I'm clueless -- help me, please!

[EsioTrot]

Hi,

I'm 33-years-old and recently got a new job after being a SAHM for years. There isn't really anyone else of my age group in the office and I just don't know what to wear.

My lovely husband has given me a surprise £200 to buy some work clothes, but I don't know where to start.

I don't need to wear a suit but I have to be smartly dressed. I'd love to try to be a bit trendy if possible (never been particularly trendy before).

I'm 5'8" and a size 10, but am a bit pear shaped (in more ways than one!).

Any advice would be hugely appreciated and I'd love to get as much bang for my buck as possible.

Thank you.

[JaxTellerIsAllMine]

hmm, nicely fitted trousers, some blouses/shirts, pencil skirt, flat shoes - maybe the brogue style to wear with trousers, some comfy heels and a nice handbag are a must. Also some summer dresses, but not sleeveless - think that is a no no in lots of offices.

Trying to 'dress' you is tricky, until we know what sort of things you like to wear.

[JaxTellerIsAllMine]

how about this sort of style? <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=www.bridgettegray.com/files/2011/11/Officewear.jpg&imgrefurl=www.bridgettegray.com/autumnwinter-work-wear.html&h=483&w=500&sz=73&tbnid=RKpuEtSAiiV1HM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=93&zoom=1&usg=__aUs5Pw-jQUnEIIdQkoDistDfOsA=&docid=U33_3L-8f5lthM&sa=X&ei=mwNrUayrA6Wm0QXXl4DQDQ&ved=0CG4Q9QEwBQ&dur=368" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">quite formal I think

[EsioTrot]

Ooh, thanks for replying! Good suggestions, thanks.

I usually wear jeans and converse/ballet pumps/biker boots depending on weather. With a jumper or t-shirt and cardigan on top. V boring and not at all elegant. Haven't had any money to spend on clothes for so long.

[BreasticlesNTesticles]

Have a look at Zara - they have younger office type clothes

[JaxTellerIsAllMine]

yes, Zara, River Island (not the clubbing gear though) and Mango all have decent office stuff, so Ive read.

[EsioTrot]

Top tips, thanks everyone.