Anyone bought any nice trousers or tops or dresses for work lately?

[polkadottop]

I'm going back to work in a month after maternity leave, all my work clothes are at least 2 years old and I've lost a stone through breastfeeding so nothing fits. I work in a financial institution, back office managerial and don't have to wear suits everyday but I like to look fairly smart.

Any of you lovely ladies bought anything nice lately that you can recommend? I don't mind spending a bit on stuff that will last. I'm finding it impossible to shop with my very demanding little one.

[FritziGreenEyes]

I haven't but have a whole imaginary office wardrobe I would buy .

Size? Colours? Body shape?

[polkadottop]

Thanks. Size 8-10, 5'6'', brown shoulder length hair, early thirties. Does that help?

[MissBeehiving]

Just bought this Warehouse dress which I really like and this Oasis one which is very flattering and this DP one which I like because of the peplum thing going on but might not be flattering

[emsyj]

I've bought tons of the machine-washable shift dresses in Marks & Sparks lately. They look quite nice with heels and posh tights. I also have the Isabella Oliver wrap dress and a similar one from LK Bennett and they look fairly smart.

[HazleNutt]

I bought LK Bennett Davina recently and it's gorgeous, looks smart enough for office but beautiful also dressed up.
I also have this in 2 colours, very smart and good lenght, I'm 5'6 as well and often dresses tend to be a bit short for office. Wear with cardigan or blazer in the winter.

[tethersend]

I am in love with this dress.

[MissBeehiving]

Oh I love that too Tethers. Saw it IRL and it is fab.

[BigusBumus]

That dress is gorgeous Tethers!

A mum at school had this on this morning and she looked lovely (and I don't really like Boden).

Circle Dress

[ConfusedGirlSuz]

I love this www.littlewoods.com/french-connection-sashie-stretch-dress/922221248.prd;jsessionid=16C4F55B936081F7807E7F02F6EE8186.fts01a:-9?browseToken=%2fb%2f5657%2fpromo%2f81300009
andd....
this www.johnlewis.com/280971/Product.aspx mixed with this
www.johnlewis.com/289977/Product.aspx

I think when it comes to workwear you have to spend money on basics. IE Good quality black pencil skirt, black trousers, black dress, great shoes and then you can mix in cheaper tops - that are more 'in fashion'. IE H+M rather than Pink. Anyway just my thoughts. Apologies for the hyperlinks. I'm on work computer and it refuses to play ball.

[kalidasa]

I am a similar size to you (5'5'', 31, 8/10 - essentially an 8 with a generous bust!). I wear dresses with heels almost exclusively for work as I find them much more comfortable than skirts/trousers, especially when you spend most of the day sitting down. I buy a lot of mine from Zara - great for work dresses if you are smallish and very affordable. They have also worn surprisingly well, especially the simplest shift dresses with no back slit; several have survived several years of very intensive wear now. The other brand I like for work dresses - though on average slightly less smart/officey - is Closet. Also pretty affordable. A shop near me sells them but I'm sure you can look online too.

[MissBeehiving]

DP sells Closet

[RosiethePriveter]

+1 for the davina dress, although I find it a bit dressy for my particular office (perfect interview dress though!) On the more casual side of smart casual, I bought this www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&productid=0211-5282-3384L00&productvarid=0211-5282-3384L00-BLACK%20GREY-12&refpage=1481 which is so flattering and is really versatile.

[HazleNutt]

oooh Tethers this dress wants to come home with me! Gorgeous and decent as well, sleeves and everything. most dresses advertised as "workwear" seem to be for working in strip clubs or something.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I like that Hobbs one, Rosie. Hobss dresses are always too long for me though. :(

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I've recently bought this to wear with a grey pencil skirt and a black jacket - v v flattering and lovely fabric - and an absolute bargain.

Also this which I wear a cami under, of course!

This is gorgeous and amazingly flattering but I haven't bought it yet!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Love the shape of this but not seen it irl.

[tethersend]

Another dress I was surprised by is this one. From Boden of all places.

If you look past the 'kooky' styling (WTF?), it's a really lovely dress.

[polkadottop]

Thanks so much everyone - you've given me loads of ideas. I seem to get stuck in a shopping rut. Loving that Boden one tethersend and the LK Bennett stuff from Confused.

[RosiethePriveter]

Remus - this comes up fairly short on me (5ft 8) might be worth a go?

[azazello]

I like this one and it fits beautifully.

I bought the Boden one but found it was a bit big round the waist and the 3/4 length sleeves were quite annoying. Hobbs/ LK bennett much better for the price.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I'm only 5'2, Rosie. Most Hobbs dresses are a v frumpy-looking length on me, sadly.