Out of my depth, please help

[BobLoblaw]

I've had a hunt around but can't see what I'm looking for at a glance!

I've been doing some work/campaigning locally with regards to a respite centre for disabled children, short breaks etc and now I've been asked to join a working party and meet with some quite important people locally to develop policy etc etc.

I'm a SAHM to a very disabled little girl and live in jeans and t-shirts and now I need to look smart I literally have nothing smart, I can borrow shoes but I need an outfit. Aaah I'm completely lost.

Budget around £100
Size 8-No norks, some love handle legs ok
Reddish hair and pale skin
Was thinking pencil skirt? Gah I'm useless at this.

Any help extremely gratefully received.

Skirt I've just bought this myself and must say it looks amazing.
Shirt Waiting for this to arrive, new to the smart thing myself, will need a very good bra which I'm also waiting on.
As for a jacket or coat, still looking but will let you know if I find anything.

Thank you so much, the skirt is fab. I usually steer clear of white but I'm actually ddless for an hour or two so could possibly brave it!

Pencil skirt is a good idea

I just got a pencil skirt in charcoal grey. Wore it with a white shirt but felt I really looked like a waitress so I'd avoid that black/grey & white combo.

A worky style dress? Do you need something that will work all year round? Separates might be easier in that case I suppose.

I'm similarly lacking in norks and I find it's best to avoid stretchy, jersey style tops. Better to go for a fabric that holds a bit of shape - cotton or whatever. Something with a bit of structure that won't cling all over. When I first went back to work, I found H&M very good for tops/shirts and stuff. I've put weight on since then (was a 8/10 and now a 10/12 probably more like a 12) so their stuff is a bit small on me but you would fit with no problem. They do nice fitted crop shirts with short or long sleeves for £10-£15. Definitely look in there.

Otherwise M&S have some nice work dresses. I've started to go off black a bit myself but here's a black one or a more summery colour.

You need to try on the M&S stuff as the cut really varies whether it looks flattering or frumpy. Length is crucial here, just on or above the knee is perfect, below the knee can look a bit frumpy ime.

I have this charcoal grey dress which I've linked to lots on here and most people seem to really like when they try it. I wear shirts or long-sleeved tops under it or a little cropped cardigan over it. I have occasionally swapped the belt for a coloured one to change the look a bit.

Alternatively, you could go a totally different route and less office-y. Just get some very nice linen trousers and a fitted top of some kind?

looks worth trying on in a nice light grey but wouldn't leave a lot in your budget for the rest of the outfit.

If your arms are good, then you don't need anything under/over in this weather. Look in H&M for a nice jacket to wear over if your normal jacket is too casual.

Oh I just remembered that New Look had some interesting looking work skirts when I was in there this week but I didn't try on.

I'm still not sure how office-y you really need to be as long as you look smart and not too mumsy, so you don't need to go for such formal workwear if you're more comfy with something else.

Take it as an excuse to get yourself something nice that you wouldn't normally buy as it would be "impractical" to wear at home with DD.

And by the way, your campaigning work sounds really great - well done getting involved with the working party!

oh and Dorothy Perkins too

some nice skirts here

like any of these shirts?

I'm not sure I need to be dressy but I'm hoping it will give me a bit of a boost confidence wise, meeting with chief exec of PCT, chair of council and some more. Also I want to be taken seriously and if I turned up scruffy it may detract from what I'm saying?! Does that make sense? I may well be over thinking things

I love the last M&S dress, I will definitely try that on. Some nice skirts on Dorthy Perkins too, I have a grey cardigan so with a pink shirt and black skirt?

Thanks so much, I really appreciate you spending the time to help.

No no no, you're quite right, you don't wnat to turn up scruffy, that's not what I meant. I just meant that you could dress smartly without necessarily dressing in the kind of formal officewear I've been linking to. If you wanted to.

I have to say I like wearing more formal stuff at work, it does give me a confidence boost.

Yes, grey cardi with pink shirt and black skirt sounds nice.

I'm struggling with tights in this weather (have been wearing opaques up to now) but that's because my legs aren't really ready for public viewing. So think about that too when planning your outfit.

Can you get to the shops some time to try things on?