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Original poster

Help...office wear for a big size 16

29 replies

Daffsinfeb · 16/03/2024 21:21

Starting a new job soon and I'm coming out of the WFH era to be more office based.

Massively overweight with a big wobbly tummy. Mid 40s and 5 foot 4.

I like smart trousers, jumpers, the odd blazer and shirts. Can't wear any type of dress right now without looking 9 months pregnant.

Please help and recommend any items. Usually buy clothes from Phase Eight, H&M , John Lewis, Joules, Roman, Next. Looking for quality items and happy to spend a bit more. Shoes are a nightmare too, needless to say heels are not possible after years of wearing trainers and slippers every single day. I like wearing boots which are fine in winter but need some spring-summer alternatives.

TIA

OP posts:
Decafflatteplease · 16/03/2024 21:25

Following for ideas, I'm a size 20 and 5 foot. M and s do some great basic trousers they are £17.50 with a stretchy waistband. I wear these lots with long tops and flat shoes

Original poster
Daffsinfeb · 16/03/2024 21:53

Thanks @Decafflatteplease can you link to these please?

Good old Marks. I do try to veer away from Marks but do end up going back for staples!

Yes stretchy waistbands are needed.

OP posts:
socks1107 · 16/03/2024 21:57

I tend to wear marks and Spencer's trousers but have just had some arrive from I want that trend today and they are very comfy! Nice belt to break up my middle. For tops I wear next, h and m and Tesco

Fucketyfecketyfoo · 16/03/2024 22:23

Similar size- always rely on plain trousers and a more eye catching top with matching trousers. I find it much easier to control my wobbly tum when not WFH!

Decafflatteplease · 16/03/2024 23:15

Can't get a clicky link to work but search for jersey ankle grazer

40andprettybored · 16/03/2024 23:36

I would recommend M&S and I would follow fashion curvy people on TikTok or Instagram as they give me loads of ideas.

Sonora25 · 17/03/2024 06:39

OP I am a size 16 and find good clothes in the Hobbs sale (currently on). Also Brandalley have a LK bennett sale, they have good dresses.

RoseMarigoldViolet · 17/03/2024 07:29

I agree about M&S black trousers. They look good and are comfortable.

SuperstarDeejay · 17/03/2024 07:36

I love the Uniqlo wide leg pants. They're so cheap for the quality. Lots of colours. They have a secret elasticated waist and they will alter to the length you need. XL fits a large 16 (that's me too).

While you're there they also have plain, good quality, inexpensive tops such as tshirts, shirts and merino jumpers. Just pick a few colours and mix n match! Khaki/Navy/white is nice, or black/grey/pale blue.

Copperoliverbear · 17/03/2024 07:44

Marks and next do some lovely office wear.

Bellyblueboy · 17/03/2024 10:15

Go for good quality basics. I am 5ft 2 and find Boden petite work trousers really long wearing and comfortable.

think about a capsule wardrobe.

1 pair of black, wide trousers

1 pair black, straight trousers

1 white shirt

1 blue shirt

good quality white t-shirt

good quality black t-shirt

blazers

stone trench coat for spring\summer

and interest with belts, jewellery and bags.

shops that work for quality basics are Boden, H&M, whistles, Hobbs, cos.

avoid anything distinct - you can’t wear it every week!

and anything with a distinct pattern from marks and Spencer or next will be everywhere! I don’t let myself shop there anymore! Their trousers aren’t great quality and they are the clothes of the masses😂. I gave up when I saw four women wear the exact blue and whiltr stripped shirt I was wearing!

Scirocco · 17/03/2024 12:11

John Lewis do some really nice work clothes. I love their wide leg elasticated waist trousers - discovered them when I was pregnant and they're still my favourite work trousers because they're so comfortable (not the same pairs but the same style). I find their suit jackets / blazers a bit snug across the chest though.

I'd probably suggest good quality basics that you can wear again and again, and using accessories to add colour and interest. TKMaxx can be good for scarves and things like that.

ArthurChristmas22 · 17/03/2024 13:33

Following as this could have been written by me. Especially shoes and I'm still clueless.

I wouldn't right off dresses though. I have found a number that fit and slim and take out the hassle of tops/trousers/jacket issues.

Finery is worth a look.

Purplebunnie · 17/03/2024 14:41

Seasalt do some comfortable dresses. I'm slightly shorter than you and was a size 18 before I gave up work and they always fitted well

AdultFemaleWoman · 17/03/2024 14:55

Vinted has lots of Hobbs and Reiss in larger sizes

dancinginthewind · 17/03/2024 15:57

How smart do you need to be? I'm in a role where men are in suits & ties and the women are still in fairly traditional office wear, at the least the more senior ones are.
I've piled on the pounds recently, particularly around the stomach area, and am feeling much better after a spending spree in Hobbs. I was surprised at how well their shift dresses fitted. I feel so much confident now that I know I am in clothes that fit and are definitely right for the role.
I also have a couple of pairs of well fitting black trousers which I wear with Whistles jersey blazers (which are relatively short and come in a range of colours) or Chanel style jackets which are all over Zara, H&M and Mango. I didn't like the massive bright gold buttons but managed to swap them for some smaller black ones or dull gold ones.

Singleandproud · 17/03/2024 16:00

Hamble Oaks from Clarks are always my go to work shoe. Smart but comfortable I'm not particularly stylish but not sure brogues ever go out of fashion.

Occasionally on Amazon the go down to £17.50 instead of £60+ so I tend to buy a couple of pairs and stock up.

Investinmyself · 17/03/2024 19:01

I wear dresses. As long as got an adjustable waist my perimenopause middle is ok.

HelenaWaiting · 18/03/2024 09:40

Daffsinfeb · 16/03/2024 21:21

Starting a new job soon and I'm coming out of the WFH era to be more office based.

Massively overweight with a big wobbly tummy. Mid 40s and 5 foot 4.

I like smart trousers, jumpers, the odd blazer and shirts. Can't wear any type of dress right now without looking 9 months pregnant.

Please help and recommend any items. Usually buy clothes from Phase Eight, H&M , John Lewis, Joules, Roman, Next. Looking for quality items and happy to spend a bit more. Shoes are a nightmare too, needless to say heels are not possible after years of wearing trainers and slippers every single day. I like wearing boots which are fine in winter but need some spring-summer alternatives.

TIA

They can be pricey, but my first port of call is always Saint and Sofia. Their stuff looks like new for years, great fabric and they do up to size 22. (I don't work for them btw).

https://uk.saintandsofia.com/

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Sonora25 · 18/03/2024 19:07

I don’t think anyone in size 16 will look good in a jumpsuit. And I say that in the kindest possible way. (And I am a size 16)

Scirocco · 18/03/2024 19:49

Sonora25 · 18/03/2024 19:07

I don’t think anyone in size 16 will look good in a jumpsuit. And I say that in the kindest possible way. (And I am a size 16)

I don't at size 14. I look like a Ghostbusters reject.

Bellyblueboy · 18/03/2024 20:04

I wouldn’t go too trendy or unique for workwear until you find your style. That jumpsuit is very ‘niche’, distinct and memorable. You could probably only ware it twice every summer! I couldn’t wear it at all - I am short 12/14 and always look like a chubby toddler in jumpsuits😂

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