of waist at all. I think I have the sort of figure that historically everyone would have recommended a wrap dress for but sadly wrap dresses look terrible on me! I've had some (limited) success with tunic style dresses but I'd struggle to know how to update them and what to wear on my feet...

OP posts:
nancybotwinbloom · 05/03/2022 00:37

If you find a solution op please post as will I Grin

Halo12 · 05/03/2022 01:25

I have a similar body type and have always worn cigarette trousers from mango with a peplum / wrap top which seems to suit me. Or a short shift dress with knee high boots

FrontRowSeat · 05/03/2022 06:03

Would a pleated midi skirt, belt and smart jumper work? With block heeled or low heeled boots?

DarlingCoffee · 05/03/2022 07:01

Loafers I like, also R&B do some nice more £££ ones.

www.zara.com/uk/en/flat-soft-leather-loafers-p12512810.html

JoyDivisionOvenGlovesx · 05/03/2022 07:28

Oh OP, I so feel your pain. Two years of WFH finds me two stone heavier since I had to wear smart stuff. All my lovely, lovely smart stuff hanging there, taunting me.

I’ve been having an odd day in the office / client meetings for a few weeks now. Entirely new wardrobe was required. I’m a pear, so fit & flare type dresses have been my go to (so no recommendations sorry!)

No help at all Grin. Just solidarity with those having to get back out there, & away from the joggers.

Persephonegoddess · 05/03/2022 07:31

I have found midi dresses by fat face in floral are my savour, you can smarten or causal by changing shoes/boots and accessories

Persephonegoddess · 05/03/2022 07:32

Casual...

Cstring · 05/03/2022 08:02

I’ve been wearing a less structured dress, with a collarless zip fastening jacket. It’s still relatively comfortable but less restrictive than my ‘old’ dress with its matching suit jacket. I think I’m giving up heels really, so my Shoes have been flat.

Beachlovingirl · 05/03/2022 08:03

No real advice from me but I have a week in the states coming up with work meetings pretty much all of that time. I am also heavier. Luckily my place is tech so it’s all casual but I’m still struggling with pulling together something more “put together”.

If you stick to the same colour with the top and the bottoms this will be flattering and smart.

FridayiminlovewithRobertSmith · 05/03/2022 08:16

I am you shaped (but a larger size - damn you eating your way through the pandemic in loungewear- it’s crept upon me!)

I’ve been wearing Cos - just went to have a look for links and there is so much that I think could fit the brief (shirt dresses, shirred midis etc). I also wear grenson Brogues. They have a chunky heel but are comfortable and make my legs look better. I also wear lots of toast.

evilharpy · 05/03/2022 08:44

I seem to have found my people - also venturing back to the office a couple of days a week after two years away and about a stone and a half gained. I've been going a bit mad on Vinted buying stuff in a bigger size as hardly anything I own fits.

The dress code is less formal than it was pre covid. I've gone down the chinos and brogues route but have also dug out a pair of chunky metallic loafers I bought a few years ago and barely wore. Chunky loafers seem to be having a moment. I've also just bought a pair of Doc Martens 1641 shoes to wear with chinos. I have a few slightly oversized shirts from Reiss that fit me well, and shell tops, and I throw on a blazer. My chest has also grown but as long as I leave a few buttons open I don't think it looks too bad.

I do (thank the lord) still have a waist.

Original poster
Notapartyanimal · 05/03/2022 20:42

Love the Zara loafers. Ok now I'm thinking tailored (cropped? cigarette?) trousers with loafers and some sort of smart ish top but I still don't know what that top looks like, oversized shirt would be great if it didn't make me look like a whale (but it would!)

Sigh. I'm quite sure I just used to get dressed for work in the morning and not really think about it.

OP posts:
MacaroniBaloney · 05/03/2022 21:53

What about this look? Swap the trainers for loafers? I'm shorter and bigger than you and these are my go to trouser.

In person meetings argh!
CaptainMal · 05/03/2022 22:14

I agree that smart dresses and heels don't look right any more.

As with PP, I have been wearing variations of:

  1. cigarette, 7/8 trousers
  2. silk blouse or slightly oversized shirt (tucked in)
  3. structured blazer
  4. brogues/loafers/pointed flats
CaptainMal · 05/03/2022 22:15

That should have been don't feel right.

Original poster
Notapartyanimal · 05/03/2022 22:18

Oh yes I like that @MacaroniBaloney ... #toddlesofftoDPwebsite

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