For context - age 47, petite size 8, senior manager, work in industry that supplies manufacturing, so meetings are in the factory offices and customers sometimes can be in business suits if large corporations or as the last ones was - in a poncho…
The safest bet is to wear my company shell jacket and I do feel it’s like an armour sometimes, but I love style and fashion and would love to feel sassy and present as a person as much as a business rep.
Before Covid I worked from the office full time, mainly in Karen Brady style dresses and felt amazing. Then I was lost for a while but now found my new uniform - cashmere or merino jumpers with simple jewellery and make up for WFH, practical, presentable and feels like me. I add and jumper or two per season. Silk blouse or light knit top in the summer, brighter and lighter colours.
For the office I wear smart dark jeans and a blazer, with plain v neck something underneath. Love heels, feel polished and current. Bought one shirt dress from Hobbs that is just the right side of sensible, without being frumpy.
But going to sites, I am stuck. I am thinking to get a few warm dresses and maybe a suit, because jeans do not feel appropriate. I dread the boring bank manager look that a suit can give, but feel that anything in more lighthearted colours would look inappropriate in meetings. Would a denim suite work like this, and if not where are you supposed to wear it? https://www.next.co.uk/style/su769799/w40392
If anyone has a good formula that accommodates long drives and various settings, I would be grateful because I am now in definite overthinking spiral.