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.

What is it with people suggesting Joe Browns (usually highly inappropriate IMO)? Are they employees or something because I’ve never heard anyone talk about them or wear their clothes in real life.

I think there are some good ideas here but I’d definitely go for some of the smarter options and absolutely no cardis or coloured tights..!

Why not watch THE APPRENTICE!!

If they dress for Lord Sugar it could even be right.

If you're going for dresses, the Pretty Dress Company has some beautifully tailored dresses (think The Fold) at really reasonable prices.

The Sezane Betty cardigan is my go to for looking smart but still casual

I saw some lovely jackets in the Wallis collection. They are a relaxed fit with a sash at the waist. You could dress them up or down.

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-tie-front-blazer_byy14050?colour=bright+pink

M&S have done great blazers with ruched sleeves. Get some bright chunky necklaces (orange or white will go nicely with navy) and a cream or taupe blazer and you’re set.

This works as a jacket, and you can either use the scarf bit or not.
I go one and am very please- it is versatile, goes with black skirt or trouders even black Jeans
Tie-neck cardigan - Cream - Ladies | H&M GB

@Newposter180 I think people are suggesting a formal jacket type cardigan rather than something your granny might have made.
A bit less dated than a standard blazer but still with structure.
I agree that I do not think Joe Browns is very professional workwear- and horribly synthetic fabrics.

Zara does excellent cropped Chanel - style jackets that I put over a dress or trouser/t shirt combo.

Blazers are tricky - the Whistles jersey jacket looks horrific on me. And I wasn’t impressed by the JL personal stylist.

www.sezane.com/eu/product/betty-cardigan/navy-crochet#size-XXS
Expensive but will get lots of wear and available in lots of colours

Red is a great shout to pep up your navy. https://www.boden.com/products/knightsbridge-swing-jacket-red?variant=42475312644305&code=6TG7&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=drop-offer&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=UK+-+Performance+Max+-+WW+-+FP+-+New&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

These with your navy stuff and the knitted red cardigan or jacket above (no tights or nude!) would look great. https://www.boden.com/products/vic-chisel-toe-mary-janes-red-and-blue-check?pos=4&sid=4d6c9ed42&ss=r

Depends on the work you do. I wear Joe Brown's on occasion because the work I do requires fast trust in the teams I work with.

Wearing something unusual makes you stand out but is also disarming if you need to get quickly to the route of the issue you're there to work on. Formal dress can create a barrier to people opening up to you or being honest especially if you’re viewed as being the expert there (high professional trust but low personal trust).

I would get a boxy blazer altered to fit you well

Best suggestion so far! Unfortunately would not suit me as I'm small framed but that would look great on an athletic frame. It's classy and not too try hard 👌

@Newposter180
I agree, I find Joe Browns very twee and very middle/older aged. Nothing fashionable at all.

Perhaps it's right for middle or older aged people then? Fashion is just for the under 30s you know.

What an ageist comment.

I don’t think she’s expressed it well, but it is twee and very aging (and only ever heard of or seen on MN…).

There are plenty of brands catering for Middle Aged and older people with stylish, elegant clothing and showing them in advertising as well. I think the point is that there is no age where Joe Browns is the only option.

What about a top, some stripes, or a tiny bit of colour on a top - green, purple, pink, orange.

I looked at Joe browns and would never wear any of this to work ( or casually) I am in a senior role, mid forties.

some of the suggestions here are, to my mind, very dated.

you don’t have to be young to be stylish and elegant.

I avoid anything that is fast fashion. The blazers with the fake gathered sleeve things look awful and will date very quickly.

Classic, quality, timeless basics. Nothing floral, nothing embroidered, nothing wacky (unless that is your signature style).

People should remember your presence and confidence, not your strange dress style!

Yes I am living in these kind of things over a dress at the moment . Work well for an environment where I need to be smart because I have a senior role but not really buttoned up and corporate

For a smart, stylish Chinese work trip, there is no way you should be wearing Joe Browns. Wear Zara or M&S or Me+Em or whatever — but Joe browns will stand out in a bad way.

I just got some new work clothes from Whistles. Great, clean lines.

Joe Brown is definitely not the look you should be aspiring to! It gives off a bright pink lipstick on your teeth vibe😂

Yes exactly that! I am baffled at people suggesting it for work wear at all