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.

@EleanorMc67are these all from Jigsaw? Thanks 😊

Via eBay or Vinted, yes! They're from a period of several years, where they issued different styles using the silk-satin look Crocus fabric every year.

Funnily enough, commenting on this thread made me look again for them, & I've just bought a black skirt, a khaki one & a pair of full-length black drawstring trousers for between £8 & £15 each!!

If you're going for bottoms not tops (they did a few dresses in it as well), I would strongly recommend going down at least a size in them - as the elasticated waists are (overly?) generous. I'm a 16 - though my waistline is non-existent & more than that no doubt!! Most of mine are a 12, & a couple of 14s - the one 16 I bought was far too big.

As they're very much past season, they're not generally listed as Jigsaw Crocus any more. Jigsaw satin, or silky, are a good place to start with searches, maybe adding elastic, or gathered, or polyester (they're always 100% polyester, but as a fan of natural fabrics I can assure you it's silky & light & feels really nice to wear - they don't make me sweat more like some artificial materials).

It's a bit of a trawl, but worth it for the cost per wear as they're the most worn, versatile items in my wardrobe! And they wash brilliantly & need no ironing whatsoever ... 😁

Looks good op. The shoes look smart and comfy.
You are not fat. You are average height and curvy.

Well I survived! Looked fine, definitely not over or under dressed.

I did have to ditch the heels on my walk from the station to the office as I already had blisters! An emergency pair of wide fit loafers from New Look which were fine and looked good for being brand new so nice and smart.

Hunting Vinted now on the train home for future outfits.

Well done you!! (That's funny about having to buy emergency loafers though ...!!!)

Enjoy Vinted & eBay!!

Have a look at crew clothing they have a sale on and have some good shirt dresses then you can pair with shoes or boots as to what you already have. Good luck hope all goes well

Came on to show this from Next, but see you've been in!

You suit trousers and a shirt tucked in.

Maybe for next time!

That's a good look - elongating, almost like a jumpsuit (but easier to take a wee in 😁!!).

I love this! No idea if it would suit me but very tempted to try…

I spotted these ones in the Whistles sale a wee while ago. The pleats are to the side while the front is flat, & they're wide-ish without being voluminous.

https://www.whistles.com/product/pleat-front-relaxed-trouser-40128.html

Personally I prefer slim neat jumpers with trousers. Tucked in can work - though if the trousers have belt loops then do wear a belt as otherwise it looks as if you've forgotten it!!

This outfit isn't going to break any new ground, but it's well put-together & burgundy/plum works really well with tan, which you have?

The Annie jumper would match the trousers, though I never buy them new!

If the jumper is worn untucked (always my preference re my stomach!!), I prefer the jumper to be on the shorter side, proportions-wise. Can't be doing with the shirt under jumper look - I'm not skinny & it adds bulk - but a white T-shirt peeking out below the jumper is good.

Funnily enough, I just got this burgundy matte satin skirt yesterday (from Arket via Vinted of course). It's drawstring at the waist & really nice.