How much do you spend on work clothes?

Do you have access to family money or do you have to request it off your husband every time? That's not a good situation.

To answer your question (im a teacher as well) - don't buy your whole wardrobe at once. Buy about 3 outfits and one pair of shoes and see how they work. You might find (say) it is hotter at school than you expect, or you're on your feet more than you realised.

If budget is actually tight, as I imagine it might be even on £110k as you have 4 kids:

1 pair of comfortable flat shoes - £80 to £100
Two or three of M+S jersey stretch trousers, really recommend - £25 each i believe
A few tops from vinted - £10 each
A couple of nice blazer-shaped cardigans - £40 each or £10 on vinted

I think you can get started with about £300 but you'll have to add warm jumpers in a couple of months and some warm boots. So another £200 in late September.

Edit to add - you don't need a smart wool coat. A practical warm raincoat like you've been using as a sahm is fine

By the way, there is a Style and Beauty board on MN. Assuming you have access to money you may find it helpful to browse.

If you don’t have access to money other than by asking and waiting for approval of each request - well, that’s a whole other problem.

Does he also begrudge you earning money?

Professional clothes are a necessary cost, like commuting costs. If he wants the extra household income he must surely see that you need to pay for this in advance first.

I hope you enjoy the new job.

How on earth does a normal midi dress prevent you bending over? 😮

@TheJuryIsOut - as I am not married to your husband I have been able to spend exactly as much as I want on my working wardrobe.

I feel sad for you.

Just as a reference point, I spend around £500 every year for a work wardrobe refresh. Not in education, but a similar requirement for modest, comfortable yet professional attire.

I think you need to convince your husband this is an investment in your career, not indulgent spending. Also, as a teacher, your requirements are quite niche - you need comfort and movement at the same time as needing to look professional. So, some decent shirts with collars, jumpers, work trousers, formal but low heel shoes and boots. I’d avoid dresses as they prevent you bending over to help children/teenagers.

It’s not about a reasonable budget, it’s about a husband who begrudges you spending money on things you need. That’s the issue you need to sort.

You can buy things as cheaply as you can find, but a mean man can’t be fixed.