Workwear for clueless

Birdie280125 · 2025-02-04T20:12:00+00:00

Hi all, Looking for tips for casual to casual smart work outfit ideas for 35+ woman, short and curvy. For background info, up till now I had always worked blue collar jobs. Recently landed a new job that is office based. Generally everyone here wears casual outfits but I would like to start wearing something smarter. I will be required to visit customers and obviously my washed out heans and sweatshirt won't do. I feel so clueless. I don't want to look like lady boss or office siren, just a bit smarter but still comfortable. Could you give me some tips or share links to budget friendly work outfits? Ideally I'd like to buy from m&s/next/HM or perhaps Tesco... not many shops in my area, and I think it will be a waste of time to buy online, I need to try on due to my "figure"

BananaSpanner · 04/02/2025 20:27

I tend to go for a shortish (just above knee length) skirt, then a top/smart jumper, then tights and loafers.

MetaDaughter · 04/02/2025 21:11

@Birdie280125 … Millions of people manage to buy clothes online. Why do you imagine you’re less capable than they are? Presumably you own a mirror and a tape measure? And you’re on MN ( and have an office job!) so can obviously follow on screen guidance and instructions. There’s no reason why you too shouldn’t infinitely broaden your shopping options by ordering online.

I was going to suggest Uniqlo. If you click ‘Get help with sizing’ you’ll see the various tools and measurements they provide to help you choose sizes:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E475344-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=003]]

UNIQLO

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E475344-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=003%5D%5D

Original poster

Birdie280125 · 04/02/2025 22:19

MetaDaughter · 04/02/2025 21:11

@Birdie280125 … Millions of people manage to buy clothes online. Why do you imagine you’re less capable than they are? Presumably you own a mirror and a tape measure? And you’re on MN ( and have an office job!) so can obviously follow on screen guidance and instructions. There’s no reason why you too shouldn’t infinitely broaden your shopping options by ordering online.

I was going to suggest Uniqlo. If you click ‘Get help with sizing’ you’ll see the various tools and measurements they provide to help you choose sizes:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E475344-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=003]]

Wow aren't you just lovely!
Certain shaped people need to try clothes on to see how they sit on your body. It's not so much about managing to fit into them. If you are standard size then good for you, everything looks great on you. There's no need to look down on less fortunate.

OP posts:

happytobemrsg · 04/02/2025 22:24

I’d recommend the M&S wide leg jersey trousers. They come in quite a few colours (black, navy, grey & khaki I think) & come in a short leg

Longhotsummers · 04/02/2025 22:40

M and S wide leg tab trousers are smart with a jumper, blouse or top and leather jacket. I have them in black, navy and ecru and they go with everything.
I also like bias cut slip skirts with boots and a roll neck or chunky jumper. I have several in navy, khaki. black, orange and leopard print. In warmer weather they look good with a slash neck t shirt.
That’s pretty much my work wardrobe covered!

CharlotteStreetW1 · 05/02/2025 13:14

Certain shaped people need to try clothes on to see how they sit on your body. It's not so much about managing to fit into them. If you are standard size then good for you, everything looks great on you.

This is very true. However, once you work out what styles and brands suit you, then you can go to town online 🙂

Also, returns are much easier these days if you do get it wrong.

Good luck in the new job!

Screamingabdabz · 05/02/2025 13:18

Longhotsummers · 04/02/2025 22:40

M and S wide leg tab trousers are smart with a jumper, blouse or top and leather jacket. I have them in black, navy and ecru and they go with everything.
I also like bias cut slip skirts with boots and a roll neck or chunky jumper. I have several in navy, khaki. black, orange and leopard print. In warmer weather they look good with a slash neck t shirt.
That’s pretty much my work wardrobe covered!

This is a really good idea.⬆️

In our office, we tend to wear what I call ‘teacher wear’ - dresses and cardigans or midi skirts with jumpers or blouses.

OneLilacGuide · 05/02/2025 13:22

I’m with you OP I hate online shopping and there isn’t much near me too! I’ve given up on ASOS and Zara etc. Both Next and M&S have really quick delivery to store so I don’t mind ordering from there so much as I can nip to the fitting room and then return then and there if it doesn’t suit. H&M delivery to store takes ages for me and I find their sizing so hit and miss.

My go-to for the office just now is black wide leg trousers - M&S have some jersey ones for £17.50 that are really good, they also have some more structured ones for when you go to clients etc. I usually just wear a white or black vest top and then a more fitted cardi or jumper in whatever colour, H&M and M&S have loads but also try Vinted once you know what suits you etc.

For shoes I just wear Adidas dupes from New Look that are so so comfy and I think were around £25.

If you want to be smarter for going to clients you could try a fitted jacket or a collared cardi - M&S have both 🙂

Original poster

Birdie280125 · 05/02/2025 20:46

OneLilacGuide · 05/02/2025 13:22

I’m with you OP I hate online shopping and there isn’t much near me too! I’ve given up on ASOS and Zara etc. Both Next and M&S have really quick delivery to store so I don’t mind ordering from there so much as I can nip to the fitting room and then return then and there if it doesn’t suit. H&M delivery to store takes ages for me and I find their sizing so hit and miss.

My go-to for the office just now is black wide leg trousers - M&S have some jersey ones for £17.50 that are really good, they also have some more structured ones for when you go to clients etc. I usually just wear a white or black vest top and then a more fitted cardi or jumper in whatever colour, H&M and M&S have loads but also try Vinted once you know what suits you etc.

For shoes I just wear Adidas dupes from New Look that are so so comfy and I think were around £25.

If you want to be smarter for going to clients you could try a fitted jacket or a collared cardi - M&S have both 🙂

Thanks! I will have a better look at M&S!
I have tried online shopping, but then end up returning everything because the clothing don't fit right, so I have given up.

OP posts:

Oceangrey · 05/02/2025 20:53

I am also curvy and find it pretty impossible to shop online. I mean I do, but I send back almost everything even though I know what suits me. It's a whole thing!
I do recommend pour moi - things from there seem to fit pretty well. Also m&s and Oliver Bonas.

I have a more corporate job but I'd for for smart jeans or skirts and shirts or satiny tops and jumpers, then in summer I basically wear shirt dresses (sometimes with safety pins between the buttons!).

pandapopadance · 05/02/2025 20:59

Wide leg trousers, jumper or cardigan, smart clean trainers and nice jewellery. Try to match your trainer colour to your top and it looks more pulled together.
Wide leg jeans with an oversized blazer look nice too.

GloryDias · 05/02/2025 20:59

Somewhere like Matalan if you have one close are quite good for work clothes, I hate clothes shopping with a passion but don't mind venturing out to Matalan. Perhaps worth looking online first to see what you like and then head to the shop to try them on? I think Sainsburys have a better selection that Tesco for clothes. I'm lucky that I can get away with jeans & jumper everyday, god knows what I'd do it I had to dress smarter 😬

eightIsNewNine · 05/02/2025 21:09

I can't shop for clothes or shoes online either. It just doesn't work for me.

Even with my usual Marks Spencer jeans, keeping the same line, cut and size sometimes it just doesn't fit right or one colour is a bit different shape, and I hate returning and pondering over half-ok items.

Anyway, MS is the very definition of standard office wear and keep some standard lines on offering no matter what is fashionable just now, so if you find something good there, it will be the easiest.