How to find figure-flattering workwear

Isabel Spearman is a brand and image consultant who previously worked as special adviser to Samantha Cameron at Downing Street. Each week, she offers a helping hand dissecting workwear dress codes and offering a modern take on power dressing.

To ask Isabel Spearman your workwear questions, email [email protected] or follow her on instagram @isabelspearman

In this week's column, she tackles dressing for your body shape in the workplace... 

Q. I’ve just moved into a more corporate sector with a narrower dress code, mostly suits. I’ve never thought they flattered my figure - is there a knack to finding one that will?

A. How to dress for your body shape is a conversation I have all the time with friends, clients and brands that I work with. It’s important to understand your own shape so that you can buy clothes that fit well; I can’t tell you how many times my clients see themselves in an entirely different way to how I (or other people) see them. Often their style has not moved on since having children or even across decades, so they’re still struggling to dress for the shape they used to be. Or, they spend too much time focusing on hiding their bad bits, and not enough on making the most of their good bits. And everyone has good bits! Clothes play a vital role in communication before we even open our mouths, and a too-tight dress or a badly-fitting jacket can undermine an interview, presentation or speech.

Jacquard peplum top, ￡155, Libby London; Leather belt, ￡75, The Fold; Wool check pencil skirt, ￡110, Jaeger

Remember to take a good look at yourself and your wardrobe every so often - starting now. Has your body changed recently, and if so, where? What outfits you feel good in? Don’t obsess about dress sizes: every brand sizes slightly differently (I range from an 8-14 depending on the shop). I have a client who is so obsessed with wearing a size 10 that I had to start cutting the labels out - she looks so much better (and slimmer) in a 12.

The best blazers to buy now and wear all winter

While you’re getting started, don’t be afraid to take into the changing room, as things look so different off the hanger. And don’t be put off by the need for minor alterations, either, as they’re inexpensively made with the help of a good tailor. Everyone’s shape is different, but here are some basic rules to use as a starting point.

Pinstripe blazer, ￡89.99; and wide-leg trousers, ￡39.99, Zara

To emphasise a trim waist, add a belt to pull in floaty dresses, like this Hobbs one, or tuck tops into A-line skirts which will then skim nicely over your bum and thighs.

For a large bust, a fantastic trouser suit will draw attention away from your top half, give shape around the waist, and elongate legs.

If you’re self conscious of your tummy, layer looser tops and jackets over slim trousers that show off your legs.

Long, tall figures that want to create some curves should embrace peplum tops with pencil skirts.

To flatter and elongate legs, try wide leg trousers or an ankle skimming maxi skirt.