Work wear for community healthcare worker

[MooMa83]

Hi, I will recently be starting a job as a senior healthcare worker in the community (no uniform). I've put on weight recently so need a new work wardrobe for autumn/winter. I want to look professional/smart, but also need to be comfortable and some moving and handling involved so need to be able to move/stretch etc. Budget around 200 for a few basic bits. I'm a size 16, 5ft 2 with large bust, large tummy and thighs. I quite like the look of shirts under a smart wool vest or sweater...otherwise I'm a bit lost. TIA

Make sure whatever you buy can tolerate a hot wash for infection control, especially if you're manual handling.
I'd just go for dark straight leg trousers, loafer and a few lo g sleeve tshirts with a semi structured blazer over the top.

I like the black trousers from M&S, elastic waist and stretchy material. They wash and dry well.

Depending on your role (i.e. if you need to be able to wash your clothes on a hot wash) then when I worked in the community I used to wear a jersey dress (something like this: https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/chapelle-organic-cotton-midi-length-aline-dress I used to buy them in the Seasalt/Joules/Monsoon sales) with tights and a cardigan (which I took off if I needed to be bare below the elbows).

It’s not very exciting but it is comfortable, easy to move in and inoffensive which was what I wanted!

Similar role and I've really struggled. I started in the summer and had many a fashion fail. My role isn't hands on so mart casual. At the moment I'm wearing chunky boots with tunic dresses.

I used to wear lightweight, large tops and the lightweight walking Craghopper branded or similar trousers, for walking/hiking. They are lightweight and if wet, dry easily and quickly, even if still worn on the go.

When I did it for the NHS, they provided me with set uniform though.

I am just about to start in a community healthcare role and it is the shoes that stump me. I did a community role on placement and I will second the poster above who mentions Marks and Spencer elasticated waist trousers. I have them in charcoal, black and navy and wash them at 60c they still look like new after multiple wears. Really comfortable for manual handling which I sometimes need to do. I am quite partial to a Sea Salt Rushmaker shirt with a coordinating cardigan for chilly days. I got a couple of the shirts on Vinted and look for them. I am a size 16 but 5ft 10 and in my 40s with a bit of a pooch.I've got a nice seasalt shirt with a teal pattern that I wear with a teal cardigan and navy marks and Spencer trousers. I think it is a nice mix of comfy, smart casual that my role needs. Shoes I struggle with. I wore low heel boots on placement but too hot for August. I tried loafers but didn't feel right in them.

@bellalou1234 I am thinking tunic dresses and snag tights and chunky ankle boots for winter. I think it is a nice mix of practical/comfy/smart.

@DustyLee123 I'll second that. Those trousers are my go to.

I’m a similar size to you, and, like PPs, I wear jersey dresses, tights and boots for my non uniform healthcare role. Comfortable, non threatening and easy to wash! You just need to find your “uniform”, even if it’s nothing like you dress out of work. In fact, that can be a good thing as it makes yah harder to recognise, especially if you live in the community you work in.

@JennieTheZebra Rhatbis actually a really good point. I will be working and living in the same area and being recognised while out and about is something I've thought about. My new work clothes are hung in my wardrobe in outfits so I can just put them on with no thought.

*That is not Rhatbis