Please judge my work wardrobe and help me decided what clothes I need to buy

[Aabbaas]

New job and trying to upgrade and refresh my wardrobe.
Dress code is business casual, no trainers.
I have decluttered a bit and these are the things I currently own that I can also wear for work (I go in 3 days a week):

• x3 classic shirts (cotton/poplin, blue and striped)
• x2 satin blouses (white and printed)
• x2 sleeveless knit tops in neutral colors (not sure what to wear them with, not very flattering with a shirt underneath as I am apple shaped)
• lots of jumpers but reckon only 2 or maybe 3 of them are smart enough for the office
• x2 work trousers one black and one camel

That’s mostly it really. I want to treat myself to a few nice pieces but can’t spend like crazy so could do with some guidance on what is needed to complete the wardrobe and make it feel more polished. Many of these pieces are from decent brands (often via vinted) like Whistles, BA&SH, Maje. Trousers are M&S.

I am a size 12, 5ft 2, apple shaped. Just turned 40

What shoes do you have?
And jackets? I find small fitted jersey jackets from shops like Whistles v handy. They feel like a cardigan but give great structure over a shirt

So in terms of blazers, I only have one but it’s a cream linen one so is shortly going to be phased out.

Shoes wise I have: leopard print ballerinas, brown ballerinas (which I dislike but feel bad giving them away as they are almost new), 2 pair of heeled ankle boots (brown suede and brown leather) and a pair of black chelsea boots but they are quite chunky so not sure if appropriate.

What jersey jackets are you referring to?

Looks like you have the core there. Under sleeveless jumpers /tank tops I wear the thin cashmere polos from Uniqlo - if you’re a person who runs warmer then a long sleeve T-shirt.

some accessories would be good. Maybe 1’or 2 scarves to tie some of your colours together and 2 belts and maybe 2 necklaces

a jacket made of jersey / boucle offers a bit more structure but is easier to wear something like this but in the colours you wear https://www.zara.com/gb/en/textured-fringed-blazer-p07827114.html?v1=557407412&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=mobile_sharing_iOS&utm_source=red_social_movil

Thanks! I have plenty of accessories and jewelry actually

Does your job involvepresenting or entertaining clients? Wining & Dining etc? I'd be tempted to add a little wool dress that can go from office to evening.

Will you need to travel? Trains? planes?

Are your offices temperature controlled. My last job, the offices were 1970s so sweltering in summer (large windows) and cold in winter.

A dress?

A dress
a skirt
Tights to go with above
and I’d never worn jumpers into offices as too stuffy so some smart cardigans.

that’s all I would buy with what you already have especially as it’s only three days a week. That gives you 10-12 mix and match outfits so more than enough. Then replace as things wear out.

Check out your colleagues’ outfits before spending big bucks.

And your boss’s workwear.

For now, you might use a good pair of loafers - more useful and efficient-looking than ballerinas.

I don’t really like to wear dresses or skirts and I think I look better in trousers, which I why I don’t own any.

I agree loafers look better but I always get the feeling they make my feet look huge and I am quite short too. I’d like to find a smart pair of loafers that is elegant and a bit chunky but not too much!

Im an apple as well. Id suggest trying on a fit and flare dress when your in the shops.

@Aabbaas , try Whistles or Boden for a jersey jacket (vinted or ebay)
You have enough outfits for a couple of weeks.
I'd wear the sleeveless jumpers over a good quality long-sleeved t-shirt

Chunky loafers are better than ballerinas. I dislike a small shoe unless the body is small.

Audrey Hepburn looked great in ballet flats, I am not Audrey Hepburn.

Sell the ballerinas. Buy shoes you like.
Accessories-wise you sound sorted.
Good luck in the new job.

Mainly just office based with the odd team/company offsite

Lately loafers are more gathered and the top panel is smaller, I find they make my feet look smaller. I got some nice brown suede ones from next.

Leather Croc Trim Flat Loafers by M&S
Jersey Slim Single Breasted Blazer by Whistles at M&S
Stamford Ponte Blazer - Black | Boden UK
You could try Uniqlo and high street shops too.

(I don't wear loafers but others will advise)

I was looking a few days ago and there are loads of jackets on vinted just fora few quid. Far better than buying new.

I would also add in what I refer to as "the corporate onesie". A decent Phase Eight 3/4 sleeve jumpsuit in one colour.

You can accessorise or (as I do) just sling it on when you have no brain power and not have to think about working out a look from separate pieces. Goes with every type of shoe also. And you can pick them up for less than £20 second hand.

The whistles jersey blazers are really useful, smart & easy to wear I have a couple worth having a look at.

I’d keep the ballet flats for now, they’re on trend and great during this trans seasonal time of year. I would t get a jersey blazer, that was a thing a good few years ago, do you need a blazer/jacket to wear in the office or is it just for travelling to a from it? If the later I wouldn’t bother. What leg shape are the trousers?

Trousers are wide leg ish. ankle lenght.
I can wear a blazer but don’t have to. Can be a nice alternative to knitwear in winter I guess