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.

There are some quite interesting brands on Wolf & Badger - maybe check out Metamorphosa for slightly upscale Cos styling with a bit more fit, Nocturne which is slightly edgier and has shorter hem lines, No Logo Chic has simple linen shirt and coat dresses in a range of plain colours and Conquista (which is one I wear a lot) which has nice structured tops that accomodate boobs and then skim the middle section whilst looking understated and elegant.

The term 'elevated' doesn't sit right with me. It's there with 'curated'.
Doesn't mean I won't look up those sites though and thanks for the links.

(Typical, I go all pedantic and make a typo!)

"Elevated" in this context meaning a better fit, finish and fabric than the usual high street UK fare. They don't tend to skimp on fabric and you're more likely to find bust darts and other tailoring techniques rather than the cheap drop sleeve, boxy silhouette favoured by high street retailers. Italian and French brands tend to cater to bodies with narrower shoulders, German brands are good for wider shoulders and torsos.

Fundamentally you won't stand out but you will look different.

Another brand to consider is Hannoh Wessel

Also a Spanish brand of feminine workwear with clothes thar take up space. The Label Edition

@TheLongRider ,I knew what it meant but it seems to get used for things like Zara.

A.P.C is another French brand to consider. They do lovely bags and their womenswear looks interesting. I'm not too impressed by the shapes - it looks a bit like upscale Uniqlo.

Kassel Editions are German mostly designing coats and outerwear. They have a small collection of ready to wear. They're always worth keeping an eye on.

I should really keep a list of interesting brands somewhere...

I keep favoured clothes websites saved to my phone screen. (Probably laughably old skool but it works for me.) Considerably more than a hundred, currently. Deleted if they have a run of bad seasons or just become boring. Constantly being replenished with new places.

A.P.C. | Official Store

Women's Dresses | YMC | You Must Create

have you tried Massimo Dutti. I have quite a lot of work wear from there (as well as Cos ad Me & Em). Plus Reformation.

What a bizarrely bitchy post for a fashion thread. Hobbs are great for skirts especially knee/above knee in a world of midi styles. OP wouldn't want to be dressed head to toe in it but I don't think anyone would want to dress head to toe in any brand.

@LivingDeadGirlUK , thanks, I wondered why @MissPrismsMistake made that bizarre and rude post.

These look fine: Women's Work Dresses | Shift, A-Line & More | Hobbs UK |

Thanks, yes I have some casual jackets from there. I don’t really rate the material selection though, there are lots of man made fibres which I’m not so keen on.

Stilton coloured 😂. I agree. I have two bright pink hams myself - we should get together, it's a ploughman's made in heaven.