Help! I need an outfit for a work event and I have been trying to buy things for weeks and nothing is right. It’s an event where I will be the centre of attention, there will be photos and video. I need an outfit that is professional and authoritative but not corporate (no power suits).
I know exactly what I want – a pair of tailored 7/8 trousers and a structured elbow length or long-sleeved top with a blazer. But I can’t seem to get the right thing - I keep buying items that are either too corporate or too casual and nothing works together. I’m size 12 (maybe 10 for tops) and quite pear-shaped.
What I want
- Structured, tailored, easy to wear and flattering. Elegant and authoritative but ideally also at least a bit stylish.
- The brands that I think would work – but where I can’t find anything in my size/in stock/suitable – are MaxMara, Sezane, Cos etc. I liked the look of the Sezane Christie blazer but it was out of stock in my size. I’ve ordered a couple of outfits from Libby London that have been disastrous – horrible fabrics and ill-fitting on tops and bottom so won’t try them again.
- The trousers are probably my biggest problem. I need exact recommendations as I’ve been searching for ages – I’ve tried Boden Richmonds which are often recommended but they are really unflattering on me – saggy at the knees and the cotton fabric feels too casual. I want something really smart/sharply tailored - probably a wool blend. I have been considering Theory and Joseph but their trousers look quite slim fit around the hips so probably won’t work for me. If anyone can advise on their fit that would be great.
- Colourwise - I never wear black, so navy trousers are ideal. Bright colours are fine - any blues/greens are usually good for my colouring but I'm willing to consider anything!
What I’ve got
- Decent shoe options (brogues, oxblood loafers or Cheaney’s Chelsea boots – though these are probably too casual).
- A couple of possible trousers options that I like and are flattering (Cos wool culottes and Hobbs cropped wide leg trousers) but are probably too casual. I can’t get the shapes to work with tops/blazers that I have as they both need a more tailored / cropped top to balance out the wide bottom.
- A Wyse cord blazer that might work over a structured top and more tailored trousers to bring down the overall smartness level, but is too casual with my existing options.
I’m happy to throw money at this – obviously I'll be delighted if I don’t have to but for the purposes of the question you can assume the individual limit on any item is high (£200+) as I might opt for e.g. expensive blazer or smart top if it will work with the trousers that I have.
Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to read this wall of text. I’ve been trying to find something suitable for weeks! I’d be so grateful for any help or suggestions of specific trousers/ blazers/ tops that would work together.