In person meetings argh!

[Notapartyanimal]

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!!

Felt like this was relevant here..



Stupid picture didn't post! Try again...

Ok I have just ordered these trousers in three different sizes/lengths and am going to get some loafers. The top half is still open for debate - I did like the Breton style top in @MacaroniBaloney 's post (and I do have about a bazillion Breton tops) but is that maybe a bit dated now? Or is it just a classic? Does it matter? 🤣

Ooh nice trousers @Notapartyanimal I can't see the description properly, are they the only tapered 7/8 trousers?
I like Bretons on other people but feel they make me look square, like a fridge. A silky she'll top would look good, bonus points if it ended with a neat hem mid tummy roll , this breaking the bulge up and not needing to be tucked in. Biden used to do the perfect one years ago, no doubt the current version is made of tissue paper, only comes in acid green and has armadillos embroidered all over it.

Offs
Shell top, not she'll top.
Boden used to do the perfect top, I'm fairly certain the POTUS was not a retailer of middle class clothing in the past.

🤣🤣🤣 yes not sure acid green armadillos is the look I'm going for. Will google shell tops now!

There are loads of 7/8 trousers on the M&S website, I liked the look of the jaeger ones but they were a bit spendy for work (I'd rather spend on fun stuff!) Here is the full description of the ones I bought

I know the type of top @DameCelia means , had a few at one time. Can’t see any at the moment but Boden seem to have a couple of quite nice shirts that might work with your linked trousers.
They even have a few plain colours although I think you’d need some sort of pattern to break th8ngs up.

I had a look at the Biden shirts, they're lovely but I just can't make shirts work. Big boobs/tummy means either certain gaping or looking like I'm wearing a tent, I've never been able to get it right!

*Boden!

I am having a huge panic. I have 4 f2f client meetings in the next 3 weeks.

I have put on a good 2+ stone plus started peri so seeing a shift in shape.

I have never really suited trousers - all of my weight is on my lower stomach and thighs and I'm very short waisted. Dresses/skirts suit me much better as long as they are not pencil shaped. Oddly I can manage a jersey jumpsuit but then have to make them work appropriate.

Dresses then triggers a footwear crisis. Heels hurt knees and look dated now I think. I have some flat tan boots plus some tan leather flats. Trainers too informal.

I am trying to shift some weight so don't want to spend loads so I think a panicky run round H&M is in order!

This is a very reasonably priced Breton in the sale if you wanted to go down the Breton route - I like the sleeve on this.

www.wyselondon.com/products/amelie-breton-stripe-short-sleeve-white-dusty-pink

Gosh that is lovely @DarlingCoffee and what a great deal! Any idea what sizing is like? I mean it's not beyond me to get out a tape measure but I am lazy

@Notapartyanimal no problem! I’ve recently discovered this brand although sadly can only afford to buy in their sale. Quality seems good. For me a 4 is a 14 and a 5 a 16. Both sizes seem to fit me well. Hope this helps. I’m now on the M&S site looking at those trousers you found

I’m similar height/shape - carrying an extra stone all on my tummy. Wide leg trousers and silk v neck blouses from Massimo Dutti are currently working well for me

With you all , a stone plus over normal weight and it’s all around my middle and composed of cab sav. Back into the office in just over a month and nothing fits, no idea what to wear.

I’ve just gone back too, Italian magic trousers (Google them, they’re great!) in dark colours with chunky loafers, blouse or long sleeve T and blazer.

Very sad to report that the pale pink and white Breton is sold out in my size. Dammit! Now off to google magic trousers!

@Notapartyanimal the magic trousers look much better on than they do in the pictures online, they’re like a thick, stretchy material that doesn’t cling. The ones with the silver threads running through the drawstrings I’ve found tend to be higher rise than some of the others and therefore more comfortable. You can dress them up for work but they also go with trainers if you want to wear them casually.