work wardrobe for office job after 10 years in nhs uniform. HELP!

[Jellybabyjen]

Starting a new job in 2 weeks, working for local council, office based but variety of offices & out & about with community charities/groups on an almost daily basis.

I am totally clueless about what to buy to wear, have been in NHS for last 10 years-no work clothes required! I know suits are too much but are black trousers & a top the way to go? And what about shoes??

I'm 30, size 10 and have dyed red hair, I want to look professional- I usually have quite quirky dress sense, bright patterns, 50s dresses etc out of work but just have no idea where to start buying. Help me lovely ladies!!

[wingcommandergallic]

Councils are fairly low key unless you're a manager so you might find your normal dress sense works fine.

I do wear suits just for ease. They're only from M&S so not expensive. I have a variety of minimal iron tops to wear with them.

Find clothes you're confident in but don't flash the flesh if you're meeting outside clients.

[Azquilith]

I love dorothy Perkins skater dresses, cheap and cheerful, modest but smart with flats and tights. I work in quite a smart office and am about your age and size with red hair!

[Jellybabyjen]

Thanks, I'm thinking some dresses and ballet pumps as well as the staple work trousers & tops. Credit card about to take a battering!

[Jellybabyjen]

Lovely have a local Dorothy Perkins so will head there tomorrow. Thanks ladies, I bought a pencil skirt suit for the interview but felt pretty uncomfortable. Especially as interviewers were quite casual!

[Jakadaal]

Try Matalan for smart casual dresses. I also find some good tops and dresses in sainsburys. How about getting a couple of things and then reevaluate again in 6 weeks after you get a feel for the place?

[Jellybabyjen]

That's good advice Jakadaal,its tough to know what's going to be suitable for office/commmunity/lots of time in the car as it is quite a rural area. Any suggestions for shoes? I'm thinking Clarks for comfort but from the website they don't look the most stylish!

[Jakadaal]

I bought a pair of Fly London patent black wedges when I returned to work 3 years ago and they are still going strong. Other than that I quite like Clark's or m&s.

I work in an NHS office and find that workwear is relatively relaxed and the suits only come out for big meetings