What to wear to work when office culture is frumpy

[What2wear2work]

Hi I am looking to add some pizazz into life having hit my middle age and want to up my style. I am short, dumpy and overweight. My top is 2 sizes smaller than my bottom. Our office culture is middle aged overweight frumpy woman (slightly tongue in cheek here) - casual, black, loose tops, stretchy fabrics elastic waist, comfortable shoes, chunky jewellery. I’d like to wear a suit as easy, but it would look like I’m off to interviews!! Any ideas how to get some glamour without sticking out like a sore thumb and screaming mid life crisis!

Wide leg trousers, structured, thick knit cardigans with big decorative button details. Boucle fabric always looks smart too.

You might find that boot cut trousers help to balance your wide hips. Try them in different colours, to see what you like. I find that any jacket makes me look more 'put together' than wearing a cardigan, so in summer I wear a lace jacket (I have them in several colours) and in winter I might wear an unstructured jacket under an outdoor coat, in colour which tones with my shirt.

5 ‘3”
size 12 top 14-18 bottom
torso 1/2 leg 1/2
high waist
dark hair
favourite features legs
dint like being cold or constricted by layers
try to be well groomed plain nails, no makeup but probably not by modern standards.

I tried boot cut as supposed to suit my body type pear but really look fat and knock kneed.

I prefer to try in irl but it’s exhausting and takes up so much time. do people really spend ages every week to keep on trend. I hate internet shopping with a vengeance as it’s so pot luck and then messing about with returns.

Do you feel comfortable sharing a photo @What2wear2work ? (You can hide your face). It would really help to see your shape so we can make better suggestions for you.

Have you thought about booking an appt with one of the stylists/shoppers at John Lewis? They’ll be able to give you ideas that work for your shape and since you prefer trying things in person rather than online, it seems like the obvious way forward?

I’d prefer not to - I’m a spoon variant of pear.

I did use a personal stylist with HoF once and that was ok although years ago for casual.

I have come across Melissa murrell videos and wonder about treating myself but worry it may be expensive and embarrassing to show my current wardrobe. Has anyone used her service in person?