Summer work clothes

[Rtato]

I really need help with summer work clothes. Everything seems to be too casual or too formal! I don’t like trousers, so am looking at skirts and dresses. My usual look would be Cos, but I fancy a change. I’m 1.6m and a size 10/12 top and a 12/14 for anything that is fitted around the waist. I hate my stomach, so nothing fitted there. My legs are probably my best feature, as I’m quite short, above knee length looks better (but can sometimes look too casual with bare legs). At the weekends I like the short Sezane sundresses, but they are too casual for the office.

I work with mostly men and their uniform seems to be blue shirt and chinos to give you some idea! I just need some inspiration, maybe some new brands to try. I prefer natural fabrics, I’m not keen of overly floral things for work. I’d prefer to wear flat shoes, but don’t mind wearing heels occasionally if it looks better.

What sort of budget do you have?
Me+Em gets recommendations on here, and some like Toast.
Natural fabrics on a low budget - try Tu at Sainsbury's.

Budget isn’t too much of an issue. I’ve seen a few things in Me+Em, but was a bit disappointed that a lot of their knitwear had a lot of nylon in. Toast I find too sack like, especially for work (I’m short so it swamps me). Thanks though!

I was hoping that someone more clued up than me would come along.
I like Plumo (Ganni, Selected Femme etc). Toast has lost its appeal for me, but those who like it seem to love it.

Uniqlo often has good things. Muji has a limited collection, but I rate their clothes. High street wise, Marks & Sparks, JL. Zara, New Look etc are worth a try. Arket & &OtherStories are nice shops but I've never found anything I like there. Sahara is good too, if there's a shop near you.

As you have the budget, I'd be looking at Isabel Marant Etoile and Agnes b. I prefer shops to online shopping, and those are shops that feel joyous to go into. (I'm London outskirts-based).

I'm a bit limited as I won't wear things like recycled polyester, bamboo, tencel and viscose, and I won't wear cap/short sleeves or sleeveless, or puff/statement sleeves.

Wildcards:
Amanda Cotton-Linen Mini | Free People UK
I'd wear this with a t-shirt under it. I'm 5'4" so it might be longer on me.
Maeve Strapless Drop-Waist A-Line Midi Dress | Anthropologie UK
I'd need something over it - a little cardigan or a shirt, but I like it.

Thanks for taking the time! I like the dresses you posted, but unfortunately are too casual for my office. I’ll bear in mind for weekends though! I have a few things from Agnes B, and I like Isabel Marant boots. I think I was hoping for some undiscovered gems I hadn’t heard of before. I’ll stick to Cos for the time being, until I shift the stomach weight and feel more confident in different styles! I live in London, so can easily get to shops to try things, I just hate shopping!!

My office is quite informal. Sales-type people in shirts and trousers or tea dresses. Marketing and tech in t-shirts and jeans or casual dresses.
When I go in I'm usually in a plumo-ish dress, or shirt/chinos type outfit.
No idea if I get it right. but I'd say it's generally, no bare shoulders, no rips, no flip flops etc.

When I worked somewhere more corporate, it was a mix and you'd see people in Prada/Louboutins etc.

If you've not been following it, this thread is a nice one:
Page 37 | My clothes are aging me - please help? | Mumsnet
If you do a search on some of the posters names, they'll be on various threads, and will probably mention brands you might not have heard of.

Every site I look on seems to think work dresses look like sundresses, or are low cut but with billowing sleeves!

I'm wearing M&S barrel leg black cropped trousers and a black and white oversized stripe tshirt from Barbour with white trainers.

Escaped convict or Parisian chic - take your pick 😆

I work for a legal firm and have a few of the subtler prints of these dresses which are very comfortable in summer. Also I'm an apple shape and they're surprisingly flattering. Also not too extortionate if you're between sizes.

https://www.weirdfish.co.uk/c/inspiration/the-tallahassee-tale

Delanie Linen Rich Printed Tea Dress Estate blue | Weird Fish
This one looks great.

Great, thanks I will check that thread out. I know what you mean with the sundresses and sleeves. Billowing sleeves are the worst on me!

Thanks for the link and taking the time. It’s not really a style for me, I prefer the more structured Nordic architect look, which unimaginatively pretty much sums up my work and office!

Perhaps I should try something new and buy some trousers like @GreenFressia, I like the sound of the convict look!

It's probably not the best one, but there's a 'what would Monty Don wear' one that might be. If Monty Don was a woman.... | Mumsnet

There are a few links on this page if you scroll down.

If you like Cos you’d probably be much happier with:

Studio Nicholson

Rohe

The Frankie Shop

Toteme

Teurn Studio

Lemaire

Bite Studios

Margaret Howell

Loulou Studio

Co Collective

than with most of what’s been suggested so far. They’re mostly considerably more expensive than Cos (so if necessary one buys less, or in the sales, or occasionally pre-owned …).

I’m surprised you feel above the knee skirts are preferable for you? I’m 5’3 and wear a lot of skirts - the one thing I avoid is acres of floppy fabric hanging pointlessly around my calves - but I love a sharply cut midi: a stiff A line silhouette that stands away from the body, or in winter something longer and narrower. I don’t wear petite clothes - but I do choose carefully for the right proportions. And I have an alterations service on standby.

Should have added your name, @Rtato, in case you’ve stopped looking at your thread.

Thanks @MissPrismsMistake, there are a few there I haven’t heard of and will have a look. I’ve stuck to Cos (work) and Sezane (weekend) as it’s easy, I like the aesthetic and I know there will always be something I like and what size to order. Sezane are great as they can bring over lots to try on if you don’t know your size, I also find them very good for shoes.

I’m not sure why, I’ve just always favoured a mini skirt. My legs are my best feature and I have a short body in proportion, so it’s easier to hide the bits I don’t like with an a-line dress or mini and loose but structured top. I wear midi sundresses in spring, but in summer I like to get a bit of a tan! I bought my first pair of shorts the other day, I have a young child so thought it would be a more practical option than flashing my pants when running round after them!

Seasalt have some nice things, tunics and dresses but also co-ords and a couple of jumpsuits which look nice here

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/clothing/linen-clothing?p=2

can’t hyperlink for some reason

Thanks @AlertCat , it’s not really my style, especially for work wear, but appreciate your help!

Ignore me - there’s nothing to stop you wearing short skirts! 😄

I think most of the places I’ve suggested offer a few. Take your time to browse the sites; you obviously care about design if you like Cos; some of these brands are slightly less mainstream (so ‘challenging’) and may take a bit of acclimatising to. They’re mostly not designed to be ‘pretty’.

Souer would be another brand to add to the list. There's always the Maje, The Kooples and Sandro trifecta too.

I’m also a Sézane fan for casual clothes!

I ordered this dress in black and I’ve worn it so much for work. I ordered small (I’m an 8/10) and it comes up very loose which I like. Much bigger than other clothes they sell (another size S dress I ordered I had to return as too tight!). It’s not cotton but the material is so cooling.

I’m also wearing a polka dot dress from Boden (with pockets!) and a couple of linen blend skirts from H&M- one black one beige. In the height of summer I do tend to wear sun dresses or I’d over heat though!

https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/raquel-dress/black#size-6

If money is not a huge consideration have you considered Maxmara weekend?

This looks great, but I don’t like chest pockets. I don’t know why they don’t suit me, I’m only a c-cup, but they make me look matronly - might be my short body. Shame as it’s really nice.

Soeur Official Website - Spring-Summer Collection - Chic women's clothing
Maje UK Official Website: Women's Clothing and Accessories
SANDRO Official Website | Spring Summer 25 collection
The Kooples UK | THE KOOPLES DAYS : Up to 50% off* !

I hadn’t heard of Souer, but I’m liking the look - thanks!