Shazzakins
member
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 3
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I have just got a new job and will need to look smart and professional for work. I am having difficulty finding decent, reasonably priced 'office' clothes that are
a) not frumpy
b) not tarty
I'm 48 and like to think that I am reasonably trendy, but also don't want to fall into the 'mutton' trap.
I used to like Next, and their clothes fit me well, but I think the quality has gone off recently and I'm not keen on the fabrics used nowadays.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
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BeauSoleil
member
Reged: 26/03/2008
Posts: 993
Loc: France
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I think most people look smart in nice trousers and blouses/tunics with a heel if you wear them or flats if not.
All that you need to do is to make it age appropriate and you'll have an outfit that is smart but easy to wear.
I do contract work and not all though the year so don't want to invest in a work wardrobe as such. This was my staple uniform as it means I can wear them out of work too and I have always felt comfortable.
Pair each of brown and black trousers would be my starting point. If all the blouses are short sleeves what about finding a couple of mid arm length cardigans?
As for where-have you tried Matalan, M&Co, Peacocks or other cheaper places as at least then you can try and see if it's appropriate/comfy etc and not break the bank. You have said size or height!!
Hope this helps.
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lizalou
member
Reged: 01/02/2008
Posts: 352
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Funny I was thinking of posting the same question! Most of the year I too choose smart trousers(mine are grey and brown, I look dreadful in black tho I think it is the best colour if it suits you) I also wear a smart blouse, 3/4 sleeve with lycra (no ironing)
Thats fine most of the year but I was caught out in the recent warm weather. All the skirts I tried looked wrong- too dowdy, too tarty, too dumpy! Blouses outside the skirt looked worse but tucked in looks frumpy or untidy. Also the shoes have to be right.
I usually end up in M & S, poss BHS or M & Co. If I cant find what I like there I go without- not adventurous enough to try elsewhere.
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Shoelover
member
Reged: 28/02/2008
Posts: 314
Loc: Essex
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Have a look in Phase Eight & Hobbs for more expensive tailoring.
I do think that M&S have some good suits - particular mix and match jackets with skirts, trousers or matching dresses (I bought one the other day - dress was £15 jacket £35 !). I have to say they are my basic work staple with a good shirt & heels. For a more casual look, try a sweater or plain coloured cardigan over a shirt with skirt or trousers.
I like kitten heels as they are more comfy but still smart.
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Foxie
member
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 3459
Loc: South London
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The office I work in has changing temperatures so I tend to wear layers. I wear bootleg trousers with vest and wrap tops. I always wear heels and jewellery. I wear dresses and skirts and twin sets. I have to look conservative and professional, but I do like funky jewellery and bags.
Separates are more flexible as you can mix and match and create more outfits. I do wear black, but not next to my face as it is just too draining. I do agree with lizalou about skirts. I can't find any nice summer ones either. I hate with a passion what I call 'lampshade' skirts, which are just so unflattering.
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Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told "I'm with you kid. Let's go." Maya Angelou
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feathers
member
Reged: 20/05/2007
Posts: 470
Loc: Tyneside
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Autonomy do great suits/mix and match work clothes at amazing prices. Usually to be found at shopping outlets - Dalton Park and Royal Quays in the north east both have them. Peacocks' linen trousers are a steal, ditto linen dresses. Look also at ebay - I sold all my smart work clothes (Basler, Windsmoor etc) when I retired last year.
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Foxie
member
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 3459
Loc: South London
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Hi feathers
I love that line in your post "I sold all my smart work clothes......... when I retired last year". It's on my wish list!!
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Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told "I'm with you kid. Let's go." Maya Angelou
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Shazzakins
member
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 3
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Thanks everyone. I'm on a shopping trip next weekend. I'll let you know how I get on!
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chocoholic
member
Reged: 10/05/2008
Posts: 9
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I've found some lovely things in ASDA at the moment. Not too expensive either so you can get quite a few things. Hope you find something Shazzakins - let us know where you bought things from!
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mcdizzy
member
Reged: 13/01/2008
Posts: 96
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I'd say try New Look. I know its probably considered a teenage shop but they do have some classic tops and trousers in there at really reasonable prices.
Also if you have a Sainsburys, they also have nice tops and trousers/skirts all at about £15 to £30 an item.
M&S have some £15 linen trousers at the moment which are cool for summer but do crease, but then, that doesn't seem to matter too much in the office nowadays!
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wispa
member
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 1631
Loc: Suffolk,
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Simple trousers and top, with a statement necklace looks great at work. Sainsbury's have a great range of cheap jewellery, as do M&S. And probably loads of other places.
..wispa
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ChrissiFi
member
Reged: 28/06/2006
Posts: 1104
Loc: Somerset
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Make sure that if you're going to be sitting at a pc that whatever you buy is comfortable in that position. I've got a couple of lovely fitted shirts (cotton with lycra) that seemed great when I tried them on but sitting typing they're just too restrictive and nowhere near as flattering as when I'm stood up (the lycra emphasises every spare inch when I'm sat down). I got a couple of poplin shirts in MK-One recently for £10 each - not a shop I'd normally go in - and they've now been though the wash a couple of times and are holding their shape very well considering the price.
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Shazzakins
member
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 3
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Hiya
Had a bit of a disappointing day at the shops, however did buy a couple of tops from M&S Limited Collection, one white and one bluey grey. Have decided to build on what I already have which is a grey suit that I wore to my interview and a pair of black trousers! Not much to go on, but everything I liked was too expensive.
I had a little look on e-bay and bought a pale green jacket (Whistles) for £15 and a blue Joseph jacket for £9.99. Both will go with summer skirts that I have (hopefully - they haven't arrived yet).
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ChrissiFi
member
Reged: 28/06/2006
Posts: 1104
Loc: Somerset
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Ebay's a good idea - got a lovely Hobbs wrap dress (brand new, RRP over £100) for under £30 a while ago. I wouldn't have considered buying it for work at the RRP price but the ebay price made it an easy decision and if I've gone off it next year I'll probably sell it on and see if I can get a little back on it.
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ChelseaMorning
member
Reged: 06/02/2008
Posts: 649
Loc: Essex
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I have built up a good collections of jackets over the years that have been lifesavers at times as you can mix and match them with skirts, trousers and dresses. Have you tried good old TK Maxx? They do some super-smart jackets, trousers etc. At the moment larger Sainsburys have some really expensive looking things in for a fraction of what you would pay in Next or Priciples.
Congrats on your new job by the way - good luck with your career!
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Chelsea x
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