My work wardrobe is Boden navy sludge. I need to smarten up a bit for not much money. Help...?

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

I work in a long hours senior leadership job but in quite a casual sector. I long ago adopted my work uniform of Boden/ Monsoon plain navy dress, tights, and low heels or flats. Accessorised with a shapeless cardigan 🤔

I am off on a tip to meet some overseas partners next month and feel I need to smarten up a little. But I sort of don't know where to start!

I have an athletic build and most women's blazers make me look like a rugby player. Is it possible to find blazers that are not too padded and nipped in at the waist a bit?

Or, should I go all 1990s American and use a scarf?

Bit lost......! Tips gratefully received.

How about a more structured cardigan over your existing navy?

Boden as you know your size there

Chanel style knitted jacket from Hobbs?

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/show-stopper-embroidered-boutique-jacket-wj677

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/decadent-drama-embroidered-boutique-jacket-wj686

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/summer-daze-boutique-kimono-wj649

Libby London? https://www.libbylondon.com/collections/outlet

tbh, M&S are knocking workwear out of the park these days - I’ve got a few different blazers from them (and Jaeger) plus some neutral trousers in grey, camel and black from Phase Eight, Hobbs and Hush.

If you like a bargain, Vinted has loads of blazers of every shape. I've just bought two with nipped in waists - one is Monsoon and the other is Per Una. Both in excellent condition.

Under 'condition' search for New with or without tags.

You'll have to scroll through pages to find what you're looking for but if you search for brands you know, it refines it more and helps with sizing.

Edited to add - now I want that Joe Brown jacket above ... it's calling me!

https://www.marksandspencer.com/textured-air-yarn-crew-neck-knitted-jacket/p/clp60714226?color=LIGHTNATURAL

Style it like the photo with a plain white shirt & black wide leg trousers & you'll look very smart but on trend.

A knitted jacket might help. More structure than a standard cardigan but warmer and a bit more relaxed than a jacket/blazer. I’ve just bought these two and love them both:

https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/jackets/knitwear/knitted-buttoned-jacket_77069068?c=99

https://www.cottontraders.com/products/boucle-cardigan/AL11576.html?dwvar_AL11576_color=Black#q=Boucle%20&start=6&list=search%20result&p=0

Me + Em travel tailoring? This dress is navy (if you want to stick with your theme!) - team with a cropped jacket (there's one recommended):

https://www.meandem.com/travel-tailoring-ponte-pinstripe-maxi-dress-navy-white

Lots of the clothes on their site would suit athletic figures

It's really difficult to advise without knowing the industry and what would be appropriate here. Is a blazer necessary? If so, something like this from Mango? Although just chucking a blazer over one of your current dresses is unlikely to cut it.

Wide legged trousers and top? Basically an outfit like this? https://uk.saintandsofia.com/products/keller-wide-leg-pant-black-trouser
Or a chunkier jumper on top, if that's not too casual (I'd get away with it in my line of work easily).

Any of these? https://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman-dresses-work-l4481.html
I like the midi shirt dresses, e.g. https://www.zara.com/uk/en/zw-collection-shirt-dress-with-belt-p04786298.html?v1=397856148&v2=2420912

ETA - what about footwear? Chunky loafers are a possibility depending on what you go for, or pointed toe boots (ankle or knee, again depending on outfit).

I have no idea how those garishly embroidered Joe Brown garments could be considered suitable for high level work meetings with (probably European) professional colleagues?

Me and Em is what I would also have suggested - particularly their sale if you don’t want to spend too much, @JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff.

It would also be worthwhile to have a look at brands like

Studio Nicholson
Rohe
Toteme

even if they’re beyond your planned budget. Their websites give a really good idea of contemporary styling, colours and proportions and you can buy similar pieces from

Cos

for considerably less.

Wow thanks everyone! This is why I love MN.

So I agree that a blazer will help and I like several of those. Will check them out!

Being on trend doesn't matter quite so much - it's more looking like I'm a bit more put together iyswim. It's not in Europe, either (China if it matters).

I like the wide legged trouser look a lot but I just don't suit it 😣 I am just under 5'4" and quite curvy - lots of strength training so defined shoulders and bum - but anything wide tends to just swamp me and make me look like I'm wearing a marquee.

Also agree new footwear is a good shout and was thinking chunky ballet flats or poss loafers.

Why don't you go to a John Lewis and have an appointment with a personal shopper? They'll have access to a variety of stores and if you tell them that you just want to update your working wardrobe they will give you some good ideas.

To mix it up cheaply, get some bright or contrasting tights and tie in with the colours in your new cardigan or blazer. Snag or Better Tights are both online and do every colour you can think of. Some colour matching accessories can add a pop to the navy too.

You don’t need blazers, just do smart dresses without blazers or cardigans.

look at hobbs/phase eight and at the fold for inspiration

So, depending on your industry, China can be quite a kickback to the 80s - very "suited and booted", lots of knock-off Chanel suits (and in some cases, the real things) and fitted dresses. But as you're British - or at least coming from Britain - you can go as quirky as you like. It is a stereotype, but there's definitely love for British fashion in China.
I'd have a big trying-on with what you've got and layering on your blazers. I would also suggest Me&Em travel tailoring, as it's great for packing and still looks good - one of their trouser and top co-ords with a range of other things that mix and match etc would be an easy way to pack.
My final word is bags - again, apologies for the massive stereotype - but if you've got designer bags now is the time to bring them out. Or if you want to spend money, I'd put it in bags before new clothes.

You could rent a bag from

Hurr

My Wardrobe

Selfridges

And other places.

LOVE that knitted jacket! @CaveMum

www.hobbs.com/product/sairey-cotton-wool-knitted-jacket/0124-9359-9083L00-MIDNIGHT-NAVY.html

Do the John Lewis personal shopper thing. Chinese woman IME tend to dress v well and put a lot of emphasis on it. They wear colour, in particular red and they appreciate a designer label. I’d recommend a red dress for evening wear (I’d assume they’d take you out for dinner) and silk scarves could brighten up day wear. They also love a Burberry Mac which could be an easy way to smarten up overcoat. And a decent handbag. This was what I did for a business trip to china and I’m glad I did I felt I fitted in more. Having more junior staff outdress me would have felt embarrassing to me at least.

I was going to suggest adding red. Red is my go to for freshening a look up.

Whistles Jersey jacket. My wardrobe mirrors yours. They are fab.

Red is a really lucky colour in China, means prosperity/joy - so definitely worth putting in a red accent into your wardrobe here or there.

I'd recommend getting a colour analysis done if you've never had one and are wanting to freshen up your wardrobe and feel your best. Francesca Cairns is great.

Navy cigarette trousers, silk cami and navy blazer, gold jewellery and pointy flats

Navy cigarette trousers, silk shirt, gold jewellery and pointy flats

Navy cigarette trousers, navy cashmere jumper, gold jewellery and pointy flats

Ditch the navy tights , wear bright colours with co ordinating belts ., update your jewellery

Try tailored cardigans .

Look at vinted - navy’s a good base colour