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Professional attire for the larger lady

17 replies

newjobnewstyle · 13/04/2023 17:03

I've taken a new job which is a massive departure from the old one, in terms of everything. I am now the one making policy, decisions, educating and managing as well as meeting with senior leaders both locally and nationally. This means my old comfortable wardrobe of thick leggings and loose jumpers has to go. I need to look every inch of my senior management role.

I'm 5ft 4, a size 20 and blobby, particularly at the front. Early 40's.

Flat/low shoes are a must as I will be going through security on a regular basis and cba with removing metal heeled shoes.

Please hit me with places to look for suitable clothes and footwear.

Ideally I need blazers that don't make me look even bigger.

I don't mind dresses or skirts but love the practicality of trousers. And I would need tops that don't expose while flattering over the lumps and bumps. I suspect cap sleeve types are going to be my friend. Rigid fabrics can be problematic as I find they're often shorter in length but I'm hoping the wise Mumsnetters can make some suggestions of places I'd never think to look but that won't break the bank either.

OP posts:
PinkTonic · 13/04/2023 22:14

I don’t think tailoring is very flattering on larger figures so for jackets I’d go with something more like this https://www.hush-uk.com/eliza-checkerboard-edge-to-edge-cardigan-ecru---black/007853-0217.html# which goes up to 18 but Hush is massive, or this https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cropped-knitted-jacket-navy/sty-k0708-nav?cat=C1_S2_G6 with a dress or wide leg trousers and these days with those trousers I wear flatform trainers. I’m in tech but dress codes have changed a lot since the dreaded lurgy hit us.

Eliza Checkerboard Edge To Edge Cardigan | Ecru/ Black | hush

https://www.hush-uk.com/eliza-checkerboard-edge-to-edge-cardigan-ecru---black/007853-0217.html#

tshirthunter · 13/04/2023 22:42

I really need to update my wardrobe but am trying to lose weight so never know whether to wait or not. A lot of nice things on those listed.

Oblomov23 · 13/04/2023 23:00

This is very helpful thank you.

Oblomov23 · 13/04/2023 23:03

I'm looking for some smart black trousers, elasticated waist. Short. Straight.

Swannning · 13/04/2023 23:16

Congratulations on the new job!

Similar size and have adopted the dress and blazer as a uniform.

No need to pick out separates that coordinate, a dress with a neutral / navy blazer - or if you want to be more on trend, there are lots of brightly coloured or pastel blazers around at the mo. Useful for wearing with jeans at weekends too.

newjobnewstyle · 14/04/2023 19:27

Thank you all for your links and tips.

I love the cropped knitted jacket @PinkTonic.

I have had a good look and created a 'mood board' of styles and colours I think would work on me to go and try. But I needed the advice before walking into a shop and getting completely overwhelmed. I hate clothes shopping at the best of times!

OP posts:
CrkdLttrCrkdLttr · 14/04/2023 19:42

Don’t go shopping!

Measure yourself carefully and order online. If you take your time and pay attention to all the size and measurement details for every item on every website, you’re just as likely to find some excellent things - which you can try on in comfort at home. And you’ll have a much wider range of options.

(I’m much older than you and have scarcely set foot inside a physical clothes shop in the past decade. Couldn’t bear the limited choice now, and almost never have to return anything.)

Oblomov23 · 15/04/2023 14:57

@CrkdLttrCrkdLttr
Where do you suggest ordering online from?

CrkdLttrCrkdLttr · 15/04/2023 15:05

@Oblomov23 I’m assuming every single link on this thread leads to an online store … Certainly the three places I mentioned above are online!

ZombieKettle · 15/04/2023 15:29

I'm a larger lady and I like Ulla Popken. They are good at refunding items that are returned. You can also get cashback if you have an account with topcashback.

ZombieKettle · 15/04/2023 15:30

I'm a size 24 and these tops are flattering and cover well. www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/tops/t-shirts/essential-front-pleat-tee/p/796473744-1130

LookItsMeAgain · 15/04/2023 15:34

Oblomov23 · 13/04/2023 23:03

I'm looking for some smart black trousers, elasticated waist. Short. Straight.

Next is your best option here.

I've bought a pair of both navy and black trousers, pull on but they look like they could be part of a suit. Very comfortable and they look very smart on me (if I do say so myself).

LookItsMeAgain · 15/04/2023 15:36

These are the ones I got:
Buy Tailored Elastic Back Straight Leg Pull On Trousers from the Next UK online shop

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/04/2023 15:44

John Lewis do a free styling service. If you have one near you it might be worth doing that before you order online so you get a sense of what works and what doesn’t

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