Emergency - Size 14 Work Wear

[pateandbrie]

Evening all, I've spent the last hour frantically googling and getting nowhere and then it just occurred to me that I have all the people that will know what to do, right here in my phone!

I am quite senior in my job (professional services, think finance, law etc) and on the cusp of partnership. I am also size 14, apple shaped, perimenopausal, with an underactive thyroid and a face which my hairdresser described as 'rotund' 😫

My problem is that unexpectedly I'm having to go to our head office for two days next week. I have a hybrid work pattern usually, and even on the days that I go in to my local office I'm pretty casual (jeans and a decent top). But I know that in the head office they are more formal; I also need to make a good impression because it's important for the aforementioned progression. Maybe not as
much as a suit but a good dress, or a really
good top that I could wear with black trousers.

I need two outfits as I'm there for two days, I have access to most shops for in person shopping, collection etc, and could budget about £100 per outfit. PLEASE help!! And extra special bonus points for anything that remotely flatters/hides the big apple tummy 🍎

I've always got my workwear from Matalan/Sainsbury's or Tesco and have so many compliments a all in one dress would be perfect let me have a look now

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/black-ditsy-super-soft-mini-dress/14728949.html

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/green-foulard-mini-shirt-dress/14724064.html

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/brown-leopard-print-3-4-sleeve-midi-dress/14919007.html

@rainingoutsideagain love that but I failed to
mention I also have ginormous boobs and anything with a high neck looks ridiculous 😫 Wish I could wear that though!

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/black-paisley-print-mini-shirt-dress/14862403.html

Ahh ok no problems let me keep scrolling and send through in one message

Ooh posted too soon that was in réponse to the first dress, the shirt dress could work and i love the third one but would need to try on. I feel a visit to Matalan coming on tomorrow morning, thank you!!

Love this one too. Thank you so much it didn't even occur to me to look at Matalan

I prefer the clothes at Mand S autograph range. Lots of work appropriate tops and bottoms

Are you close to a John Lewis? I might be able to get one of their stylists appointments.

Give Por Moi a browse. I've been pleasantly surprised by their clothes.

I have seen plenty of professional women in magic circle law/professional services wearing these dresses with opaque and ankle boots. They are a bit above your budget, but not much. They come in loads of shades, from muted to bright.

https://www.shopzuri.com/products/interstellar

I would go to M&S as they have lots of nice things at the moment that are formal enough. I wouldn't wear a mini dress, ditsy print, leopard print, etc. Instead I'd go for nice wide leg black trousers, a blazer, and a couple of blouses - maybe silk. Alternatively if the tummy means trousers are no good I'd get 2 midi dresses and a blazer.

An example dress to go with a black blazer
https://www.marksandspencer.com/geometric-tie-front-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp22568832#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r5c2|prodflag_Online%20Only

Then get another dress and wear the same blazer again.

Phase 8? Something like this?

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/april-geo-midi-dress-222024492.html#cgid=new-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=222024492&pos=8

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/multicoloured-floral-ruched-sweetheart-mini-dress/14919047.html

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/black-mini-shirt-dress/14724056.html

www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/jdy-camilla-blue-print-dress/14507762.html

www.next.co.uk/style/su007888/d35779

www.next.co.uk/style/su091268/n60090

www.next.co.uk/style/ls402777/q27322

www.next.co.uk/style/su049138/393321

www.next.co.uk/style/st710001/d91543

www.next.co.uk/style/ls304168/k07868

www.next.co.uk/style/su108363/n14679

Most of these are next day delivery too and I checked for size 14. I'm sure you will find something and if not go to your local charity shops always some great autumn dresses this time of year xx

I'm exactly your shape OP. also have professional job but scruffier industry i like to dress in a corporate style regardless.

This with beige mac, navy ankle boots or sensible court shoes. https://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-v-neck-tie-waist-midi-wrap-dress/p/clp60616444#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r4c2

If you prefer trousers then this trouser suit with a cream blouse - buy a size 16 at least for the tits: https://www.marksandspencer.com/crepe-tailored-single-breasted-blazer/p/clp60615762#intid=pid_pg1pip8g2r1c2

how tall are you?

I recently needed to buy more workwear and found the M&S wide leg trousers (£17.50) were pretty flattering. I bought charcoal and navy, and wear with flats and high neck 3/4 sleeve tops. Very comfortable and the fabric was better quality than Next.

Oooh, or this with white blouse and black trousers. I prefer separates anyway as it breaks up the silouette:

https://www.marksandspencer.com/tweed-dogtooth-double-breasted-blazer/p/clp60606004#intid=pid_pg1pip35g2r1c1|prodflag_As%20seen%20On%20Holly

As with others, Matalan, Sainsburys and Asda

Asda have some really nice striped tops in that look very smart

i am dreadful at this stuff. But dress from shoes upward. Do you have a pair of shoes you would want to wear or would feel comfortable in?

I’d go for a couple of dresses. Maybe these

https://www.libbylondon.com/collections/outlet/products/wimbledon-rosehip-dress

https://www.sosandar.com/blue-white-zebra-print-midi-shirt-dress

M&S do a ruched sleeve blazer with matching wide legged trousers. I have the blazer in 3 different colours as it is so practical and flattering. The wide legged trousers have an elasticated waist and are v flattering on the tummy

Should have said, I wear a coloured blazer over a shift dress/ jumpsuit/ top and skirt or trousers (matching or not) so you could really ring the changes with it