Alternatives to suit jackets for work?

[gorgeousgirl]

Hi

I work as a primary teacher and am getting rather fed up with the 'frumpy' image. I am also thinking of moving up the career ladder and want to dress the part. The thing is, if I (or anyone else) dresses very smartly, it is commented upon and is embarrassing. I would love to wear dresses like this (as seen in another thread (except much cheaper!), but the atitude of others is 'who do you think you are dressing like that?' .

So... I thought that I could start with jackets. I wear really smart trousers and boots with(I could wear skirts at a later date) a heel, as I need to be practical . But if I added a jacket it would be too much... unless I played with the jacket.

I was thinking of buying jackets with a difference ie smart, but with different materials so that they look the business from a distance, but aren't if you see what I mean... Any ideas?

attitude...

Ooh, I would looke for a much cheaper alternative to that dress! I work part time, and the other teacher has solen the messy subjects! I teach year 6 and have only English, Maths and Science to worry about, so not too messy!

What sort of jackets would you wear to mix and match with?

Thanks!

They sound exactly the things I am looking for - never mind!!

Thanks for your help!

What abotu Monsoon?
I have had jackety type things from there - not as structured as a jacket - and not matchy-matchy with trousers?
Or jackets in stretchy type material - so less constrciting and less formal? Wrap have a weird green and white stripey one - like a Pacer - not v helpful but that kind of thing maybe?

Oooh, you linked to my dress!! I am so proud

I realise you want jackets but can't help much there, though on Woolovers I saw a wool one that sounds horrible but I thought was a good halfway house between cardi and jacket. Will link in a minute.

But since you say you're looking for cheaper alternatives to my Austin Reed dress... my first work dress was this beauty from M&S for the bargain price of £35. Is machine washable too. Looks really nice on.

I have a similar situation (though nobody has actually made the comments out loud) where I dress much smarter than the norm at my work. So I do tone down the dress, by wearing long sleeve tshirts under in quite bright colours, I've worn a polo neck with a very thin stripe too, cardigans over, changing the belt, etc. It works really well. It's got good stretch so if you wanted to attempt a dress it's a great place to start I think.

Here is the Woolovers cardi-jacket thing in nice colours and a good price at £35.

You could start there and then keeping looking for actual jackets to move on to after. If you increase the dressiness of your work wardrobe in stages maybe people will not notice it happening quite the same way?

at Norkily - I love the dress!

Sorry posted too soon. Thanks for the advice - I love the advice of layering.

Warehouse do very similar dresses to the one you linked to - they're usually about £50 but often in the sale. They have them every year and they're goooorgeous. In terms of jackets, could you wear a fitted fine cord type thing (sounds odd, but actually quite nice!) - Zara do them in a rainbow of colours. So a smart shape but slightly more casual fabric..

I have been to Zara - I picked up a wool 'jacke' there. It's where I started my mission! They had a lovely dog-tooth jacket and the style looked amazing on, but the pattern just wore me... Why don't Zara sell online??

Gorgeousgirl - any updates? Did you wear your new Zara wool jacket to work? Did anyone comment?

Have you found anything else?

Just being nosey curious...

Hi Hope you don't mind me replying so late - I just sawe the last post.

I wore the jacket, didn't get any comments good or bad, but I felt more the 'business'. I've since bought some noce tops to go under the jacket that really set it off (only working for two days I am getting away with one jacket for now).

The main thing is that I am feeling more confident about changing my wardrobe subtly so I don't feel on show when wearing something smarter now. I am going to 'upgrade' little by little .

ps sorry about spelling mistakes!