What to wear to important business meeting?

[Wardrobeanswers]

I’ve always loved fashion, but feel like I’ve lost my way recently when it comes to workwear.

I’m menopausal and have put in a 1 and a half stone. I’ve gone from a small 8 to a 10/12. My shape has also changed. I’ve always had very flat stomach, but weight has piled on in the middle. I still look reasonably in proportion, but it means that I now feel self conscious about my middle when it used to be an area I’d accentuate.

it now means that my current wardrobe is either too small to get into or straining at the seams! In addition, any new clothes I try on don’t fit the same way, so I never seem to find anything I like. have been getting by with some old ( stretchy) clothes or stuff I’ve grudgingly bought.

however, I have a business meeting coming up where I’ll be playing a key part and I want to look great. The company I’m dealing with is more formal than mine, so will need to glow up.

What are the best choices for smart workwear? I want to look stylish rather than too corporate ( my industry is more creative). But also wear something that reflects my senior role.

any shoe help gratefully received. I used to love heels, but they look dated and I don’t want to walk in the bloody things anymore!

I’d be looking at:

Studio Nicholson
Rohe
Aime London
Cos
Alex Eagle Studio
Rika Studios
Margaret Howell
Dear Frances
Le Monde Beryl

I'd go smart shirt dress and low block heels

I feel your pain. I’ve lost my flat tum (caesarean shelf now very obvious with age loss of elasticity) and can’t wear lots of things now.

I have found a couple of dresses - always midi if tailored ( otherwise at my age looks too 90s outdated tailored shift) which have clever folding or darts at tum disguising any bulge. Mint velvet recently stocked knitted dresses which are slightly empire line under bodice hiding danger area.

Alternatively you want a jacket which fools the eye as provides distraction on side. Or shirt or top tucked in to belted waist then pulled out slightly to overhang your waist. I actually find H & M excellent if you’re very selective on cuts and fabric - really need to try things on. Often as nice or nicer than your Mint Velvet and Jigsaw, whistles etc if you’re not over 5”6.

I think good tailoring is key. A nicely cut jersey or soft jacket can be more smart casual. Whistles do them or a smarter cut cardigan.

For footwear I love boots. Smarter than trainers and brogues/ loafers and give you some height without pain. Knee high suede block heel from Dune or similar with dresses and ankle boots with wide - but not too wide - tailored trousers. If they have small heel you can get away with the current longer lengths and look elegant. Recently I’ve found good work trousers in Zara and even river island.
Good luck.

Baukjen has some nice tops/shirtswhich are a bit flowy but still very formal and comfortable.
chelsea boots, easy and classy
black straight trousers
a blazer (mango has some great ones)

Realising you didn’t specify a budget, OP - I just assumed a level based on context.

Thanks @Tocsin the list looks great. And is in right budget area.

I’m not averse to Zara etc - often shop there, but need something that looks well cut and expensive.

for one, I think expensive brands are more forgiving of less than perfect figures.

it’s also less for every day workwear so don’t mind splashing out.