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Help me find outfits for new college job?

4 replies

PickettBowtruckles · 01/09/2025 11:32

Never posted in this section before but hoping you all may be able to help.

I got a new job last month (that I start in 2 weeks) as a college lecturer teaching a subject I love and have always spoke about how I’d love to teach it, but genuinely didn’t think I’d get the job as I’ve not got formal teaching qualifications. They explained in further education you don’t necessarily need them provided you have the skills and experience within the subject (though I will be gaining the qualification while working there which is exciting) so I was absolutely thrilled to get the job.

The general ‘dress code’ for staff is smart / business wear. My current job I’ve been in 9 years and it’s very casual - 99% of the time I’ll wear jeans and a jumper with trainers kind of thing, or when it’s warm a maxi dress.

When I tell you I’m bad with styling - I’m BAD. I’m the friend who texts before we go out to see if my outfit looks okay - I’ve got friends who look amazing when we meet and always just pair these beautiful items together but I just don’t have the eye for it myself, hence posting here. I love finding outfits I enjoy but just seem to struggle to put them together myself (I’m just not a creative person in general haha!). What also makes it difficult for me is that in the last year I’ve lost 4.5 stone going from a size 18 to a size 12, so still getting used to dressing a different sized body that I had been used to for years.

I’m only part time (3 days per week) so guessing at minimum to start with I’ll need 3 full outfits (shoes inc!) that I can wear each week, and maybe as I get more comfortable and confident with the style I’ll be able to branch out more.

I am probably more a dress than trousers person (possibly because trousers wise I only wear jeans currently!) but open to suggestions. I do love a print - brands like Love & Roses that do the mismatch print dresses are gorgeous but not sure whether this will be too ‘casual’?

Essentially despite being in my 30s, I still have no skills to dress myself and would love any advice or links to things you’d suggest. Budget isn’t massive but open to stretching to a couple of bits that will be worn lots and pair well with other things. Ideally want to spend £150-£200 maximum to get started with the first 3 outfits, but of course under budget would be great.

OP posts:
buffytheslayer · 01/09/2025 15:35

Vinted has been great for me, I look for specific stuff like “M&S wide leg trousers” and search for new or new with tags
got an entire wardrobe for about £150
I am not fashionable at all so what I got won’t help really! Wearing this with black tights today and a black relaxed blazer
also got wide leg checked trousers to go with the shirt and loafers

Help me find outfits for new college job?
Ohplesandbanonos · 01/09/2025 16:28

I would try and get 2 tops, a skirt, pair of trousers, a dress, a blazer and a cardigan that all complement each other then you can switch up what you're wearing each week and each day rather than 3 set outfits.

You can really go wrong with a classic button up shirt in your favourite colour (I go for 100% cotton) wide leg trousers as mentioned above, long skirt in complementary colour etc

Can your friends who dress well help? My friend loves to help me and because she knows me well she knows not only what looks good and is on trend but what I feel comfortable in.

CapaciousHag · 01/09/2025 16:48

You could just pick a few pieces from here, including a jacket, and copy the styling at first, using things you already have. You’ll soon get the hang of it.

Uniqlo : C

(I’m not sure limiting yourself to dresses would be a good idea on a limited budget; there’s no opportunity for variety.)

buffytheslayer · 01/09/2025 16:58

These are the wide leg trousers and relaxed blazer I got, both M&S
means I can add plain tops in most colours - love and roses have a v neck one with a trim on the v neck which is really nice

Help me find outfits for new college job?
Help me find outfits for new college job?
Help me find outfits for new college job?
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