I need so much help when it comes to clothes

[fiveoclock]

I am a mid-level manager who is not customer facing, and so I often dress much more casually than I should. My clothing style is frumpy. I don't like drawing attention to myself and so I tend not to make significant changes in my appearance. The clothes I wear today are clothes I've owned and worn for years, for the most part. I tend to wear functional, comfortable clothing and shoes. My feet and back won't tolerate shoes with any sort of heel, and I can't tell you when I last wore a dress or skirt. I also have no accessories; no jewelry, no scarves, no watches, nothing. And I'm on a budget. What are a few key pieces I should start to purchase to change things up a bit? I'm climbing the ladder, and it's time I start to dress more professionally. Shopping is typically horrible because I have a typical PCOS-shaped body (44" around the waist, hips are almost non-existent and my legs are stick-thin).

[secretlyevil]

A well tailored blazer or two will go far in a work wardrobe.

[RoxMonster]

Would you be interested in wearing dresses occasionally?

I would start with maybe a few work-appropriate dresses that you can put a blazer or cardigan over, and a few pairs of dress pants in black, grey, and maybe a tan that can be mixed and matched with your blazers/cardigans and different shells and accessories.

I actually love Dress Barn for some affordable dresses. I don't know what size you are, but I am plus size and they have some great things. What about a dress like this with a black blazer over it?







www.dressbarn.com/detail/plus-size-belted-colorblock-dress/102788810/151

They have another one in this same kind of shape that is plum. This dress is 69 but a thing popped up when I went to the site to take 20% off and they often have coupons. A lot of their dress pants are in the neighborhood of $30-35. Find a couple solid or patterned cardigans you like and then add a shell/cami underneath.

Another place I find affordable work clothes is JCPenney. I like their Worthington line for dress pants and they often have good sales going on.

I also don't wear heels ever to work (I'm a teacher constantly on my feet and just....Nope!) I have gotten some dressier flats at Payless and DSW. I think as long as your pants are hemmed correctly and not too long, they would like fine with dressy flats, and dresses too. If you live somewhere that gets cold, you can do tights and knee-high boots with dresses in the winter.

[gennyu]

fiveoclock , I did some "shopping" for you this morning

All neutral as is your preference and so you can mix and match.  All 40% off at Loft using the code: SHOPSMART

blouse

blouse

sweater

blazer

dress

pant

pant

[magdala]

A tailored blazer as secretlyevil, said is a great leveler.

I wear one like this over a fitted t-shirt and knit pants. www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi40418&defaultColor=0573&N=10229&selectedConcept=

Longer jackets obscure the waist and thighs. (my problem area). Here is a one. www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi40617&defaultColor=8066&N=10229&No=24&selectedConcept=&_=1474812403002&Nrpp=24&Nr=AND(OR(product.siteId%3ATalbotsSite)%2COR(product.catalogId%3Acatalog20002))

You don't need to wear heels with skirts and dresses. Embellished flats work with skirts and dresses. Due to a back problem, I have been doing this for years. I even wore flats with my ball gown wedding dress. These are a favorite.

smile.amazon.com/Anne-Klein-Womens-Petrica-Ballet/dp/B00HVCFOBK/ref=cts_sh_2_vtp?_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2601945442&pf_rd_r=9QDKQMZ950JY3YD3MFVE&pd_rd_wg=qw1XM&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B00HVCFOBK&pd_rd_w=5VMV4&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=9QDKQMZ950JY3YD3MFVE

[iamali]

I know you're on a budget, but I'd highly suggest Nordstrom's personal shopping service. It's FREE and you aren't obligated to buy anything. You tell them about yourself and what you're looking for and they'll help you look great. I actually really like Nordstrom's in house plus sized line, Sejour, and it's fairly affordable. Even if you just start out with a few things, you'll at least have a way forward.

Good luck!

[Doggy Mommy]

I had to start dressing nicer for a new job recently, and knit blazers have been a lifesaver. They're comfortable, work with a lot of different items from pants to skirts to dresses, and look professional. I got 3 from Nordstrom (Caslon brand) and often wear them with skinny pants (gap has a nice skinny work pant) and either a simple or detailed top under. I'd add a couple dresses - the nice thing about a dress is it's an outfit all on its own for days I don't feel like figuring out an outfit.

Nordstrom rack is great for jewelry. I have some Kate spade necklaces that are simple but pretty and cost about $10 each on clearance.

I rarely wear heels... ballet flats are my go-to when it's warmer and it and flat boots in winter.

I think makeup makes a difference too in looking professional.

[ohgillian]

With your being on a budget, I would recommend taking a look at Poshmark for clothes and jane.com for accessories. Like you, I was recently starting almost from scratch when I realized I had fallen into a neglected frumpy mom trap.

You might also check out the blog outfitposts.com. She has a relatively tailored, classic style and wears the same pieces over and over in different ways. I've gotten a lot out of watching her blog.

Finally -- you sound really hard on yourself. You can do this! And you definitely can find functional, comfortable, pieces that you feel good in that will polish up your look a bit. The women on this board have been super helpful to me as I've been working on the same.

[bugandbibs]

Almost all of my work dresses are from Lands End. The ponte material is stretchy, thick enough to hang well and not show my lumpy middle and many styles have pockets. I buy them on clearance between $25-35 each. I like that dresses are a complete outfit by themselves and I can have a few neutral sweaters to go on top as needed.

I really like the dex comfort line from Payless for flats. A black pair and a nude pair are all you need to get started.