Work clothes

happybunny86

Hi,
I've just got a new job in quite a corporate environment, it's a middle management role.

The company where I work currently has a very relaxed dress policy so I basically have no workwear for my new role and not much spare cash. I'm also not very good at putting outfits together.

I'm relatively small and pear shaped so usually wear dresses as trousers make it obvious how bottom heavy I am.

Can anyone recommend any cheap places to get workwear from that's relatively well fitting without looking like it's made from nasty material?

janda77

Hi,

I would try charity shops or ebay and try and get the best quality you can afford. You can often pick up some really good quality items that cost less that if you'd bought in a supermarket or primark etc...
I have bought nearly my whole work wardrobe from charity shops and regularly get compliments. You can also pick up lots of good quality accessories which can make an outfit. I really only buy underwear and tights in proper shops. If you are not sure about sizing I would start with charity shops rather than ebay because you have a chance to try things on. The staff in charity shops are usually very helpful and should give you an honest opinion.
Good luck in your new job

melloecastro

Could you get a suit in a dark colour and then maybe a few cheap blouses/tops and a couple of floaty scarves.


Its what I do so you can then mix and match a few combinations and it looks like you have lots of different clothes.

RachRubyD

I've got a few nice interview/work outfits from asda and also h&m before. I prefer dresses myself. Charity shops are good for picking up work items and aren't snapped up as quick. As long as your clothes fit well and are clean and well put together you don't have to spend a fortune.

Floss

Have a look in Matalan and Primark. Try on the size larger than you would usually take. Primark currently have a nice pale grey shift dress, skirt, jacket in, £12 each.

I am pear shaped, and wear shift dresses for corporate wear. I wear them with a polo neck in winter, cardigans all year round, chiffon shirts in spring & autumn so they are versatile.

I also found a few in my local outlet, Autonomy & Marks I.I.R.C., and I've also picked up a few in charity shops, mainly M&S.

Best thing to do to determine your best look is go to your local M&S and take a selection of things in to try, with some shoes you'd be comfy in - try & wear you hair as you would & put a "normal" daytime amount of makeup so you get a fair idea. I wear dresses because I struggle to get skirts & trousers to fit my waist & hips at the same time, and they look smart on me.

The cheaper stores do have some good stuff, you just need to be discriminating about the fabrics - and remember dark, with no or subtle pattern is generally more corporate for us mere minions

I also wear funkier shoes (red/black/blue patent, purple/grey/teal/maroon leather) with a necklace or scarf to tone or pick up a colour in the dress, shoes or cardigan. Opaques in winter, sheer tan tights in spring & summer, clean tidy hair & low-key makeup and I'm sorted

happybunny86

Thank you for all your help and advice. Posted the same questions on another forum I use and let's just say they weren't on the same wave length as me when it came to cheap so I really appreciated your help!

I've scoured ebay and followed a few things which is a good start. I live in quite a small village which mainly has elderly residents so I've never found much in the charity shops here. However I work in a city so I'm guessing there will be better, more suitable clothing in there's so I shall have a look tomorrow.

Partner and I have also agreed a trip to our local outlet store at the weekend to have a look too.

Thank you floss for your style advice it is much needed. Sounds like we have similar figures as I avoid skirts and trousers for the same reasons.

Need to do something about my hair too I think. Been growing a fringe out so its pinned back most days and makes me look about 12!!!

Thanks again ladies

Floss

I wear my hair in a French pleat or neat pony tail, when our execs are all out I wear it loose

Remember to be comfortable as well as smart, you can always add your personality with accessories

cazs

Next does lots of good work-wear. Good value in the sale/clearance.

asajj

happybunny86 wrote: »

Hi,
I've just got a new job in quite a corporate environment, it's a middle management role.

The company where I work currently has a very relaxed dress policy so I basically have no workwear for my new role and not much spare cash. I'm also not very good at putting outfits together.

I'm relatively small and pear shaped so usually wear dresses as trousers make it obvious how bottom heavy I am.

Can anyone recommend any cheap places to get workwear from that's relatively well fitting without looking like it's made from nasty material?

I was in the same position couple of years ago and found Next wasn't very flattering for me. Oasis is slightly more expensive but I think better fit and good quality.

Charity shops are also good as suggested.

Good luck and well done

InsideInsurance

Assume your female, though always good to clarify these things.

Dont go out spending too much even before starting. Different companies have different levels of formality and assuming you are wanting to blend in you'll probably want to assess how it is over a week or so.

Lots of good suggestions above but there is no one magic bullet answer. Almost all shops have reasonable clothes at times and its a case of shopping around rather than finding a one stop shop for everything.

Secondly, dont under play the importance of good accessories. Again they dony have to be expensive but can really lift an outfit.

The Mrs has been out at events (work daytime or social evening) with an outfit including elements from charity shops, Primark, M&S, Chanel and Cartier and had comments from others that they loved her bag (chanel) and her top (primark).... normally followed by a long discussion that they cannot believe the top is from primark.