I was interested to read this article recently about a new charity called Dress for Success.

Its aim is to help disadvantaged women get back into work after they have faced great difficulties in their lives. Getting a job isn’t easy at the best of times, but when you’ve been out of work for a long time and have lost all confidence in yourself it’s nigh on impossible. Dress for Success gives struggling women a new working wardrobe and a corresponding confidence boost to enable them to ace those interviews and get back into work.

What a great idea! It’s a subject very close to my heart as I had a long break from employment after having Joanne but getting back to work was one of the best moves I’ve ever made.

It’s amazing the difference that the right clothes can make. I think when you give up on yourself you give up on how you look too and it’s like a vicious circle. So to be given clothes that look like you mean business and a new attitude to match can really help turn your life around.

Something like this pencil skirt suit would be perfect for a formal job interview. You couldn’t fail to make a good impression in that outfit.

Or a plus size blouse and wide leg trousers combination would work well too:

To all of those out there planning to get back into work in 2009, or to move onwards and upwards to a better job, the very best of luck from me and the Marisota girls.

According to the Telegraph this week, a top accountancy firm has sent about 400 female employees on a course to be taught how to dress appropriately for work. Some of the things they were told to avoid included strong perfume, low cut tops and evening bags for daytime meetings, as well as bright make-up and very high heeled shoes.

I think their ‘Head of diversity’ has a point when they say workwear is easier for men than women. What to wear for work can be a minefield! You’ve got find just the right balance of clothes that look smart and presentable but that still complement your shape and retain a little bit of your personality. But you don’t want to go too far and look too sexy either.

As a speech therapist I need to look approachable but still retain that air of professionalism – I find Marisota’s mix and match plus size suits just perfect. With a few key pieces I can wear the suit in many different ways and just add a colourful, feminine top. That’s my formula and I’m sticking to it! Makes dressing in the morning quick and easy. And what I love best is that Marisota’s tailored skirts and trousers are available in short leg lengths – perfect for petite people like me!

For example take these suit separates (I always go for black as it goes with everything but this camel colour is a nice alternative)

Trust me, with this plus size workwear you can’t go wrong!

Claire x