Professional and approachable

[WaveyDay]

Hi style gurus. Can you help? I’m a social worker and want to look more professional (for meetings and difficult conversations) as well as friendly and approachable (sitting on floor with children). At the moment I wear skinny jeans, trainers and a smarter top/jumper but to be honest I just look scruffy!

Everything needs to be washable and easy wear as I do get grubby. Jeans are OK but probably need to try a different style. Any ideas for an outfit to bring me up to date? Budget is supermarket rather than designer! Thank you.

Don’t see what you wear would make a difference tbh
you can be presentable and professional in everyday clothes

That reply isn't realistic TraceyBeaker.... clothes do influence perception.

Wavey I am in a similiar situation, where clothes must suggest safe and approachable and "mumsy" to children; but highly competent, qualified and professional to adults.

I rely heavily on loose trousers and knits (knits stretch, blouses generally dont). Stuff must wash and wear on repeat.
Something like this trousers from M&S which I would wear with jacket for meetings and a bright knit under, for client work.
www.marksandspencer.com/crepe-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60530236?color=BLACK&prevPage=srp#intid=prodflag_srp_ts_QPH_100|pid_pg1pip48g4r0c0
It's a bit "black trousers and a bright top" but it works.

I also rely on v v v nice shoes to elevate things; plus stud pearls. So, I wouldn't wear M&S shoes, but buy 1x pair of work shoes for summer and 1x pair of nice boots for winter. Anyone who knows will recognise the footwear is a bit more special (e.g. Paul Green, Marco Moreo, Nero Giardini).

Hair and nails groomed ++.
I dont wear rings in general, as I handle children so need frequent washing, and cant have anything that scratches.

Thanks Fiona those trousers look great. I agree about blouses and shirts, I seem to be forever fiddling with them to keep them in place whereas a fine knit jumper or jersey top seems to work better. What sort of shoes would you go for in winter - something like brogues or chunky loafers?

Re shoes- this winter I will be going for a chunky loafer; like these
www.johnlewis.com/sam-edelman-laurs-lug-sole-loafers/p109171588

Boots ( and I always have boots for winter, with a good wool sock under): www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-rue-leather-ankle-boots-black/p6066224 something like these. (actually just stumbled across these and am tempted...but have about 3 versions of it already).

None of these will set the fashionistas alight- but the purpose is to convey authority and approachability. It's a tricky line. I cant wear a Hugo Boss suit to work- it would alienate the client (but I might have one in the wardrobe for Court work).

Actually, thinking more about it, I find tops the trickiest.
A good trousers can go up or down in style and authority.
But tops are trickier.
This Hobbs outfit is along the lines of what I wear- it's vv neutral and really can be elevated or dressed down to work on the floor:
www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-penny-merino-wool-jumper-rich-cobalt/p6323731

Put it with a blazer, jewellery, and good shoes, it can go to the office. I wouldn't wear it to Court though.

Gosh, I'm kinda spamming you here, but this is in my own mind at the moment, as I'm planning a few new work outfits going into Autumn.
I would never wear jeans to work- M&S, Dunnes Stores (Ireland), Primark, Next- all do washable, navy/black/grey trousers. Wide leg, tapered, slim - whatever works for your shape. Wont frighten the horses. Bog standard, uninspiring. Fits the bill.
You want something to allow you to get on the floor, in homes, in the clinic room. That you can chuck in the machine when you get home and it will dry without effort. Non-iron? even better.

Tops I will be more demanding- Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Mint Velvet.... I expect it to do more work. That discreet logo tells a story (and how we send messages like that, is a whole other conversation, but there it is).
Same with jewellery (which I might slip off and put in my bag at times, if I felt it helps).
Same with shoes.... and my shoes need to come off easily so that I can comfortably treat.

I used to have a similar problem and my stand-by outfit was smartish, neutral looking jeans (narrow straight leg) and plain T shirt under a tailored jacket. I'd spend as much on the jacket as i could afford (usually second hand). If I got to a meeting and everyone was suited and booted, I sat down at the table quickly so only the jacket was visible and, if they were all in Ts and hoodies I just took off the jacket. This was in pre pandemic times so level of formality needed might have changed now, but I think the principle would still work.

Community Clothing immediately sprang to my mind. I’ve linked some olive coloured trousers but they also come in that shape in denim and other colours. Not quite supermarket prices but not designer-y either. The plainness and quality of their clothes makes them versatile and long lasting and adds gravitas.

Really nice stuff there Muddler. I like the cuts and the colours.
For me, I would need some Lycra in there, as clothing must stretch and move with me (hence why I rarely buy or wear blouses or shirts).

Really great ideas - thanks everyone. Time to get shopping!