New job - what to wear?

[runningpram]

I am starting a new job with a big corporate business in the next few weeks.

I am moving from somewhere v relaxed about dress sense (i usually live in primark stuff) to somewhere a bit smarter and where I need to be in the office more frequently.

I visited for a day and while women weren’t very corporate, grey suits etc - they were quite stylish and smart with a fashionable young twist. So they looked smart enough to go in front of execs but not like corporate drones - if you get me!

i am early 40s but think I look a bit younger 5,4 - range from a UK 8-12 but would probably say more 10-12. I have a larger bust, slim hips, a little bit of a visible c section overhang but reasonably toned

I don’t mind a small heel but cant cope
with tights and heels all the time.

i am useless at style and am a bit of a tom boy - although I also like dresses and don’t mind being a bit unusual and try different colours - although yellow doesnt really suit me.

pls could you help me put together a stylish Autumn/Winter capsule wardrobe.in particular would really help with shoes, jackets and jewellery. I am useless with these things!

My price tag is M&S/John Lewis kind of area - although not restricted to these shops!

Thank you from someone who one day dreams about being effortlessly stylish!!

Anyone?

I’d say some really good quality wide leg trousers in a good base colour would be your friend.

I'm afraid I'm not much help, same age, as I'm still wearing Wallis, Next, Planet, Phase Eight and Austin Reed items which are 10+ years old! I favour a dress and suit jacket with courts and occasional trouser suits with a smart top.

Im a fan of black or navy trousers, matching black or navy plain top and a contrasting/colourful blazer. I often go for a tan colour or light blue or soft berry colours. And smart flat shoes.

It's easy, smart and you can quickly build up a capsule wardrobe.

I get my trousers and tops from the shops you mention and the splash out on blazers, or buy second hand very nice ones from ebay/Vinted.

Even if you want to spend more, I would begin by looking at and absorbing the styling of the:

Uniqlo : C collection.

It’s a better guide to contemporary workwear than M&S / JL.

If I were about to enter the corporate world (outside of a court setting) I would be looking at

Cos
Lemaire
Rohe
Studio Nicholson
Toteme

Most of those are light years away from an M&S budget - but attentive shoppers can usually get everything they need through sales and outlets and pre-owned sites. And obviously buying better quality items means you don’t need to keep replacing stuff, so your wardrobe grows. (And you can add bits and pieces from Zara or wherever to keep things lively.)

(Just to add, I’m 5’3 and can wear all those brands. Whatever one’s size or height it’s a good idea to make friends with an alterations service, so you can buy clothes with confidence.)

My budget is M&S / JL...... followed by recommendations for places that sell trousers at £360 a pair!! 😂even in the sale they're going to be out of budget!
There's a lot of wide leg trousers around, oversized shirts / blouses and waistcoats or tank tops seem to be making a come back. I haven't seen anyone wear court shoes for about a decade!

Trousers on the M&S site currently go up to £295. Can’t be bothered to check JL.

And you perhaps failed to notice that the first two brands I mentioned were Uniqlo and Cos? Or that I recommended the OP look at outlets and pre-owned sites?

By M&S I'd assume they mean the instore selection.

With your budget and the ‘corporate with a twist’ vibe, I’d start by looking at Cos and Arket. They’re good quality for the price and suitably modern. Cos is quite good for unusual but cheapish jewellery.

If you get an idea of your sizes in both stores, you may be able to pick up some nice pieces on Vinted too.

I'm 5ft 3.5 and a size 12.

I currently have a pair of trousers from Hobbs at John Lewis that cost £120. They can be got for around £80-90 in outlet stores.

I tend to go for a mix of smart and casual. So today I am wearing black straight leg trousers £17.50 M&S outlet store with a white Uniqglo t shirt and a black Hobbs blazer £80 outlet store.

On another day I might wear a black mini skirt (Reiss £80 in the sale) with a black or coloured fitted top (sainsburys) & a black cardigan or black leather jacket

In the summer I have a pair of beige Uniqglo trousers which I wear with a white short sleeved shirt or white vest top.

Navy trousers and a cream fitted top and navy blazer is another favourite.

My daughter wears the all black trousers and fitted top with red blazer (blazer was £30 Hobbs from Vinted.

For shoes I wear loafers or ballet flats or boots with a block heel.

I then have a knitted skater style dress for winter worn with boots.

My most worn item was a splurge but I really feel it makes my outfits. It's a reversible belt (black one side, brown the other side) with a statement buckle. But you could probably find something cheaper

For you, @runningpram - current Net-a-Porter article on workwear:

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/porter/article-2f63a6288f3e60a7?cm_mmc=instagram--PorterDashHudson--2508291100&utm_campaign=PorterDashHudson_2508291100&utm_content=www.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDN74YiMjMaT%2F&utm_medium=social_media_organic&utm_source=instagram&fbclid=PAVERFWAMea9RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7sdApU2Z9GgXUrFs8959sn-iYTCHFeqFS30WI4esBDbMTHIOK9bCylR9Zq-_aem_9yb5enzG4pIsw-TgoVFNxA

Read it quick before someone says you’re not allowed to because the clothes are beyond your budget! 😂

My boss always looks great, she's your age and slim. She wears dresses from Hush, some plain, others either interesting non floral patterns. I havec also noticed she rocks a shortish black pencil skirt with lace up chunky heeled boots which she pairs with nicely draping shirts.
She has at least one very good quality mac, in olive green i think.
She has very well behaved hair in a longish bob. She always looks immaculate.
I often see things in Mint Velvet that I think would be good for the sort of role you are going into; I saw some beautiful things in Arquet too.
Good luck with the new job.

Dress slacks, blouse tucked in, maybe a small sweater if needed, an occasional blazer. Jewelry earrings, not too dangly. Ballet flats or shoes with a stubby heel. Colors: to start, be conservative until you figure out how bright to be. Good luck!!

M&S have personal shopper, no pressure to buy but a wealth of knowledge. Would definitely pop in and see what they suggest. I'm sure John Lewis would offer a service like it too. I love using it, I feel it keeps high street different to online. Personal touch.

I've used Stitch Fix in the past. You give them the details of what you want, your size etc., and budget and they send you out the clothes and accessories. I found them really good

Well if the OP is in the UK she definitely won’t be using Stitch Fix; they folded some time ago!

Stitch Fix have gone out of business

I didn't realise Stitch Fix had gone out of business. Maybe something similar or book a stylist in a shop?

Ohh thank you! 🙏 that sounds great

Love this!

Thank you everyone - these are all wonderful ideas!

Recently made the same move to a more corporate environment. Smaller budget than yours but I'd suggest similar items.
I bought on sale online
Wide leg trousers -Another Sunday
Wide leg trousers - Vera moda
Top- Vera moda
Blouses X2 Brave Soul

Black skirts X2 already had.
Wallis blouses I already had x2
ted baker shirt I already had
Stradivarius trousers I already had
I'd suggest going through what you already have and be selective. Get new clothes that mix and match with it all.

I've noticed that colleagues that do dress more casually than some are still smarter than at previous employers so I've bought plimsoll/converse style shoes instead of trainers.

I have found some lovely and v cheap blazers on Vinted from great brands and some lovely Ted Baker blouses. So i will go for simplicity with the fitted top, coloured
blazer and some nice black trousers and ballet shoes or similar.

I’m about to start a new job and Vinted has been great, got nearly a whole wardrobe of brand new stuff for about £140
the stuff I’ve bought isn’t fashionable though so I won’t share! It’s just stuff I like and I know fits me well