Help short and fat me find a business/business casual outfit

[Pierpointer]

I’m going back to the office for the first time since 2019 and I’ve had four babies since then. I’m just going in for one day, but it’s a very important one and I need to feel confident and make an excellent impression.

I used to wear pencil skirts and blouses, shift dresses, and even suits but the office dress code, and my body, have totally changed since then so I have no idea what to wear. It’s a male-dominated office and they no longer wear ties, mostly shirts and trousers, the odd “finance-bro gilet” 😂

I would like a classic or reasonably up to date look, but nothing overly stylish, no bright colours, nothing that would make me stand out too much. Probably trousers but I’m not averse to a dress or skirt.

I’m about a size 18. Very pear shaped but the twins certainly put paid to what used to be a relatively flat stomach so now I’m quite self conscious in that area too. Boobs are decent in size but totally deflated. I’m 163cm tall so between 5ft 4 and 5ft 5.

Please help! I would be especially grateful for very flattering looks as I’m really self conscious about size and shape now.

ETA: budget around £100. I already have plenty of suitable shoes (flats and low heels), handbags, jackets and coats. I usually shop at places like M&S.

An update. I’d ordered the woven barrel leg trousers from M&S and whilst I liked the overall shape it gave me, the size 18 are slightly too small, the 20 too big. I did just come on my period so that hasn’t helped.

I ordered two white shirts to try with them. Both dreadful. As much as I wanted to suit that look, it just looks dreadful on me. I think I’m going to have to wear a dress.

I’m probably going to have to order the Phase Eight Candice dress (they don’t have a size 18 in stock so have to size up to 20 and hope it’s not too big) on next day delivery or nip down to Sainsbury’s tonight and find something from Tu.

OP - they have the Candice Scallop dress in your size in black, navy, brown or red (though I know you said no brights). I'd go for navy - or black if you suit it?

I cannot do the white shirt look either - tried so many times & have given up!! It's just not "me" ...

I love wide-leg trousers - either in a fabric that controls my middle a bit, or with an elasticated stretch waistband - but I wear fine-knit jumpers over them. Very keen on the Whistles Annie jumper (it has a faint very subtle sparkly thread through it, which lifts it - they wash & wear brilliantly & I have a collection in various colours from eBay). Alternatively, I like fine wool/cashmere from brands like Jigsaw/M&S Autograph/& Other Stories/Wyse etc. All bought from eBay/Vinted. Again, something with a detail that lifts it (as with the tops & blouses I suggested) is good - a flared or puff sleeve, an unusual stitch detail etc.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/candice-scallop-dress-100008105012.html

What I DO wear though is a good-quality, well-cut white T-shirt though - that's my preferred alternative to a white shirt.

I'm taller than you - but also with weight on my middle - & I think getting exactly the right length of T-shirt (or any top in fact) makes a huge difference. It shouldn't be too long as then your legs will be shortened. Just long enough to cover the squidgy bits & no more! I have some jumpers that were described as "cropped" but in actual fact sit a few inches below my belly button & cover my stomach - so they make my legs look longer.

Ive just jumped back on here to get some inspiration for myself - thanks @EleanorMc67 for all your links, some great options!

Have you looked at KAFFE ? Îve got a few things and they’re flattering I’m around the same size and height. Îve ordred this www.kaffe-clothing.com/global/kalizza-dress--10510423-194020?srsltid=AfmBOopOkJ4NisK0kRTGXySqcDMGkqL6BqgqeRUWHpKTgj1E7wt4pChR

You're most welcome!

Are you happy to buy on Vinted/eBay? I would honestly find it hard to go back to shopping on the high street & paying full price any more. Aside from underwear, & very occasional sales purchases, how I shop has changed entirely in the last decade or more.

I do have a pretty good idea of what styles, colours & labels suit me - but if I was feeling a bit uncertain, I'd go try things on in shops/department stores & then save some online searches for what I liked.

Today I wore two new Vinted purchases - yet another of the Jigsaw silky (Crocus fabric) skirts, this time in black, which I've been looking for for a while - bought for £11 (£98 new). Paired with a gorgeous flared sleeve black wool & mohair sweater from By Malene Birger - £38 but was £270 new ...! So chuffed with both ... !!!

Oh, & worn with my chunky black Loeffler Randall Chelsea boots (£50 instead of £335), & I felt great (also terribly smug & virtuous ... 😁!!!).

I'm also having fun with my clothes & experimenting a bit - as on the rare occasion something doesn't suit I can simply sell it again (I think it's only happened two or three times though, as I check sizes, fabric content, measurements etc, & try not to buy rashly).

I hope you have fun trying something new too!!

Hi again OP - not sure if you've looked at the Tu range yet. The check dress you had looked at isn't bad - but I think this one has a bit more presence to it, without being too bright/obvious. No idea what it's like in the flesh, mind you, or how it might sit around the stomach area ... but worth a look?

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc147035603

I also thought this one could be ok? Ponte-type fabric tends to be quite smoothing. I know it's described as mini - but should be on-the-knee or thereabouts for you? Black but you can brighten up with simple gold jewellery, & wear with knee-high boots/pumps? The scarf at the neck in the photo actually looks quite good too - maybe you have a nice silk scarf you could do similar with?

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146605045

I bought the check dress, got it home and tried it on and it was comically long on me. Basically a maxi. It wasn’t right at all.

I saw that dress and nearly went for it but it does funny things to your eyes! You can see it a bit even just from that image on the link. It’s strange because it’s otherwise perfectly nice.

I didn’t see the black one that you linked, which is a shame as it probably would have been right.

Would it work if you took it up (you could very quickly pin it at home to see if it works)? Or is it just proportionally too long everywhere?

Is it tomorrow that you're in for a day & have you cobbled together something you're happy with?

I know exactly what you mean about the black & mustard dress. It's not something I would normally have chosen - but from your last post I'd inferred that your only choice at the last minute was Tu!!

So I'd scoured their own brand stuff for a dress that might suit. For me, if you're short of time dresses are your friend. No fannying about with belts/tucking in or out/matching up etc. Between your neck & calves is sorted with one garment!! Good shoes/boots & a piece or two of striking jewellery & you're sorted. But - as you're finding out - it's finding those perfect dresses in the first place ...

Also, what really helps re time saving is clothes that don't need ironing!! I hate ironing anyway - & I have no children, so cannot imagine finding the time or desire to iron anything with four young children! Take as many shortcuts to looking neat & groomed as possible - something that you can just throw in the machine then stick on a hanger is SO useful!!

Again, if you're basically starting a whole new work wardrobe from scratch, I cannot emphasise how much buying high-quality items on eBay & Vinted has changed things for me.

I know lots of people have recommended Tu for basic workwear - but I was a bit dismayed by what was on offer dress-wise? Most of it looked as cheap as it was, to me - & I don't think I'm being snobby (I hope not!). If I had £25 to spend on a dress, I'd much rather spend it on, say, this Cocoon dress from Whistles for under £25 on Vinted (though this is a 16 not 18 I think): They're usually £100-120 full price.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7855248839-whistles-navy-blue-dress

So, while I know you didn't like what @Sesquipedahlia posted, I'd wholeheartedly agree with her point about buying new from somewhere cheap like Tu. For your £25 you'll get a dress that cost £2.50 in materials & labour. For your £25 on Vinted you'll get a dress that was £100+ RRP & will have cost at least what you're paying for it in materials & labour. So it's hugely better value for money, & much better quality.

Btw I'm only using Whistles as an example - I have that particular dress & know what a great easy wear it was. A lot of their stuff is now poorer quality IMO - but they still do variants on those easy-to-pull-on dresses.

Here's something similar from COS in an 18 for even more of a bargain ...!!!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7989271033-flattering-cos-dress-size-18-washed-dark-navy

If you'd prefer to buy new though, there's so much in the sale right now. Some classics with a twist here that might suit?

https://www.whistles.com/product/cleo-shift-dress-39128.html

These are all available in 18 btw.

https://www.whistles.com/product/triangle-relaxed-short-dress-39945.html

I've posted ones with prints that aren't my thing - I prefer the plain ones) but may be yours as you'd like the b&w Tu dress?

https://www.whistles.com/product/chain-print-flippy-dress-39234.html

This one I really like with the tan bag & leopard-print pumps. It's a bit more contemporary in my mind too.

https://www.whistles.com/product/long-sleeve-shift-mini-dress-40385.html

Another black one. https://www.whistles.com/product/collared-button-short-dress-40033.html

Great. I suggest wearing them with a slim-ish, shortish cardigan. M^S has loads that will go with the trousers.

You can leave the bottom buttons undone, as they have in most of the photos, eliminating any worries about bulges and tucking in.

@EleanorMc67 you are so kind finding so many options for me! I will definitely spend some time on Vinted because I would love better quality clothes, I just can’t bring myself to pay for them. And for tomorrow I just didn’t have time to get something from there!

So I have managed to cobble something together. I’ve got the M&S woven barrel leg trousers, a buttoned blouse from ~whispers~ Matalan (one of the only places I could get to today!). Then the shoes are quite honestly the only ones I have that fit that are remotely acceptable with this outfit. Turns out most of my shoes don’t fit anymore - my extra wide feet have become even more wide. They’re not quite right with the outfit but they’re fine, I think.

Bayswater. Wool trench coat. Nails are done. Hair will be neat. Make up. Perfume. I think it’ll do?!

The shirt and trousers look great OP. A bit late to the party, but I find a peplum top with trousers can add a bit of shape if you’re feeling not too confident - e.g https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1316951002.html

You look lovely @Pierpointer. Well done for creating such a good look in such a short time given all the other constraints. Hope tomorrow goes well

I'd think about a small necklace and smarter watch if you can for a smidge more polish but think it looks great. Enjoy the calm of being back at work.

On reflection, the blouse looks much better in person. A nicer colour - I’d probably describe it as raspberry.

It’s not an exciting outfit but it does the job.

I’m keen to spend a bit more time looking for some really nice things for next time. Vinted here I come!

Thank you all!!

Well done!! The shirt is a nice soft but warm colour - you've done alright for a last minute rush!! (Panic can concentrate the mind wonderfully 😁!!).

Did you say you had loafers? I think they'd be better - but are they too neat as well? I think my feet have grown a size since I put on weight ...!!!

Good luck tomorrow & thanks for posting pics of your outfit! And once you get out of work tomorrow, have a look through this thread again & go buy either the Phase 8 dress or one of the Whistles ones in the sale! And then ... just have fun with clothes! It's still possible, even at work - as is finding great quality things without spending lots 😊 - enjoy!!!

I think A line or shift shape, knee length dresses will work better on your figure (some are above). Smart and can be drsssed up or down depending on footwear and accessories. Ponte and heavier fabrics will hang better. Boden often sell them or try John Lewis/Debenhams online.

I would wear the M&S barrel trousers with a round or v-neck thin jumper…. Ideally cashmere and in a lovely colour not grey/black… and a necklace/earrings. The below is M&S cashmere but you’d be able to get similar in cotton for less. Try Arket or Uniqlo. I would wear with brogues and a trench coat/smart coat. Looks like your mulberry bag would work well.

If you scroll down the page of the M&S trousers there are outfit suggestions which look pretty good.

im short and larger than I was pre kids and am dreading going back to work after this maternity leave as I know ill feel just like you do!

one thing that helps me is choosing clothes that feel nice on - never too tight (the worst!) and materials that are a bit luxurious and soothing.

might actually buy those trousers myself.

good luck xx

Not sure this link is working but here you go:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cashmere-textured-crew-neck-jumper/p/clp60686530?color=Leaf&_gl=11c5umxi_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAj8LLBhAkEiwAJjbY70y5rSTeZPnIBX1OaOaBby479Dc4XoHTaOv6hpxzaLANT9aMYADeQhoCEKwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bSsFolDUoE1VczZs6omt9paP#intid=carousel_pd_reccar_pdp_web_personalised-discovery-outfits-on-pdp_products_pos-mid-frontrow_num-11_2%7Coutfit-942

I go for power trousers - a good, tailored pair of dark grey heavy fabric trouser with a looser fit and a black polo neck sweater (Uniqlo do nice cashmere ones).
Belt if you like, chunky necklace.

I would avoid going too feminine - looks mumsy and I imagine you are trying to avoid mumsy.