50ish lawyer here and I also really like MM Lafleur's stuff for work. I'm even wearing two pieces today, including the aforementioned jardigan. They have easy returns and have a lot of plus size stuff. Also agree with the Spanx recommendations.

Look into a Bento Box from MM LaFleur. I ordered one when I was coming back to work after maternity leave (and my body wasn't what I was used to or wanted it to be) and got some really nice pieces. It's pricey, but their stuff is great.

I've also had good luck with Clarks shoes for some basic heels that are comfy (they do have some old lady styles, but others are more timeless).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like you.

Part of looking good is confidence and poise so don’t forget to be nice to yourself even as you’re feeling a little self-critical here.

Great suggestions above. One thing I would add is the Cole Hana Tali flat at Nordstrom. Check them out. They have round and pointed toe versions. Many colors, look super polished and professional, but flat and comfortable.

Cole Haan has lots of shoes with great support that aren't geriatric looking. Do they still make the flats with the Nike insoles? Those were the best.

They don't, but Rockport (!) has some super comfy, reasonably stylish shoes. Their pointy flats are terrific, and I am crazy picky about my shoes.
Flats: http://www.rockport.com/rockport/total-motion-adelyn-ballet/tmadelynballet.html?dwvar_tmadelynballet_color=tmadelynballet_blackburncalf&cgid=sale-womens-flats#start=1

Anything in the Total Motion or truFlex lines are pretty comfortable. I also am prone to plantar fasciitis and have lower back pain, so uncomfortable shoes are a no-go. These are worth trying out, at least, and Zappos should have most of them for easy shipping. If you can find Air Tali/Cole Haan shoes on Zappos or Amazon, too, they are also wonderful as PP noted, but CH doesn't produce that line any more (all the tears).

And, I echo PPs in sticking what you know looks good on you. Things like a good haircut and color, shoes, accessories, etc., can rework fairly simple basics, and I think the most important thing is that YOU feel awesome. I'm pulling for you!!

So the company is calling everyone in for a one-time look at clothing and hairstyles? Weird. What’s to stop someone from fixing their look that time, then backsliding into whatever doesn’t fit the company’s new image?

Anonymous wrote:That was easier than I thought. There's some good info here on Nina McLemore's philosophy of dressing:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/meet-nina-mclemore-the-designer-behind-hillary-clintons-rules-of/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/why-are-washingtons-most-powerful-women-all-wearing-this-jacket/2016/06/26/b468d646-3706-11e6-a254-2b336e293a3c_story.html?utm_term=.5ddccd94d353

I’m a 40yr old who works in a young industry - IT consulting. The only people I know who wear Nina are C-levels over 60. Pearls and popped collars my be DC standard and good for a TV interview, but so don’t think that’s what OP is looking for.

Execs in their 30s and 40s wear MM LeFleur style angular cuts in dark / minimalist colors. Lafayette at Nordstrom makes nice jackets if you can afford them.
OP - as a size 12/14 so recommend you get Spanx that go to your knees and up to your busy. Like an open bust suit so it doesn’t roll up or down. It will be hot and uncomfortable but it will make your clothes smooth and remind you to keep your stomach pulled in and stand up straight.

OP, I am rooting for you! If the company doesn't want you because you don't match a physical stereotype or age they're looking for, then screw them.

What you said here:

And I am really going to work hard to be myself. I am far from perfect, but I am really good at what I do and part of the reason for that is that I am generally comfortable in my own skin and confident but not arrogant. One of my clients once told me that he loved working with me because I was so smart but didn't take myself too seriously and I have a sense of humor that I use to connect with his team. So I really need to just return to myself and shut down those critical voices. I don't have to be 120 pounds to be professional and polished. Sorry that last part did sound a bit arrogant.

If a friend said this to you -- you would probably tell to delete the last sentence. You aren't arrogant and you have nothing to apologize to your company or the world for. You are self-confident and experienced and you have every right to be proud of your skills and abilities.

I'm sure you're going to look great -- focus on putting together outfits that are comfortable enough so you can forget you're wearing them. Feeling self-conscious about whether something is tucked in or hanging right or on straight is a confidence-killer. Get your outfits dialed in so that you can focus on standing up straight, putting your shoulders back, and wearing a genuine smile -- you will blow them away.

Anonymous wrote:Love this!

I love an older plus size woman who can dress her tail off.

I disagree with the comment about glasses, I think Oprah's big signature frames that she's been wearing lately are soooo flattering and just add to her elegance.

Granted, you're like 15+ years younger than Oprah OP, but I still think her style is exceptional!

Yes good glasses say you're hip/stylish but intelligent. Just don't get bifocals from Brighton or something your grandma would wear.

Love this!

I love an older plus size woman who can dress her tail off.

I disagree with the comment about glasses, I think Oprah's big signature frames that she's been wearing lately are soooo flattering and just add to her elegance.

Granted, you're like 15+ years younger than Oprah OP, but I still think her style is exceptional!

Glasses especially out of date ones age you. If you wear eyeglasses consider contacts if you can. Schedule a blowout for the day of the event. Assuming you have to fly there you can get limited makep done at Sephora, Mac or similar at many airports, ideally at your destination. Best of luck.

Anonymous wrote: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

I love that dress

Or this, if you need a suit

https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/plus+embellished+pearl+tweed+jacket/570239716?color=1525&catId=cat11659287

Anonymous wrote: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

These are both too casual for an evening, dressy awards ceremony.

I think these would work better:

https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/plus+embellished+pleathem+dress/570233820?color=001&catId=cat11659287

I think you will be fine. I have been a larger hourglass for most of my life (currently a 12, have been as big as a 20) and my only advice is structure and foundations.

OP you're gonna do great! What look are you gravitating to do you think? top/blazer? heels? flats?

Anonymous wrote:I like you.

Part of looking good is confidence and poise so don’t forget to be nice to yourself even as you’re feeling a little self-critical here.

Great suggestions above. One thing I would add is the Cole Hana Tali flat at Nordstrom. Check them out. They have round and pointed toe versions. Many colors, look super polished and professional, but flat and comfortable.

Cole Haan has lots of shoes with great support that aren't geriatric looking. Do they still make the flats with the Nike insoles? Those were the best.