Work outfit for an important meeting

[Polkadotpjs]

I have a meeting with important customers and I clue what to where and not much money other than for Vinted. Or shopping my own wardrobe. Size 14 short arse. Medium boobs and bit of a tummy
HELP! Can spend maybe £50 on something to prop up an outfit
I've got a cream blazer , cobalt blue tulip shape dress with zips that is quite nice on, boring black dress, tea dress type short dress , black jacket
Have worn dress and jacket (dress black with ditsy print, fit and flare / tea ) but felt really "old"
I am in a rut. 48. Frumpy feeling but am young inside.
Any ideas at all as to what would make a decent outfit - I dont want to stand out but want to look groomed and smart.
Not worn a suit in years and they don't suit me anyway. What are people wearing if you work in a smart office environment. I've got to walk a fair bit too - site tours. Argh!!!! Help!!

Do you not have a single decent looking pair of trousers or jeans? If you did you could wear them with whichever of your jackets suits you, or the season, best. Then spend your £50 on a fresh t shirt in the best coordinating neutral colour. Add your best grooming - hair, face, accessories. Polish your shoes / boots.

(But I’m puzzled as to how you’ve managed other work meetings if you don’t own any clothes you’re actually happy to be seen in?)

Meetings have been in Teams for the last 3.5 years and offices more casual.

Smart would be jacket and trousers or dress tights and boots I guess. Less about suits and heels.
Could you wear your cream blazer with some plain black or navy trousers and low heel shoes or boots? Would look a bit authoritative but also practical to walk around.

If you really don’t own suitable trousers or jeans, take a look at Uniqlo:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/bottoms/trousers-leggings-sweatpants

And choose a pair that can go with one of your jackets. (I mean in terms of proportion and fabric - the colours don’t have to match.)

Meetings have been in Teams for the last 3.5 years

Ah, my experience has been different! (Wfh in a creative industry.) I recall a weekend conference in November 2021, and a full week at the start of 2022. Since then all the important things have been face to face. (In addition to countless Zoom / Teams gatherings.) So I always have to have ‘meeting other grown ups’ clothes ready to go, so to speak.

@WhatWillIWear I'm in a new job and my previous job was way more casual. I've also put weight on and worn and worn my trousers. Got one pair I don't mind. Maybe a fresh new underneath layer is a good plan

@NotMeNoNo dress and boots would be more in my comfort zone. For regular office days and the people I've met so far it's a mix of people wearing anything form jeans and a fleece to wide leg trousers with a body and trainers or dresses and brogues. I've worn my dresses but just feel like i want something fresh as I'm nervous about this meeting and feel very new and inexperienced in this field

Well, congratulations on the new job!

I’d try to build a new wardrobe of reasonably good quality things that will work for all eventualities. Old clothes that look outdated or don’t fit well are just a nuisance to have around.

Where did you usually shop in the past?

Wallis petite for trousers and blouses but it feels a bit dated now

A bit dated?

Are you absolutely bound to buying from petite ranges? (I’m about 5’3 and have never done so.) Most things can be shortened at the hem; dresses can sometimes be shortened at the waist if the proportions are wrong. Coats and jackets can be almost completely remade (though at some cost). Pretty much anything can be taken in or altered to fit better. The thing to do is seek out a skilled alterations service / seamstress / tailor who you can rely on.

From the sound of your work and budget you might find Community Clothing is perfect for you. Link to New Women’s Clothes as the Home page is slightly alarming at the moment.

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-new-arrivals

If you wanted to gradually add a few ‘fancier’ items & Other Stories has regular sales. A combination of cheaper Uniqlo trousers and elegant shirts or blouses like this might be a good way to proceed. (Though plain t shirts and a blazer / chore jacket are perfectly fine.)

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blouses-shirts/blouses/product.relaxed-lavalli%253Fre-neck-blouse-blue.1160563002.html

Denim dresses / skirts seem like easy workwear, too. You can find them anywhere

I'm a disaster arent I?! 🤣. I should point out my casual clothes are ok! Just hate work stuff

@WhatWillIWear I love the &other stories stuff I have perused so far thank you 🙏. I really appreciate this

It’s a pleasure!

The Uniqlo Compton Des Cottoniers collaboration seems ideal on your budget. Lovely wide leg trousers and some nice lambswool carries and jumpers.

@CharlotteRumpling the problem there is I want everything 🤣. These are lovely

www.uniqlo.com/eu/en_AT/product/comptoir-des-cotonniers-selvedge-regular-fit-jeans-463527.html

With ALL the knitwear

Just found some new ponte very slim leg trousers. Would they work with cream blazer? They're navy. What colour and style of top ? T shirt? Cami?

A pair of smart work trousers that can be machine washed is a must. Possibly black, dark grey or navy. A second pair would be a good idea too. A couple of smart tops or blouses that you could tuck into trousers and wear a jacket with or wear with a smart work skirt. I'd start with 1 pair of trousers and 1 top and wear with your cream jacket. Next month add another top and a blouse, following month a second pair of different colour trousers and a skirt, then a couple more tops, then a decent quality jacket. Just buy a couple of things each month. They don't have to be expensive just choose a good cut/style. Maybe you could have something for Xmas. Also look in charity shops for blouses and tops.

This pretty blouse would go perfectly with black, navy or dark grey trousers.

I need to find the elusive well fitting comfortable yet smart trouser don't I? Hark at me using the singular too. A trouser! I'll be wearing a statement lip next. Anyhoo. I ordered this blazer a few weeks ago and forgot to collect it. Looks nice with jeans but I fear it would be rendered a bit Maggie thatcher in a work context. What say you lot?

Blazer pic added

@WhatWillIWear I can't seem to link to that blouse. Just goes to the home page but there are loads of nice things on there and a piece a month is probably a good idea
Where are the best trousers ? Think that'll be an in person trip to try on !