I hate dressing up and not used to it for work.?

Question

I am currently unemployed but the next job I get is likely to be in a place where I have to wear business casual. Probably no jeans, etc. This is honestly the bulk of my wardrobe. Beach casual, sweats, loungewear, and the like. Lots of cotton teeshirts.

Aside from this really casual stuff, I have a couple of the sweaters that tie at the top and spread open with sleeves, not a cape. One red, one black. I have a knee length stretchy shiny knit skirt. I have a black stretchy shirt and aqua blue tank. I have ONE pair of pointy toe dress shoes. I have a pair of nice black slacks. And I do have the proper lingerie to go with these. Good bras, slips, etc.

Can you think of any really basic and essential pieces that would work to expand these into more outfits? Concerned about comfort and confidence, just a minimal stretch from my comfort zone. Low upkeep garments too. Also not able to spend much.

OH body type. I am plus size with a flat butt, nice legs and busty.

Thanks for helping

Wow, strawberry big mac has made a harsh comment.

The reasons I am unemployed, thank you...is because my mother died in December and I have taken some time to take care of her affairs and get myself together before I go back into a job.

Before that, for THREE years (triple the usual length of stay) I worked at a wilderness camp helping at risk teens get their lives together. That coincidentally is why...I don't have a professional wardrobe.

I decided to quit my job because I am going through a lot, and I knew it wasn't fair to my kids at work to not give them 100%...plus after three years of camping and hiking and sleeping in the rain, I am ready for some 9-5 less personal involvement way of making a living.

Does anyone else have a wisecrack to share?

thanks for the (other) answers so far!

I do NOT dress like a homeless teenager??

Answer 1

I was in the same boat 2 years ago. the job I had before this one I couldn't dress too nice since I was liable to be elbow deep in pastery at any moment. I worked as a restaraunt book keeper but I was also the resident baker, prep cook, ect.

Basics for business casual for busty plus size girl. Hey that's me...

Skirts..one black either pencil or A line to the knee at least one other of another color or patterned but taylored not bohemian
Slacks.. one black, one brown, one grey all taylored and wider legs worn with ballet flats, boots or heels.
Blouses/sweaters.. since you have a nice chest, show it off Deep V's are the best for this. If you are curvy, taylored button up shirts are great.
Shoes.. Wear nice dress shoes not clunky chunky boats like birkenstocks or things like that. I love my birks but I only wear them on casual fridays with jeans.

As for ways not to spend a lot of money... I shop at Lane Bryant or Torrid when I can afford it. I also shop at Gabriel Brother's (They carry Lane Bryant stuff sometimes) Ebay is my best friend and don't be too proud to shop at Goodwill and places like that, especially the ones in richer neighborhoods. You have to dig but you can sometimes find some good things.

Good Luck with the job hunt. Best advise I ever got about dressing for a job interview was dress for the job you want not necessarily the one you are applying for. Wear a really nice outfit for the interview but don't go overboard.

Answer 2

I would say to make your bust less noticable wear V-neck tops, nothing with a high collar as this will make your bust look bigger.
Try layering tops, such as a long singlet/shirt under a floaty kinda top (the stretchy one may work) to make your stomach look flatter and your upper body longer.

Pants will work good with this, such as the black slacks...with the pointy shoes. A-line skirts that sit just on the knee or a little above.

Wear whatever underwear is comfortable but that compliments the top you are wearing.

To compliment try long dangly necklaces to draw attention to the upper body. Bangles and other jewlery that compliments the colours that you are wearing will be a nice compliment to the outfit.

Goodluck, hope this helped!!!---if i think of anything else i'll let you know...

Answer 3

I f I were you I would invest in a crisp white shirt- either a wrap over or ruched style for your size and wear with preferabley a pencil skirt in black- this is a smart, classy, original look which many women pull off and have done for years!
Also a tailored trouser suit tapered to your individual size etc oh and shoulder pads are just wrong-so dont go there!
with your white shirt try long necklaces which are eyecatching and hang just below your bust line- this will add colour and detail to your outfit.
For shoes you should try simple elegant heels which will elongate your calves and add height- try a nice pair of pointed court shoes or knee-length boots.
Good luck with your new job :) Hope i helped xoxo

Answer 4

I like girls in jeans. It creates them look more city like and it generally does not look like they are trying too much but if you are trying to get this fellas attention, this may well not be what you want

Answer 5

I do enjoy wearing long skirts occasionally. These are actually convenient than Denims and also much less hot to wear.

Answer 6

Woaa chill out, i was just trying to help. I gotta say i look pretty cute ...even in the hot Texas weather.
Its not all about comfort your trying to look professional not like your bush whacking.

you need a black suit (buy them and dry clean them together so the colour stays the same)
Some cami's
Pencil skirts and other dress pants.
Blouse's
Day or evening dress'
A spring coat like a trench coat or lightweight over coat.
a black purse.
a hair cut and come make up
high heel shoes.
And a better attitude. No one cares why you dress like a slob they just want someone who acts and looks professional.
Good clothes make me feel good and i have many sides ...i dress nice because people look at you differently. And i like being sexy shoot me.
I understand people from Texas just naturally have horrible taste in clothing.
A hot oil treatment for the hair never hurt anyone...and neither did a peak at vogue's website http://www.style.com/vogue .
Maybe we should do lunch when I'm in Texas!?
Ouuu and i just got a better idea!!! we could totally do like a make over day..with lunch and a trip to the salon. You'll go in looking like that ^ and come out looking like Angelina. ..think about it ; )

and i don't think its funny when anyone dies (especially a mom).
But its funny that someone would choose to live in the bush and dress like u do.

Answer 7

a khaki skirt
a pair of khaki pants
button down shirts in all colors