A Cry for HELP.... (Workwear)

[ReinventMePlease]

I need a new suit. I'm interviewing for jobs atm, and old faithful is just too old.

Also, assuming anyone ever hires me, I need some work clothes - suits or 'smart casual' - whatver tf that is.

I am 5'5, size 16-18ish, Trinny & Susannah say I'm a skittle. Huge thighs, ankles not brilliant but not cankles. 32-34D/DD bra depending on where it's from. Nice back, bit of a stomach. So close to 40 it hurts. (can you see why I've namechanged?)

I will not ever wear pink or purple. Very pale so acid colours make me look ill. Have quite a square jaw so ruffles/frills make me look like a pig in a wig.

What I like to wear... Tunics over trousers with high-heeled boots. Trouser suits if the jacket covers my arse, probably with a t-shirt underneath as multiple collars confuse me. Possibly an empire/princess line dress if suitably a-line. In my head I'm quite stylish without having to follow fashion. In reality - see paragraph 3.

Anyone up for a challenge? Pretty please? Oh, and budget closer to marmite than Toast

.

what line of work are you looking for?

do we need conventional "office" stuff or can we be more creative?

Ooh - just as I was headed for bed!

Conventional I'm afraid - IT, lots of men around ready to pigeonhole...

don't go for a suit

i swear by hobbs for nice interview clothes.

off to bed myself now though.

good luck

Thanks DB - but I mostly swear at Hobbs when I try on their lovely but snake-hipped clothes

snake hipped?? haha
well i certainly don't have them.
their trousers fit me really nice.

Hi,

I work in a predominately male enviroment too, and like the pigeon hole comment!

Start with some basics in a dark colour that suits you, if you go brown or navy make sure they are dark versions to avoid the uniform look! I would say a pair of good trousers in a cut that makes you feel tailored, iyswim, a couple of different cut skirts and a dress, but ymmv and you may want to go with several differant cut trousers iyswim?

Choose shoes and handbags etc to tone in with these, unless, like me, you wear all black, then your shoe and handbag choice should be the focal point of colour or texture.

Then add your tops, cardis and pretty bits like necklaces etc in your favourite colours, this way you have loads of different combinations but as its a capsule wardrobe and everything fits everything else you don't need to buy so much. I have 3 work dresses, three skirts, two pairs of trousers, three shirts, one jumper and two cardis. Most of mine is black with the odd bit of white or gray. My shoes range from black, patent to red or tortoise shell!! I aim to have a vintage look that is very smart but stands out from basic office wear.

I would avoid Next for suits if you want the longer line jacket, but they do sell good everyday basics at a reasonable price, and most of it is classic in design so you can add your own imprint to it. I also buy from Ebay and H&M. I started getting my office dresses made for me through a shop on Ebay for around the same price you would pay for an 'off the peg' one in the high street.

Best of luck with the interviews!!