When it comes to months like January- March in colder climates, workwear can be a difficult area for a lot of people. Todays post shows some outfit inspiration for office environments to job interview ideas as well as answering some of my frequently asked questions when it comes to workwear itself.
The point to todays outfit was to tick a few boxes; something you could easily see the layering potential regardless of size, a size you could wear with nude or opaque black tights and something that would easily work for fuller busts too. It’s quite an unusual find with its high low effect and V cut that still gives coverage.
Best brands for workwear for a broad selection of sizes:
River Island & River Island plus, Simply Be, Evans, Next, M&S, Primark ( best budget finds up to size 22)
Mango & Mango Curve, Marina Rinaldi, 11 Honore ( designer style up to size 26)
USA: Lane Bryant, Eloquii, Asos US, 11 Honore
Adding layers under dresses
FAQ’s when it comes to layering, jumpers and curves:
When it comes to workwear and keeping warm, there are various avenues to try. If you work in a more casual environment then you can more than likely rock an oversized knitwear style with skinny jeans and heels etc but overall I find smarter layered options to be best for stricter working environments or that job interview you really want to get right. My personal preference, smart structured polo necks ( turtleneck if you’re in the USA) that are thin in fabric. Thick bulkier styles make layering a lot harder and more limiting while styles like the one I’m wearing today would work under suit blazers, coats, jumpsuits and more. Now is the time to stock up while you while you can. I would stick within three key colours – black, white and red or navy which will work for you from now into Spring easily ( as well as being so easy mix and match with items in you wardrobe). Best places to find these styles – Navabi, Simply Be, Primark, River Island, Next. The layered shirt is a favourite for many, especially if you have something layered over the bust area to give you more support and comfort. The best for fuller busts would be M&S fuller bust shirt styles that come in all sizes online, Evans, Yours Clothing and Dorothy Perkins. Round neck blouses and statement sleeve effects : Looking to statement layered styles gives way to add extra oomph to some of the plain or classic items you have to older pieces in your wardrobe that need a revival.
The wardrobe search: look to dresses, sleeveless jumpsuits, all of the items you might have depicted as more of a party-wear style or for a different occasion. You’ll be incredibly surprised how layering classic cut jumpers will totally revamp a look to give it more of a chic workwear appeal.
Belt it: Today’s dress came with a belt but for other styles you might have in your wardrobe it helps to add definition to your waistline and a smart structured effect. As working days can be long, thin pencil style belts or those with a softer canvas style material ( as seen today) I find to be much more comfortable around the stomach area. Best for belts: Marina Rinaldi, Mango & Mango Curve, River Island, Primark.
Photography: Hazel Coonagh
Details:
Dress here: sizes 8-18 ( today wearing size 18)
Jumper M&S last season sizes large – similar here up to sizes 24 & other similar options in Primark, Yours Clothing & Next
Shoes: Wide Fit shoes from River Island last season more options below
Mix & Match Suited & Booted
Skirt: sizes 8-22 Dorothy Perkins/ Suit Next sizes 8-22 here & tall trouser lengths also / Trousers: River Island curve sizes 18-26 here / Boucle jacket sizes 18+ hereand smaller sizes here
Shirt Dresses & Wrap Styles To Pair With Tights
Monochrome dress: Next sizes 8-18 here ( tall & petite lengths also) / Red dress: Evans sizes 14-28 here / Cropped blazer: Simply Be sizes 12-28 here
The Pay Day Workwear Curve Finds
Navy dress: Johnathan Simkhai at 11 Honore in sizes 16-22(UK) or 14-20 (USA) here / Purple trenchcoat Norma Kamali at 11 Honore sizes 16-20 here / Marina Rinaldi beige double layer coat ( on sale) various sizes left here / Valentino court shoes: Net A Porterhere
