Need new wardrobe for new job

[RachelGreensHair]

Hi :) my body shape has changed over the last year for various reasons, esp in the middle, much bigger now around my tummy and thighs with rest of me less so, I am in my early 40s, a size 14 and 157cm tall, have a small bust and waist - but honestly look pregnant thanks to my stomach. I can't figure out how to dress for my new shape now. I tried a silk bias skirt with a t-shirt and that looked nice. I look awful in trousers. I like clothes that aren't too fussy. Have previously shopped in high street places like new look, h&m and next. Willing to spend more money for more quality pieces now. Feel so self conscious starting a new job feeling a mess.
Hair cut and manicure booked in :) plabs in place to lose that belly fat but all help really appreciated, it's knocking my confidence. Thank you.

Can I ask what sort of work? In terms of relative formality or otherwise in dress. (Presumably you won’t be wfh.) What’s your priority - convenient clothes for a commute, office temperature, looking authoritative, fitting in with a particular industry culture?

I can’t get work trousers to suit me at all, well any trousers except jeans though jumpsuits seems be ok. What works a lot better is dresses! The lack of a fixed waist makes all the difference.

Lots of different shapes so easy to find some that are flattering. Plus so much easier that trying to coordinate. I have 3different coloured blazers and everything matches one of those (navy, pink and yellow - I don’t do black washes me out completely).

I like Hobbs(the sale is usually good) and have a mix of fitted and their more relaxed jersey dresses. I have chunky arms so need to be careful with the fitted one as they can be too tight.

Then for a more relaxed look I have a combination of Seasalt, The White Stuff M&S, mostly jersey dresses that are easy to wear and wash.

My advice would be some well fitting blazers (spend the money here). Go into a store in a quieter time and ask for advice, they are usually really helpful.

Oh and a big one, have fun! Don’t focus on the parts you don’t like but enjoy tying new things, play with colour and see it s a new opportunity.

@CountryCousin it's smartish but not overly formal, I want to look well put together. It's a very short commute. Almost feel like I need a good capsule wardrobe.

@OhBeAFineGuyKissMe like the blazer tip esp as there's some really lovely colours in at the moment. I did pop into Hobbs the other day but the shop assistants immediately started hovering around me so I left! Might actually go in an try some stuff on.

My first suggestion for a fairly relaxed workplace would be somewhere like Studio Nicholson who always have contemporary shapes interpreted for grown ups. Skirts and trousers might be too long for you but the tops would work. Very generously sized. New season Women’s stuff coming this week I think.

For a more formal look, I currently love Budd London shirts. Obviously not cheap but they get better and better with age.

And Raey at Matches Fashion is a brilliant place for both shopping and inspiration. Again, their sizing is huge, but it’s worth having things altered to fit.

However, I guess the natural upgrade from H&M would involve Cos and Arket. Together they probably provide the working wardrobe of a huge portion of the country.

Next time you go in and they hover as them to help! It feels strange the first time and the instinct to the question ‘can I help you?’ Is ‘no I’m just looking’ but I have had such good advise, including ‘that doesn’t work for you’ so it isn’t just flattery.

Hi, I was in a similar boat a few years ago. I had been a full time frumpy-don’t-care mum for quite a few years and had started to go out more for drinks with mates and started job hunting again. I obviously was a few sizes bigger than before kids and fashion had moved on so I needed to start from scratch. I didnt want to be a slave to trends anymore but had no idea where to start and how to look presentable. I got myself Kindle book by Wendy Mak about the capsule wardrobe idea. She is Australian so it can be a bit biased towards a Summer wardrobe but that would do you for the next few months at the very least. She reckons we need a minimum of 30 items in order to dress well for most occasions including work and I have found her advice to be truly amazing! There are quite a few suggestions for work wear in there and it’s definitely a good starting point as it should cover the basic pieces you might consider, and how to mix and match and look professional rather than trendy. Her suggestions have covered me for interviews, meetings, a retail job (in fashion of all things) and now a professional career. It really has become my shopping bible as I am clueless but now I often get complimented on my outfits. I am not affiliated to Wendy just a bit of a fan of her system as it is more detailed and realistic than all the minimalist capsule wardrobe suggestions out there on the net and it is quite flexible to suit your lifestyle/budget/taste too. Oh and if you are looking for smart work trousers, I found Uniqlo really good for those. Good luck!

@ShutTheBloodyBudgiesUp thank you for Uniqlo tip, no idea why I thought they only did sportswear, some of their dresses are ideal.
I've also signed up for Lookiero, fingers crossed that gets me out of my usual everything black uniform.lol.

I ended up buying some nice stuff from River Islans, Monki and M&S. I also signed up to Lookiero and my first box was great. Kept two things, really tempted by a third- and other two was just me being averse to collars lol.