Where shall I buy new work clothes from? Age 50, short, size 10

[B0J0ker]

I'm starting a new job soon in a VERY different environment to the one I'm currently in. It's a fantastic role, I'm very excited, but have no idea where to get some outfits from. They are REALLY corporate, very smart offices, quite a strict dress code. I've been on the casual side of 'smart casual' for ages and wear the same things both in and out of work (jeans, tees, jumpers, occasionally a crisp, white shirt, and that's been about it).

Where do you suggest I start looking? Mid-budget ideally, can upgrade after a few paydays! I'm fairly classic in my style I think, with a tendency to a little bit of a vintage and a little bit of a boho vibe. I like tapered trousers, might be a bit too short for wide leg (I'm 5'1"). Strongly dislike patterns, can't emphasise that enough. Not keen on dresses unless they're like an A-line pinafore type in winter with thick tights/boots or flats.

Have had my colours done, and am a Clear Spring, if you're into that kind of thing! I LOVED Hannah Waddingham's clothes in Ted Lasso, but sadly am the complete opposite height/shape wise.

Please help 🙂

Hobbs is my go to for work.

Vinted has loads.

The Fold is probably the obvious place.

I use Hobbs or Next. To be honest I really struggle for work clothes being 5ft 1.

If I were still in my previous City profession these are some of the places I might shop for work outfits:

Alexander McQueen
Bite Studios
Co (not Cos!)
Giuliva Heritage
Jil Sander
Maison Margiela
MaxMara (possibly)
Petar Petrov
Toteme

They’re not cheap, but most places have sales. Or might be found pre-owned but new or almost new, for a fraction of their original price.

With hindsight I’m aware that if you feel confident in your work this level of armour isn’t necessary - unless it gives you pleasure.

Should have added congratulations above!

I like Me and Em, Ba&sh and Wyse. Also Arket, Cos and Massimo Dutti for basic but trend led pieces. Might find trousers there are difficult though at 5ft 1. If you are formal in a Princess of Wales kind of traditional way then also LK Bennett, The Fold and Cefinn. But it annoys me how they always go on about “desk to dinner” like it’s the 80’s though that’s just my personal opinion. I have a MaxMara coat that I love, Aquascutum Mac. With Nothing Underneath do good shirts. Ooh and Rails. Good luck with your new job!

I would be tempted to buy a plain Navy trouser suit from somewhere like M&S & some shirts, simply because it's not too much out of your current comfort zone. You could then see how the land lies, how comfortable you feel & then upgrade to better quality clothes. Me & Em clothes are lovely but huge. I think at size 10 & being 5ft 1 Italian brands might look good on you.

At 5ft 1 you might find a lot of the usual brands (Whistles, Cos Arket, Hobbs etc) aren’t a great fit for trousers. It’s not just the leg length, it’s the length of waist to crotch that can make them look too baggy.

I don’t think you need to spend loads unless you really want to - I have a mix of Mango/Zara and more expensive brands for work clothes and can’t honestly notice a significant difference in quality.

The fit in my view is more important than the brand. Mango and Zara are my go tos - yes I might have to get the leg length taken up but at least the hip/waist/crotch etc fit.

M&S this year is pretty good...

Next do good trouser suits in petite sizes. They're not natural fibres but very reasonably priced & with a choice of different leg styles. You could wear them with Boho blouses/shirts to make them less formal.
I've seen a lovely pink Whistles trouser suit on a similar height Instagramer to you recently. But only the jackets are left & you would need to size down as apparently they're very big. This Instagramer is a stylist & wears a lot of nice jackets so may be worth following. Although she's a size 16 so definitely not your shape.

You need brands that have a petite range. Me+Em tend to be far too long on me, whereas most shops aren't.
Depending on how corporate it is, you could get a blazer and wear it over dresses. I used to wear a navy or black blazer with a cream blouse or white shirt and a patterned skirt. I can't do pattern all over.

ClaireWatkinsStylist is the Instagramer worth following. She often wears brightly coloured jackets that look good on a shorter frame. They're normally expensive - her style is very different to mine, but I'm interested in the jacket recommendations.

Hobbs do a good petite range. Sadly not for all lines. Boden petite is good too (I'm the same height as OP).

Try Theory (the Outnet stocks it at reasonable discounts)