Hi guys...I am new to this bit of the forum but not new to 3fc.
I volunteer in a school 3 mornings a week with 7-11 year olds. It is the first part of my grand plan to train to become a Teachers Aide/Assistant ( new career at 46!).
My budget is strictly limited at present.
Any advice on not too smart but not TOO casual( ie no tracksuit/sweatpants) clothes/suppliers that I would feel smart but not dressed up like a dogs dinner???
I have lost a good deal of weight but am still a long way from goal. I am sooo used to wearing unflattering black sacks I have forgotten how to chose clothes and colours that flatter me.
I am a UK size 22 not sure what that is in the US.
HELP!!!

I think a pretty low key casual-but-not TOO casual, "will handle well with kids" look is dark wash denim or dark colored trousers, a colorful/bright cami or fitted t-shirt, and a fitted cardigan in a bright or neutral color over it with ballet flats or boots or even casual non-athletic style fashion sneakers.

Were you looking at brick-and-mortar stores or online shopping? In terms of brick and mortar in the UK, I know Evans is kind of the go-to for plus clothing and I have excellent luck with cute shoes/boots at a GREAT price there even though I find their clothing overpriced. M&S usually has a good price on a selection of basics like dark-wash jeans and trousers as well as camis and cardigans and I'm pretty sure they go up to 22 and even higher. If you check online, you might even be able to get even better deals. At a budget ASDA also has some okay basics but people pick over the plus sizes pretty quickly and I was rarely able to find my size in anything remotely cute by the time I got there.

Also check stores like New Look and Peacocks. I never stepped a foot in any of those stores when I was plus sized because I thought nothing would fit only to discover now they DO go up to sizes 24 and even higher: D'oh! And they're usually not expensive but get even more delightfully "bargainous" if you can get things on clearance. If you're not finding the sizes you want in store, checking online is a pretty good tip.

Ooooh, I almost forgot Debenhams. It's a pretty mixed bag in terms of price but there's always some sale going on if you're willing to look around. Or if you're lazy like me, you can just check their clearance section on their website and see what catches your fancy. For plus-size quality clothing, I like Debenham's best and in many of the ranges sold there, they go up to a 24 at least, I'm fairly sure.

For online shopping, Matalan offers a pretty good deal for the price, it's just that the style and quality of the clothes can be a little hit-and-miss in reality compared to some of the pictures on the site.

Hi MW!

I'd say smart-ish trousers with a top and cardigan would be sufficient. At least that's what I remember my female teachers wearing.

George at Asda usually has a pretty good selection of trousers etc. at good prices. I'd say the other supermarkets do rather well in this department too. I love Tu at Sainsbury's and Tesco seems to have nice things in whenever I'm having a look.

If you are only in for 3 days per week you can probably get away with 2 pairs of trousers instead of 3 which will help keep costs down.

Best of luck!