New Work Wardrobe

[LBLC14]

I’m getting a promotion into a client facing position after working from home since Covid. My work wardrobe currently is made up of leggings, trainers and baggy jumpers but being client facing now I need a smart wardrobe - I’m thinking blazers, blouses, smart trousers, tailored dresses, heels etc etc etc. can I get some advice on shops that could fit the bill and also some outfit ideas as the thought of smart trousers and a blazer makes me think of my old school uniform 😅 I’ve never shopped for these type of clothes before. I like to try on my clothes rather than ordering online, but I live near major cities so getting in most high street shops isn’t a problem. I’m short and round so that doesn’t help - 5ft 2 - size 12-14 - 40YO. Budget around £250-£300 or so for ideally 3 or 4 mix and match outfits.

thanks in advance for the advice ☺️☺️☺️

Congratulations on your promotion. What sort of clients/customers are they?
Will you be based in the office or will you be visiting them?

You could do with a capsule wardrobe. Dresses are great because you only need 1 garment and it's an outfit. Suits can look quite different depending on what top you wear.
Heels aren't compulsory and business casual should be acceptable.

You might want to get your thread moved to Style & beauty. To do that, use Report and ask MN to move it.

Thank you! It will be visiting clients in their offices. I’m not sure on business casual but the men I will be working with are always in a full suit of trousers, shirt, jacket and tie rather than chinos and a polo shirt as an example. I’ll definitely have a comfy pair of smart flats also, but I do like wearing a heel when going out as it makes me feel more confident 😊

will look at changing the thread to style and beauty instead. Thank you!!

You're welcome.
I'd get some jackets - maybe a jersey one (Whistles or Boden do them) and a blazer type with matching trousers and/or skirt.
A few tops and a few dresses.
You'd get a few outfits from those.

Shoes - try M&S or supermarkets.
Dresses - get ones with sleeves. Sleeveless isn't officey IMO.
I'd look at brands like Hobbs and Me+Em (I find they run tall) for ideas but look at M&S, Uniqlo and high street for more budget friendly ones. I find brands like Tu, Papaya can have gems, and New Look, H&M etc are fine if you're a bit fussy there. Next is good online but they're on a retail park here and I cba to go there.

I do, black top and patterned skirt (eg tartan or tweed, bright/bold prints, floral) or bright top, dark skirt or a dress, unless I can wear jeans or chinos. I'm just old enough to be your mother but I shop at all sorts of shop including teenage ones, but I work in a creative industry. My username is not an accurate description of me

You could get a personal stylist session at JL. You'll not be obliged to buy and might point you to a few key pieces that will workout cheap at price per wear.

Hope I bump the thread.

Thanks for saying thanks. A nice OP makes these threads a joy.

Love and Roses from Next has some dresses that work well for work I have this style and worn it loads.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU928799/Y55678

I screenshot this outfit the other day and thought it would be a good work outfit.

I find dresses are much easier than suits allow have a couple of suits, best place for them have been Boden, Zara and Next.

You might find Page 3 | To get rid of all my clothes and start again.. | Mumsnet and Page 2 | Would like a restyle and don’t know where to start… help! | Mumsnet useful.

Or look for a recent thread on capsule/smart work wardrobe (scroll down for some links)
Good luck!

i'd probably build a few outfits first rather than just buying random pieces. you could even put the finished looks on mirrala and see which ones people prefer.

Definitely look for outfits - ones that you can mix and match.

Women's Workwear | Office outfits | Next Official Site

Have you thought about looking on Vinted as you will be able to get good brands much cheaper. Next have a range called The Set which could be worthwhile. Also M&S are worthwhile for work based clothes.

You don't have to go full blazer.
You can get hip length edge to edge cardigans that work well over a blouse and skirt/ trousers and look smart. Id get a couple of those, maybe a navy and a burgundy, matching trousers (burgundy works well with black or navy). And 2 or three cream or white jersey tops to go under them. Add some nice jewellery.
I expect uniqlo would have all of the above.
Edited to add: as PP Next the Set would probably do all as well.

You can get hip length edge to edge cardigans that work well over a blouse and skirt/ trousers and look smart.
Just no to the cardigan.. OP is 5'2" and A 12/14, the block colours and long vertical line will make her look shorter, and has a risk of looking mumsy.

I love Uniqlo for basics (trousers, tops) H&M for blazers as well as Vinted for the odd bit I know will fit. Also a big fan of M&S but that’s been a bit more hit or miss for me lately

Don’t scrimp on shoes - I’ve spent a fortune in search of the right reasonably priced pair and wasted lots in the process. Just in some decent flats that will go with everything.