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.

I don’t have anything to recommend but please stay well away from trying to jazz anything up with a scarf!!
I can wear what I want to work with the exception of ripped jeans and offensive slogans, I tend to either go with a dress/trainers or leggings and big sweatshirt unless I have meetings - then I pretty much go with some smart wide legged trousers and a top - boring but safe and smart.

@2pence
Not ageist, Joe Brown is not for someone to wear in a senior role and it isn't sharp, stylish at all, it's very dull and aging, I'm 52 and none of my friends would wear any.

I have a few of Joe Brown's military jackets and kimonos and would wear according to the project I'm running.

I have a creative rather than corporate role. It's important that I don't blend into the crowd as sometimes I am only working with a group of people for a very short time and it needs to be clear who's in charge from the outset, but I also need create psychological safety to get the best from them.

You do you though.

It sounds like your work style and environment would be very different to OPs who is in a senior corporate role and who will be traveling for work.

Clealry you are happy that wearing wacky, dated clothing works for you. And that’s brilliant. But not sure why people are advising that brand for OP.

Firstly, I have not recommended that the OP buy anything from Joe Brown's, that was another poster.

I do, however, own a few Joe Brown pieces, and they fit with my senior creative role for which I also travel.

Most importantly, OP has a predominantly navy wardrobe and is looking to liven it up. There are inexpensive ways of doing that without scrapping the entire wardrobe. Most cost effective is to introduce colour with accessories.

I'll leave it here but will say that using derogatory terms for other women's fashion choices exposes who you are, and perhaps you should examine your own intentions when you seek to humiliate and silence diverse opinions.

Hi. I’d focus on your grooming/hair and make sure you have great hosiery and shoes for the trip. Good pair of earrings and a watch. I hate to buy new stuff when you don’t know exactly what you are going to need.

have a great trip.

You are right. My comments were uncalled for.

Hi all, thanks so much again!!

So I did a blitz of my local shopping megacentre and went straight for the Hobbs and Jaeger but tbh quite disappointed in the fit/ quality of the pieces and didn't think I could risk buying anything of theirs online given that.

Long story short, I ended up finding 2 blazers in Mango of all places! I haven't shopped there for about 20 years. One is a "relaxed tailoring" stone blazer which is nipped at the waist and can go over a navy dress or smart jeans and fitted top for non-work. The other is pale pink which I never ever wear but very structured and just somehow works.

I also randomly got gifted a dress (navy, ofc) from Marc Aurel. With sheer tights and low heels I think it'll be fine. Also got hair and brows done recently and nails buffed.

I think it'll do.....