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.

Sounds like you need a complete overhaul, a stylist appointment would be a good idea.

Btw hat in the world is the 90s American scarf look??

@Darklane those Joe Brown embroidered jackets are lovely. I do believe that they are meeting attire, and definitely something that I would see at international meetings between companies & clients or at conferences.

Blazers don't suit all body types - they are awful on me, as they are on my DD.

Thanks again - a structured red cardie or blazer is a good shout.

Yes the Chinese women I work with are super sharp dressers! Frankly they probably will outdress me and I'll just have to suck that up - I make a decent but not amazing wage, but DH just left his job and we have 3 young DC so Chanel suits sadly off the table.

But lots of good tips here and I am near a big JL so might do the personal shopper thing. Also will check out Whistles and a few more.

Thank you all again!

OP the problem with cardigans, Boden and Hobbs is they can be quite aging unless you are careful.

tiktok has loads of accounts with capsule workwear ideas that are fab.

I am modernizing my work wardrobe. Also senior post - lots of speaking engagements and press photos.

for my good quality basics work - black straight leg trousers, cream wide leg trousers, crisp white t-shirts, black t-shirts and smart blazers (I have black, green, and burgundy). White shirt, blue shirt and plain black cashmere sweaters.

classic good quality jewelry, belts and bag. Good quality heels, flats and boots. And on trend trainers for walking between meetings!

doesn’t have to cost the earth. Marks and Spencer’s is brilliant for quality plain basics. More expensive bag, shoes and belt pull in together.

nothing with patterns or embroidery- embroidery in particular will add ten years.

Thanks! Yeah I don't wear patterns tbh. Tend to be solid colours.

I never wear trousers at work - maybe I should consider.

Definitely consider trousers - much more versatile. I have noticed women in my industry have moved away from dresses and trousers are much more popular at all ages.

easier to dress up or down. I am short and not thin (size 12 and curvy), I find straight leg trousers with flats or heels work well.

Me too. I have a similar one from M&S

https://www.marksandspencer.com/knitted-tipped-detail-relaxed-cardigan/p/clp60718830?color=BLACKMIX

Navy trousers, white shirt or tshirt, red cardy and red flats. The Chinese love red.

I would second this!

Defo use designer bags if you have got some (no knock offs though). Chanel suit is still a thing. Jackets with fancy/frilly buttoned top pockets and/or lapels/collars will fill that broad shoulder space, you won't look like a rugby player. You can go into any department store to try some on (John Lewis has many very good mid price pieces, Harvey Nicohols has some fab but pricey ones).

@JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff I have an athletic build and most women's blazers make me look like a rugby player.

Is this a bad thing? I thought that appearing powerful and broad-shouldered was in fashion these days. People spend a lot of time training to achieve that look.

Third it. I buy nothing from whistles apart from their jersey blazers.

OP, if you want to know what people are wearing in China, go on Netflix and have a flick through the latest modern Chinese/Japanese/Korean drama series, will give you a clue how business people dress there.

I would try Cos

What kind of dress shape suits you?

www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.a-line-boiled-wool-mini-dress-beige.1252682002.html

I am in my fifties and am the only person I know who shops in Benetton! They are always good for a splash of bright colour if you are interested.

I love Boden Navy for work personally. I think it would be cute wearing a British brand in China too. I do agree that often Chinese women dress incredibly well. I think they focus on quality fabric, good fit and understated lux.

In your position I would wear a fitted top with an A-line midi skirt with volume, and lovely shoes, with a smart cardi. Because that is something I am comfortable with in my real life. It’s important to still be you.

A bit like this but in brighter colours.

If op is anything like me (I am also 5ft 4) this is a really hard look to pull off because petite versions of the skirt are a touch too short and regular versions come to the ankle and make it look like you borrowed your mums clothes for the day

If you're in China a lot could you get a fitted suit made? They used to have loads of amazing tailors and turn around was really quick. Hotels can often recommend one.

I agree there's nothing wrong with dressing like a (well-dressed) British woman. You presumably are one, there's no need to watch Netflix to try and cosplay a Chinese businesswoman!

Hi, just caught up on this! I am going shopping this Sun... wish me luck!

@shuggles I spend a lot of time training to achieve it 😅 still feel self conscious out of gym gear.

Definitely made notes from this thread.

Search for office wear on Shein, honestly loads of lovely affordable bits!

Try Gudrun Sjoden

I had a look at this website. The clothes really don’t seem appropriate for an overseas work trip? The clothes are a very specific look - trendy, scatty
, older art teacher. to be honest I go on a lot of business trips and deal with folk from mainly the states, sometimes china. This look would not exude confident and capable.

classic, timeless tailoring works much better. As said up thread marks and Spencer’s is great for good quality basics. Longer, less structured blazers would work on OP’s body type. Crisp white t-shirt and tailored trousers. Can’t go wrong and looks professional and put together.