Help!! Proper job clothes

[Wineandrun]

I’m nearly 42 and have just got a new job. I’ve been in the NHS for years wearing uniform, when I’m not at work I’m in my running kit or comfy home clothes (joggers and a hoody!). I’m moving into the private sector and will be at meetings with very senior stakeholders, liaising with the people who hold all the cash, that sort of thing.

so, I need a new wardrobe and have no idea where to start. I’m a size 10, in decent shape but very conscious of my perimenopausal mum tum. I like dresses. I hate black trousers. I have no shoes except trainers, walking boots, flip flops and one pair of heeled boots for ‘best’. I can probably spend about £300 straight off and then add to it over a few months.

please help me!!!

Roman is good for dresses. Get some shaping tights for the mum tum. Black ankle boots and you'll be good for winter.

You want Cos …

https://www.cos.com/engbp/women/dresses.html

Will you be in an office every day or hybrid working - which would need fewer clothes straight off? And what exactly is the level of formality expected? And - do you have the time, energy and inclination for pre-owned or would you rather stick to ‘straight from the shop’? If you can hold off for probably days rather than weeks, they should have a proper sale soon. Otherwise I’d suggest two reasonably plain dresses, which you can wear with your boots, and either a skirt or a pair of trousers, for the latter you’ll need to buy, ideally, some black loafers. (Luckily those can be relatively inexpensive to start off with.) Wear with any decent plain knitwear or shirts you possess. Or just buy a third dress instead.

Congratulations, btw!

Small bump …

Which idea are you more drawn to, @Wineandrun?

Tailored wide leg trousers (maybe dark grey wool or tweed if you don't like black?) and invest in some gorgeous blouses from Wyse? Boden do reasonably priced silk blouses too. Yes to brogues! Some meaningful and simple jewellery that you can look at and helps you feel grounded and confident in your new role. Good luck with it x

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! It is hybrid and I’ll be spending a fair amount of time sitting on trains. I like the idea of grey wool wide legged trousers. And I think loafers rather than brogues, wood anppreciate links, I’m so far behind knowing what is fashionable, classic or just frumpy! And I do like a nice blouse. Ideally I need things which don’t need ironing or will withstand being in a suitcase well. I’m quite happy with pre-loved as long as I know what I’m looking for, I find vinted really overwhelming. I think after spending so long worrying about what I wear in case it gets covered in sticky small people paw prints it feels strange allowing myself ‘good’ clothes.

i will look at all those websites and hold out for sales, I suppose I can wait until after Christmas but I’m excited and want to start shopping 😆