Well, first off, I'm a man, so theres that.
Second, I work at a factory and we have "uniform" t-shirts (that are really horrible).
But, if I had to dress up for work...
I'd go to
http://www.landsend.com (they just sent me a catalog for "work" clothes that I just threw away before even coming in the house with it) that would give me a clue
or that other one that I can't remember the name of that send me catalogs all the time.
You could look here, too:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_casual
My tummy is a bit too plump to tuck shirts in so I have them untucked. Depends on the make but I usually take a 14 or 16 top and 16 bottom but with some small makes, I have to go to size 18.
It's really annoying when there aren't many good clothes past a size 12 or 14. I can't wear jackets most of the year because it is just too hot up here. Even when it is winter, it is too hot inside to keep them on.
It is funny that you say that there are not good clothes past a certain size... I always find myself shopping and when I run into the larger sizes I am always jealous of the styles available in about size 16 and up. There are always prettier clothes that I like in the larger sizes but they don't fit me. I guess the glass is always greener elsewhere.
Of course I meant grass, not glass.
gads, i'm impressed with the fashion sense on this thread. For my last job I mail ordered what I fondly called my outdoor neight gowns. I found a loose dress in cotten knit (no ironing), and ordered it in five different colors (so people would know i was changing into clean clothes daily). i was good to go!
now i am a little more free-form. after reading about the politics of clothes (sweat shops, the chemicals used to grow cotten, etc) i only buy second-hand, but can best afford good will. i have more variety.
i wear earth shoes. a bit high priced, but they are certified vegan and cured my siatica.
i get lots of complements on my shoes though and on my good wills. i have found some good brand names and people seem to recognise that. if anyone disliked my style, i never got feedback.
Funny thing that Aeolienne - I was great Life on Mars fan - but every time I see her I feel urge to shout at TV!! Even in 80s no senior policewoman would have dressed like that.
And low cut jeans look horrible on EVERYONE.