Workwear!

[shalalala]

Hello everyone. I need to buy essentially a new work wardrobe for a new and fairly corporate and senior job. The men are in suits and tie to give you an idea. I hate the idea of traditional corporate wear so am hoping to go with smart, patterned dresses and a blazer style.

I am 36 and a size 10/12. My budget I'd say is nice high street/premium in the sale! But not too pricy.

I particularly need dresses and shoes! Also a fab suit perhaps?!

Any suggestions or ideas so gratefully welcome

I don't know what this brand is like in real life, although other posters have said they're good, but if I were looking for formal work wear not too pricey I'd start there. They have some very smart black and navy dresses.

I personally wouldn't bother with a suit. They were on their way out even before COVID I don't like blazers over dresses.

Hobbs used to be the "go to" for this type of clothes but to my eyes they've been very dreary in the last few years.

Finery dresses

I don't agree with the previous poster on suits , they are definitely back in style although it does depend a bit on the suit. I would in corporate environment and am a similar size to you and my work clothes come from a combination of Me + Em, Reiss, Jigsaw and recently M&S.

Patterned dresses not my thing but they can look good - just avoid ditsy florals and droopy styles.

Vinted, especially if you know your size in a curtain brands that you're looking for

I’d throw money at a Reiss black trouser suit then some h and m or Zara shirts tops etc. then 2 good dresses black navy dark green etc they don’t need a blazer over. If you like the blazer look I’d go smart checked trousers with a black top/ blazer.
I go to Reiss, the fold (only in the sale) Zara some m and s and can mix it up a bit.

I’d agree you’re unlikely to want/need a suit.

I’m a senior corporate lawyer and haven’t worn a suit in the office since pre covid. female external counsel occasionally do, but even the consultants with their “dress two levels up from your clients” rules aren’t wearing suits anymore.

I’ve not seen a decent high street work dress for a while, The Fold is my go to but they’re £££.

For both blouses and tailored trousers I like Marella/ Max Mara / Equipment

M&S are also great for tailored trousers (especially if you need short or long) and Ted Baker.

Maje, Reís, Zadig and Massimo Dutti are good for tops/blouses

I always find great blazers in Zara.

If I were looking for formal corporate wear I agree Max Mara or The Fold. I prefer Max Mara but they're not "nice high street prices".

I'm a partner in a large private client firm. I can't think when I last saw a female solicitor wearing a suit. Even before Covid it was smart dresses, not suits. I've not seen suits making a comeback. I've given up "corporate work wear" completely. I always wear dresses but not that highly tailored style. I wore this dress to the office today. I wouldn't wear this dress for an interview for a new job, but everyday in the office is no issue.

Klements

‘Suiting’ is back in a big way this season. I’m not ready for it yet, but it’s definitely made a comeback if you find it easier to go for a suit.

I need to dress similarly smart for work (very jealous of all these people who can wear trainers to work!).

I have a few ‘uniforms’ that I rotate.

Tapered ankle grazer trousers, silk sleeveless blouse, blazer with pointy or almond toe flats, nice belt. I find Massimo Dutti good for this look. Also DKNY, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, sometimes Zara.

A more androgynous take on the above - swapping to loafers or brogues, wider legged trousers, oversized blazer. You can find this look in practically every level of High Street shop.

Fitted dress, tights, low heels and smart coat. This relies on a bit more cash thrown at it, as you want a couple of decent quality dresses that fit you perfectly and a really good quality coat. I live in this in winter, with smart ankle boots. I echo Max Mara for this type of look.

Thank you everyone!

Some really goos brands mentioned and kind of in line with what i was thinking.

To clarify - and I realise I didn't explain it properly - I meant a more casual suit or a non-matching blazer and trouser combo. A traditional dark suit will be too much for this role, but I reckon a blazer, blouse and trouser combo would be great.

Next question... shoes!!