Help please!! Outfit need for a high profile fashion role...

[colderandeatsmincepiesalot]

and what to wear! I am over 40, 5ft5 and a size 12. I want to look sleek, classic and expensive IYSWIM - but like it is effortless . I think black or dark is the way to go but I am at a loss...PLEASE HELP

I’d do Me + Em for a starter outfit and then look at what they wear too. I used to love Joseph for smarter pieces to wear.

I worked in central government round the corner from Burberry for a few years and honestly, some of them wore Burberry pieces (understated) or carried a Burberry accessory or wore smart/trendy versions of office wear. They didn’t look that different from some people working in central government.

Cos has a lot of dark and black in its dresses and jumpsuits

I’d look at some of the suggestions from the Anna edit on instagram

or Cos / Raey depending on your budget

I don’t think anyone is being mean- they are pointing out that screaming toddlers don’t pair well with high end fashion. The clothes reccommended on here tend to be practical or business wear from chain stores. If anything, people are poking humour at themselves not knowing their fashion arse from their elbow.

Good luck OP

I think you can't go far wrong with a nice white shirt and dark tailored jeans/trousers. With simple jewelry and a blazer. Never out of fashion and not try hard

I think part of what you're up against op, is that there's been quite a lot of distaste and disdain for fashion expressed on here lately. In fact it's probably only a matter of time before someone comes along to remind us all that the board is called, 'Style and Beauty' not 'Fashion.'

Can you say a little bit more about your role without outing yourself, e.g. is it with a brand and, if yes is it mainstream high street or something more independent?

Fashion designer here - try finding some inspiration from net a porter for outfit building. I like the fashion influencer Emma rose style, have a look at her Instagram. She had a great outfit with black wide leg trousers, black knitted vest and belt - that looked chic either with a pointed mule or ballet flats (on trend) . Sheerluxe website also good for inspiration. And you can rent amazing pieces from Hurr. Other shops to look at on high street - cos, arket, other stories, massimo dutti. It's hard to advise on outfit without knowing more info.

A family member is Strategy Director for a famous creative agency. It’s a management role but mainly working with creative and marketing clients. She wears edgy jeans; or trousers with an interesting cut. At the moment that’s combats or leather joggers. Then a tailored or boho (embroidered, painted, sequins) jacket of some kind. In summer it’s a bohemian blouse of some kind. Jumpers from Uniqlo and trainers from Converse. Big rings or earrings or necklace. It’s a kind of uniform formula and takes time rather than money to put together. The creatives themselves wear dresses and stuff they have made themselves.

@Mumsanetta that looks like some weird cult member who needs a good roast dinner

Ooh I want to look like this when I'm a grown up!

Yey! THANK YOU some brilliant answers which is just what I wanted! Just because its fashion/clothing doesnt mean all the roles in the industry need you to look like a fashionista! Most of the people I come across look put together and I see a lot of black (except designers who always seem a little more umm OTT, but that is expected) The role is senior management/international relationships (Asia/Middle East/US) with strategic planning sooo whilst I want to look corporate, I want the look to have an edge. Thank you @Whisperingangel1 I will take a look and I love the silver idea too. I am thinking Hurr for a jacket rental maybe??

OP, I think the problem is the way your first post was worded makes it sound as though you're going to be taking on a role where you're already expected to know a lot about fashion.

If in fact you're starting a role as Finance Director or Head of HR or something, where it's your non-fashion skillset that's important but you don't want to look like Per Una has thrown up over you in that environment, your post makes more sense.

Have a look at Instagram- Sheerlux is an online fashion mag and they often put reels together of what each member of the team is wearing to the office that day - all ages!

As others have said I’d look at Me & Em. You can’t go wrong with a wide legged trouser.

Just read back and seen someone else recommend sheer lux. Also love Emma Rose style. I’d look at those for inspiration.

Yes @SoundTheSirens you are correct! I think the fashion bit has thrown me off a bit as I am not sure if there is an expectation for me to 'look' a certain way IYSWIM or it's ok to have a M&S suit ......

Thank you @Delatron I will look tonight. I think just seeing what the general vibe is will help - I know I have to take it up a notch due to the role, so I won't wear Converse, but I def need inspiration!

https://www.gebnegozionline.com/en_uk/black-viscose-blend-shirt-dress-viajkf35001-lzz.html?utm_source=lyst

This APC dress is lovely.

I would look at Raey & Cos as pp said

@tensmumllaf love it! Thats the type of thing...

People are horrible - OP could be joining as a senior in compliance/legal/etc in a fashion house. That would mean she probably wants to dress in the way she describes but does not (yet) have Anna Wintour's insight on 'how to dress'.

I make no claim to being a fashionista but the Outnet's own brand, Iris and Ink, has some lovely pieces which might fit the bill e.g.https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iris-ink/dresses/midi-dress/ellie-printed-voile-midi-dress/1647597329201055

People are horrible - OP could be joining as a senior in compliance/legal/etc in a fashion house.

Yes … But her thread title said high profile fashion role - which is completely different.

If you are in management, then anything from Cos/Me and Em will work.

Vintage Vivienne Westwood? I have a pinstripe suit that solicits many compliments when I wear it. It's like my Marge Simpson Chanel suit - I could wear it anywhere!

I think something like this would work well.....

Mother of Pearl has some great shirts.