Dress me....

tatumkelly

Ok ladies and gents...

I've been off work for best part of a year, and am going back soon after losing a lot of weight (gone from size 24 to a 12)... I've to buy a whole new work wardrobe, and while I'm excited as hell to have such a brilliant excuse to shop like a maniac, I'm looking for outfit suggestions.

I'm 5ft 6, always wear 4 inch (at least) heels, have a small waist, with bigger thighs. I work in an office with smart casual dress code. I am open to all suggestions on outfits... I want to really mix up my wardrobe rather than boring black pants/shirt combos.

I want you to put together an outfit, post the full outfit... clothes, shoes, the works! Hopefully it'll give me some great ideas, and other people can benefit too

mood

Go for things you can mix and match - blazers, trousers, skirts, dresses, shirts, tops and accessories. It all depends on your usual style. I wouldn't buy too many summer clothes now.

FairytaleGirl

The whole outfir on this page - The top - and the skirt and shoes and bag down the side.

Office wear doesnt have to be boring!
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/tops/peplum-tops/black-stripe-peplum-top-619357

mood

Here are some other options:

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Linen-Midi-Skirt-With-Belt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2022567&cid=13632&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=White

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-PREMIUM-Blouse-With-Peter-Pan-Collar/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2103128&cid=4169&Rf900=2120&sh=0&pge=9&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Cream

http://www.asos.com/Oasis/Oasis-Wrap-Shift-Dress-With-Belt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2352151&cid=8799&sh=0&pge=30&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi

http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Sexy-Pencil-Dress-With-Pockets/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1840978&cid=8799&sh=0&pge=34&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black



Magazines often have work wear features you might get ideas from.

Tea-a-Maria

Maybe you could hire a personal shopper?

LizT

Some of the bigger department stores do personal shopping services for free, it might be worth booking an appointment even just to get ideas of pieces to mix and match.

tatumkelly

Thanks for all the suggestions, a personal shopper isn't really my thing. I have a good eye for putting things together, I was just hoping to get some suggestions as sometimes I tend to depend too much on the likes of Oasis etc.

So suggestions of places that aren't as high street, but still have reasonably priced stuff, and ideas of what other posters like as an office look was really what I was hoping for....

analucija

They can be crap quality and I usually have to try their stuff to see how it really fits (I think I'm about your size) but they are good for ideas. They do a lot of office appropriate stuff and it's easy to browse through and check their recommended matching products. The fashion corner is also good for ideas. I wouldn't overly recommend buying online though.

http://shop.mango.com/IE/p0/mango/buttoned-blouse/?id=63235650_OW&n=0&ie=0&ts=1339668765237

http://shop.mango.com/IE/p0/mango/clothing/skirts/straight-cut-suit-skirt/?id=61308350_GC&n=1&s=prendas&ie=0&m=&ts=1339668765237

http://shop.mango.com/IE/p0/mango/clothing/trousers/pinstripe-trousers/?id=61312168_N1&n=1&s=prendas.pantalones&ie=0&m=&ts=1339668765237

http://shop.mango.com/IE/p0/mango/clothing/dresses/day/polka-dot-dress/?id=63439156_10&n=1&s=prendas&ie=0&m=&ts=1339668765237

http://shop.mango.com/IE/p0/mango/clothing/dresses/day/retro-inspired-print-combi-dress/?id=71440130_N1&n=1&s=prendas&ie=0&m=&ts=1339670212706

tatumkelly

I quite like this dress, has anyone seen any fitted cardigans/blazers that would look good with it? I'm not quite sure of a colour to match it up with?

Rafaella

I think choosing a work wardrobe can be quite difficult, It's all too easy to fall into the rut of wearing a black trousers and shirt every day. The blue dress the OP posted is lovely.

Zara have a lovely printed cardigan that would look lovely with the dress HERE

New Look have a 'work wardorbe' section HERE

And Mango is always worth a look, very pretty structured dresses, skirts, shirts and blazers

tatumkelly

Rafaella wrote: »

I think choosing a work wardrobe can be quite difficult, It's all too easy to fall into the rut of wearing a black trousers and shirt every day. The blue dress the OP posted is lovely.

Zara have a lovely printed cardigan that would look lovely with the dress HERE

New Look have a 'work wardorbe' section HERE

And Mango is always worth a look, very pretty structured dresses, skirts, shirts and blazers

Love that Zara cardigan...also like this one http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/ie/en/zara-S2012/189502/825176/CARDIGAN%2BWITH%2BCROCHET%2BDETAILING

I think it's very versatile, and would be perfect for mixing and matching, maybe with trousers like these http://www.awear.com/trousers+leggings/dana-button-detail-wide-leg-trousers/invt/11000966blue/

I'd really like a pair of black trousers, I'd like them kind of smart skinny jean style if that makes sense, not the peg leg style, more tailored than that. Basically I want really stylish black trousers, ankle length to show off killer high heels.... Similar to this http://media.oasis-stores.com/pws/images/catalogue/products/3150015001/xlarge/3150015001_1.jpg

Rafaella

That Zara cardigan is gorgeous Tatum, it is stylish and chic yet understated and perfect for work. I also think skinny trousers are gorgeous, It's just a personal preference but I find skinny jeans/trousers look great with very little work, just throw on a pair of heels and a top and blazer/cardigan and you have a lovely outfit.

tatumkelly

OP back again... Just wanted to update the thread with what I bought for my impending return to work....


€50 in Karen Millen sale


€80 in Karen Millen sale

Bought the blouse and skirt

€110 in total in Karen Millen

Bought the skirt, and am looking for a nice cream blouse to wear with it? I think it would look gorgeous with a cream fitted lace shirt, but can't find any... any tips would be great

€40 from Karen Millen

Skinny black trousers

€80 from Karen Millen

Shirt

Oasis €56

Dress

Oasis €56

Blazer

Oasis €69


Karen Millen €140

Shoes in black and nude

Aldo €80 per pair

I'm going to keep an eye out for nice tops that I can mix and match with the skirts and trousers...

mood

Great choices. Do you mind telling us how much you spent? I could do with a wardrobe update myself!

tatumkelly

Thanks. I spent €761 in total, I've updated my post with where I bought items, and the prices.

Just found this shirt on Oasis website... it might be nice with the colourblock skirt?

Rafaella

Gorgeous choices. Very stylish and chic yet classic pieces for work.

anniehoo

Wow, i love everything you bought. Very classy and stylish but modern and funky too for work.

/im very jealous by the way :P