Help- I need to rework my image quickly for work event!

[Anonymous]

My company has announced a major restructuring and has called us all back to our HQ to basically see if we fit the new “image”. The meeting is in 2 weeks.

I have been flying under the radar since I work from a home office and travel to my clients. My work uniform is black slacks and a blouse/ blazer, often from Talbots (I know). When I was at corporate I was much younger and more stylish. And now I am a 45yo size 14w top/ 18/20w bottom. I have plantar fasciitis from working out (the irony) and can’t wear my cute heels right now.

Since I am a military spouse we have moved to a rural base (no Nordstrom etc) and of course my husband is away right now and I have multiple kids with special needs Who are impossible to take to the mall with me.

That is a lot of limitations I know. So I was thinking of options- so far I have:

-Ordered several obnoxiously uncomfortable underwire bras that keep the 34N girls lifted back into their pre-baby height.
-Scheduled a cut/ color tomorrow during work- not sure what to do- hair is medium length and wavy now- I use hot rollers to get volume for work meetings
(I know)
-surfing Zappos hoping that there are some Vionic shoes that are a little cuter I can make work
-considering a Rent the Runway unlimited subscription to just order a stream of options to try on in hope of finding something that works- but I am not seeing many plus size reviews
- I went to sephora over the weekend to get updated foundation etc- and discovered the beauty blender sponge- wow I am applying makeup everyday to work on getting it to look natural (I am mostly a Trish McEvoy tinted sunscreen person)
- I am doubling down on my skincare- and my skin is pretty good
- I have now mastered tight lining after reading about it for years

The event I have to attend will have an awards dinner (dressy), business casual days and a casual dinner. Jeans are ok and I have a couple of pairs of dark wash one that I think will fit.

I think I look better in mandarin collars and solid colors, usually jewel tones as I am a winter in coloring. And that makes me sound really old too.

Wow- this is depressing to write . I feel like such a fat frump. I just want to look polished and professional and just a bit stylish. And this has really brought home how much I have been neglecting myself.

Does anyone have any suggestions of designers/ blogger so/ looks I could look at for ideas?
Or any hairstyle ideas?
Would rent the runway be a reasonable option to try?
Are there other options that have free/ fast shipping?

Thanks for any suggestions !

[Anonymous]

How about trunk club which is Nordstrom’s mail box of cloths thing.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestion- going to check it out tonight!

[Anonymous]

I am very curious about what type of industry and event this is where so much seems to ride on your appearance instead of performance. Pharma sales? Has your job performance otherwise been at risk?

Honestly a lot of image and appearance at your age (or any age honestly) is being thin or at least not overweight. I'm sorry as I know this isn't helpful but it is true and the way it is.

I am also a winter in appearance and it sounds like you know what colors work for you, so you should stick with them. I'm also much larger on the bottom than on top and find that always wearing a blazer or jacket is usually a flattering look.

Look online for the return options of stores where you like to shop for free return shipping. Order several things in multiple sizes and return what doesn't work.

[Anonymous]

It's good that you know what looks nice on you, stick with that. There is nothing wrong with Talbots and IMO they have the best plus sized business offerings. You could try Nordstrom and Macy's for variety.

For shoes, try Naturalizer or Anne Klein Sport, or Dr Scholls. All are at DSW (they ship) and Zappos and Amazon. Vionic sadly aren't nice looking.

Consider adding a scarf or some jewelry if you don't already wear those.

Check online and see if there is a wardrobe consultant who can come to your area or do a video chat to confirm your look.

[Anonymous]

OP, look at Cole Haan shoes. They are $$$ but very comfortable and professional.

Do you have Shoprunner through your credit card? That gets you free 2 day shipping from a ton of stores. If not, you can get a 3 month trial - do it!

[Anonymous]

Post photos here...seriously. We can help!!!!

[Anonymous]

Oh, and OP, check out White House Black Market. They are part of Shoprunner, and now have Plus sizes so you should be able to find something that works since you can go back and forth between the size ranges if necessary.

I like this for the awards ceremony: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/reversible+floralgeoprint+faux+wrap+knit+dress/570243161?color=1359&catId=cat6179295

Or this one: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/floralprint+scuba+fitandflare+dress/570241150?color=1338&catId=cat11679473

[Anonymous]

Rent the Runway Unlimited subscription; $159/month, four pieces at a time, and you can rotate as quickly as you can send back and choose something else.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips everyone! I had not heard of shop runner- that is amazing.

I know the weight is hard- it is a long journey taking care of that. And I have been putting off investing in “nice” clothes intil i am where I want to be. But that isn’t working.

My industry is a specialized type of consulting. So the image thing is so frustrating- I am a strong performer but we are shifting our market focus to a younger demographic. My role would be more sales-focused than it is now where I am more of a technical expert. I guess depending how this all goes down I could be job hunting soon so I guess this is all good prep.

I know another key is that I have to feel confident so I am trying not to get too down on myself for being overweight. I can’t pull off the body conscious plus size outfits. So I have to find a middle ground.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Lafayette 148? https://www.lafayette148ny.com/

Pricey, but often great sale options. I’m hard to fit and my favorite things are all from there. Some good style options there for your shape I think and I’ve had no problem with online orders/ returns.

[Anonymous]

Maybe something from here? https://www.eloquii.com/

Also, for the business casual, would this work? Definitely a younger vibe - https://www.universalstandard.com/products/geneva-dress-marine

[Anonymous]

You sound like a great person OP

You haven’t mentioned shapewear (Spanx and the like): it really can make a huge difference how your outfits look, and I cannot recommend it enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about trunk club which is Nordstrom’s mail box of cloths thing.

+1 Trunk Club is great.

Also I’d start teeth whitening strips- small thing but makes a big difference if you haven’t bleached recently

[Anonymous]

Don’t forget a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow wax before you leave.