Updating my winter work wardrobe

[Hoolahoophop]

I used to buy a lot of my 'best' clothes from Karen Millen when I was mid 20s and size 8.

I considered them to be high fashion and high quality. Loved those dresses.

Was this ever the case or was a blinded by it being the only expensive shop in town.

What is the quality/fit like now?

I saw this the other day and liked the look of it for winter work wear.

Petite Tailored Structured Crepe Pleated Midi Dress | Karen Millen

Or Phase eight which would have been somewhere my Mum shopped and a bit too work wear mother of the bride for me in my 20s. Are they any good?

I'm now mid 40s and a size 12 sadly lost by waist as that is where the weight goes so round as am large hipped and large chested!

Saw this and thought it was lovely. Bit worried it could get over hot as tight on top.

Petite Rhea Woven Hem Abstract Dress | Phase Eight ROW | (phase-eight.com)

Is the quality fit good for these brands, are there any others I should be looking at? I have a few Hobbs summer dresses.

Any idea what to wear with a long skirt for work in winter, last year I picked this up in Monsoon and love it (also have a similar style in slate grey I've had for years), so comfortable and warm. But all my tops feel old and tired and I don't know how to pair it. Cashmere jumper and a belt to try to create a waist? blowse? Simple black long sleeved T?

Skirts | 'Ava' A-Line Ponte Skirt | Monsoon (debenhams.com)

For casual wear I love a bit of Joe Browns, loving their Autumn floral skirts and chunky jumpers. But want to be a bit smarter for work.

Just wondering if anyone could help me find some great bits for winter workwear.

Thanks

How tall are you?

Not quite 5ft

So really quite short, used feel petite, now just feel a short if that makes sense. I'd like to feel petite again. Two C sections and a bit of weight gain have not been kind to my waist.

What I should have asked is what sort of proportions you have! The five foot nothing member of my family genuinely never remembers that petite sized brands exist - but they do have quite long limbs. And are accustomed to getting things altered.

If you can wear say, cropped trousers or short dresses from non-petite ranges that would give you more options? I do think you’ll have more fun, and feel more fashionable if you step away from the legacy brands embrace adventure and try some new places.

The other question is - do you have a budget?

If you want to start with outerwear I’d recommend having a look at

Harris Wharf

Anything that says cropped seems to work well, they have one or two mini skirts that look beautifully made, but the unmissable piece is the ‘mantle’ - which looks impossibly elegant on both the tall and the not tall. They also last forever so would be worth the investment.

So proportions, I am broad shouldered, large busted, short waisted, wide hipped and short legged! EVERYTHING even petites generally needs taking up. Cant wear standard dresses as the waist is all in the wrong place.

The brands above are probably my budget, I'm also not adverse to a second hand search.

For big items I will pay what needs to be paid, so a coat that will see me thought the next 10 years I'd pay for, or decent (comfortable) shoes and boots as I walk everywhere. I hate shopping so a few easy to mix items that only have to add to very occasionally would be perfect.

I do like the idea of trying new places, but its how to find them, and getting things that fit. Some of those jackets from Harris Wharf are stunning, but all would need altering as the arms would drown me. Several of the dresses look great of the tall willowy models but I am not sure would suit someone squat!

Apologies - was interrupted and didn’t see your responses until I’d written this post! 🤷‍♀️

A few things that may or may not work for you (though it’s more about trying different brands):

Massimo Dutti grey dress

Cos skirt

Community Clothing trousers

& Other Stories dress

and daughter investment piece

Karen Millen I recall from my early career, used to be well cut and from premium fabrics- I had a silk top from there that was embellished, and their knitwear was wool/angora I seem to remember. It was very much an aspirational brand for me, an occasion wear or investment purchase.
Trousers and skirts were beautifully finished with binding inside and linings. Now, I’d say it’s more in line with upper end high street, Whistles type prices for polyester. Hope that helps and good luck.

Thank you both, I appreciate the suggestions @MetaDaughter and will have a good look at those sites this evening. It may be time to step outside my usual style for a change. @GellerYeller I had a feeling this might be the case.

Hope not too unhelpful!

From what you say, it sounds as if it’s not easy to find even petite clothes that fit properly straight out of the box? So you probably do need to accept choosing wisely and having to get things altered. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. It’s what most well dressed people do. But in that case it probably makes sense to buy the best you can afford, so the added cost of alteration feels worthwhile.

Yes, I am hearing that, or while I find what I like I may have a look at some second hand quality items that I can alter and see how comfortable I am in them. Will keep searching. Thank you.

Agree with this…found an old Karen Millen blazer from Y2K while clearing out and the quality was much better than now.
though I despair at every finding good quality clothing on high street.

the quality seems to be the first thing to go when these brands get bought out by investors.

On a more constructive note, I think that The Fold might be the place for some high quality work wear

The Fold is an interesting suggestion. I know they’re often cited here for workwear but it’s such a particular style. I always envy women who can look so sleek and well put together - even though there isn’t a single thing on their website that I could consider wearing.

But they do lots of tiny, neatly cut jackets which could work really well for the OP.

Reiss petite is my go to. I also got a few jumbers from Whistles petite.

I ordered a dress and some trousers from Karen Millen petite the trousers were beautiful but too longer, then dress just didn't fit at all tight/baggy in all the wrong places.

For some reason petite trousers in all brands are very long this season, I think this is because the fashion is for long trousers which is fine if you're tall, but just look like your trousers are too big for you if youre petite.

I’m not petite so can’t really advise, but came on to say Karen Millen was bought by boohoo a few years ago; I bought a coat and jacket from there last year before I realised that and couldn’t get over how poor the fit and quality was - compared to how great the brand used to be. I would avoid.
Reiss seen to have a petite range; might be worth trying?
I got a coat from Hobbs recently and I love it; they also seem to have a petite range.
best of luck!

Another vote for Reiss petite here. I’ve just bought this jacket and matching slim trousers https://www.reiss.com/style/su322227/166819#166819 and their outlet section can also have some good deals. Quality of clothes is very good and delivery/returns really good.
Dare I say Boden might be worth a look this season too, at least their petite range is quite expansive.

Can you be my personal stylist as these are all amazing!

Try M&S - they have a lot of great workwear in petite sizes.

Workwear has changed a lot during the last five years or so - much less formal and I see women mostly wearing wide leg trousers, shirts and trench coats with trainers or boots.

I used to love Karen Millen! I bought a couple of bits last year and was pleasantly surprised, then I read that Karen Millen is involved again.

Im 5'3, size 8 and love Karen Millen! Also Reiss, they have some amazing heaver knit dresses, that feel light to wear, but fit amazing and flatter so well.

I love a roll neck, think its flattering to slightly broader shoulders and means can wear a slightly shorter knee length.

Vinted has some older KM pieces, thats where the quality is.

Next has a great sale on Reiss at the mo!

I'm 5.9 and I've just bought some phase eight trousers which fit me perfectly and which is very unusual for off the peg trousers unless they are longer length. You'd definitely need their petite range.

I’m not sure if this is within budget, but Me and Em might be worth a look, it reminds me a little of the old Karen Millen: www.meandem.com/