Help - work clothes - mid 40’s and feeling frumpy.

[Redoingromance]

Hello, mid management but having to socialise quite a bit now so need to get out of my v old sack like dresses and start to impress a bit more. I’m size 12 but basically should be an 8 or 10 based on my frame so don’t carry it well. Slightly busty, no waist/ sticking out tummy, big bum, hips and thighs. And I’m totally and utterly stuck on finding work clothes to suit me.

Any help hugely appreciated! I’m sorting out my hair, starting next on my skin. Basically need a total life overhaul and some work clothes that give confidence!

Budget budget budget budget budget?

Ha ha, I don’t buy often, so mid range. The fold etc is out of reach, whistles/ reiss are probably top of my price range if something really nice. Hobbs/ phase eight also. I usually buy from the above in the sales if I can but I’m needing urgently as I’ve a lot of work events coming up!

My advice would be go somewhere like Bravissimo (not M&S!) and get yourself fitted into a decent new bra. You will find clothes sit better right away and it's the right foundation to build the rest of your outfit from. I'm sure you look far nicer than you think you do too. Have fun shopping.
I like Ted Baker for work clothes as well as Reiss and Cruise.

Would this work? I got a few weeks ago and love it for work with black tights and heels
size down

https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/crepe-v-neck-knee-length-shift-dress/p/clp60642007?istCompanyId=786af40a-2e84-4001-9ef1-c1fcb168fbf9&istFeedId=a62ea526-542f-470a-ad36-51479e1cbb34&istItemId=lqprmltla&istBid=t&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-IE-_-_bau&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bRN3QLZ9qr8oVcTMtKXEEuoB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItp-Ml76jhAMVQ6hoCR1vOAddEAQYASABEgKV4_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Mint velvet and all saints are my favourite for smartish clothes. Same age and size as you.

Also dyed my hair pink when it started going grey and bought some amazing biker boots from Carvela.

Mid 40s is a time to stop giving a fuck, and do what makes YOU happy.

I like Oliver Bonas and Scamp and Dude for dresses. M&S do some good wide leg trousers which look good with a simple
T-shirt.

TBH I’d feel frumpy if I had to rely on this thread to energise my wardrobe!

@WhatWillIWear thank goodness you're here to tell us all how grumpy we are. Can't wait to see what exciting suggestions you have yourself.

*frumpy
Though either is probably fair

There are a fair few threads with more exciting clothes, @galliverstravels.

And yet you're not actually saying what clothes you deem exciting. Seems more like you put a throwaway insulting comment because you didn't have anything more exciting in mind yourself.