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HELP ME

monkeypuzzle

Help! I need a business casual wardrobe from SCRATCH.

I haven't worked out of the home for about 15 years. In the meantime, I had two kids, went through some health struggles, went through menopause, and gained 60 (!) pounds. These days I pretty much just wear Tshirts and leggings and sneakers and I need to figure out how to look like a grownup again.

Recently, my husband was laid off and decided to retire. I'm busily interviewing for jobs to support the fam, and I a) need something to cover my body and look vaguely work-appropriate; and b) ideally give me a little shot of self-confidence. Ahem.

I don't have a ton of money to spend, and even if I did I wouldn't want to because in my mind I think I'll lose at least some of this weight. But in the meantime: I think the fastest way to go about this would be to get a personal shopper at Nordstrom and have her fix me up? But what do I need? I'd rather have fewer items for simplicity's sakes.

Sorry for the TL;DR
Mary

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

monkeypuzzle

Potentially useful info: I'm an apple shape. Carry all my weight in my breasts and waist, boo. So structured clothing is very difficult to fit on me.

Style-wise, I like Eileen Fisher and Prairie Underground. Simple shapes with a few arty flourishes.

rachylou

Veteran

Do you think you’d prefer pants or skirts? For a total capsule, I’d start with numbers... like 3 pants, two skirts, a dress, five tops, two shoes, two sweaters and coat... essentials dressing...

monkeypuzzle

I used to be more of a pants girl, but maybe I should go back to skirts/dresses.

SarahD8

Veteran

Hi monkeypuzzle -- cool handle, I dig those trees!

I think rachylou has good advice. I'm wondering if there are any items in your current wardrobe that could pass for business casual -- shoes, a nice cardigan, etc.? If you can make a sort of "bingo card" like rachylou suggests, and then see if you can fill in any of the squares with what's already in your closet, that might help guide you to the most efficient way to make a functional capsule to start out with.

Cee

Veteran

Good luck, what ever you do !

monkeypuzzle

Thank you! It's all very scary!

Tina

I hear you! The most important part is to find something that makes you feel great. It makes a huge difference when you are interviewing. It's good to get some outside help once you have things picked out too. I had an outfit that made me feel fab, but it was shades of a grayish green. Once I changed to a bright top instead of the matching grayish green, I had more spark.

If your weight gain has put you in plus sizes, I've found some "suiting" type clothing at Lane Bryant that fit... it was surprising because it wasn't the image I had of Lane Bryant. Macy's has a good selection of plus size clothing. I'd slowly build a work wardrobe. Separates are a good option because you can wear a matching jacket and pants to interview, and then split them up. A second pair of pants that goes with the jacket. Tops that go with both pants and the jacket. A top that doesn't need the jacket. What you add will depend on what others wear at your new job. Cardigans and scarves add more options. If you like skirts, you can wear with the first jacket. I like things with some stretch so I can move around and feel comfortable.

Good luck!

Joy

Veteran

Separates to make a column of a neutral it could be a skirt or pants plus a jacket and shell or/ and a sweater or long sleeved top. To that you can add other jackets or toppers, other tops, or other bottoms like a print that you can wear with the top or jacket. A basic dress with a topper also works. You may first want to put together an interview outfit or two and see what sort of dress code your job will have. It may be a very casual workplace.

rachylou

Veteran

I just saw some gabardine jackets and pants on HSN by Diane Gilman (sp? ‘DG2’ is the label). Wrinkle resistant, stretch weave, about $70. Must say I was intrigued. I like gabardine and don’t see it these days in stores. Also, well of course they’re good at selling, but they talked about problem fit areas for women... the upper arm, midsection... lol, yeah, they got my attention....

Alicewonderland

Veteran

Look for some pieces in PONTE fabric. It looks polished and dressy but is comfortable and has give. It’s generally not too expensive and is easy care.

kkards

Veteran

YES to Alicewonderland....PONTE....its available at all price points, can be dressed up and down......also like ponte becuase it works 3 out of 4 seasons.....
not sure what your budget is or what size you are looking for...but here are some suggestions ...
the target pants are also available in navy and grey...

and the more i thought about this....if i was starting from scratch...i'd start at White House Black Market....even if you don't buy a lot they have a great collection of biz cas looks you can use as inspiration

good luck, please update us/share your finds with us, as you move thru this journey

Women's Plus Size Pull On Slim Ankle Ponte Pants - Ava & Viv™

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Top Pick

1

Women's Kick Flare Ponte Pants - A New Day™

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1

White House Black Market

Modern Fit Comfort Stretch Slim Ankle Pants

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2

White House Black Market

All-Season Blazer Jacket

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1

Anonymous

Theres a lot in the archives, but if you may be losing weight, dresses are more forgiving! And seconding ponte, very comfortable but sufficiently dressy.

Jules

Veteran

What about thing like haircut, makeup, glasses if you wear them, footwear? In an interview, people will be looking at your face more than anything.
As for clothing, the type of footwear you need/want for your particular feet and climate will help determine your clothing silhouette options as well. Like don’t go out and buy skirts and dresses until you have appropriate footwear sorted. Personally, I’d figure out a general ‘uniform’ based on silhouette and footwear of choice - then buy the actual items. I’d stick with one basic formula to start and branch out and experiment later. This might mean trying on a lot of stuff before you buy. Therefore I’d be hesitatant to go right to a personal shopper if you have no idea what you want and might feel pressured to buy. I don’t think they are all as dead-on and respectful of the wearer’s preferences as Angie

Anonymous

Yes to kkards' ponte suggestion . I'd suggest finding a line you like, and buying a few/bunch of pieces from it. Gives you instant outfit cohesion when you don't have time to experiment and be creative. Look at this one for inspiration :

http://www.lnbf.ca

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

monkeypuzzle, welcome to the forum, and don't worry! It can be done.

May I suggest heading to WHBM and Macys on the same day. Try on their separates. Create a few outfits. Pants + Tops. Two Jackets. And some dresses. Zappos for shoes.

Macys does GREAT sales and WHBM will discount their goods for Presidents Day.

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