Work outfit ideas

[River2907]

Hi All,
Need serious help with new work outfits.
I absolutely hate shopping and always end up ordering a multitude of things only to return them 2 days later - this happens multiple times before I give up and then start the whole process again 3 months later. It is the same if I shop in-store, I buy, take home...then return a few days later!
I am late 20s and need a few outfits for work. Smart/casual, I like to be comfortable - no jeans allowed. I am tall so ideally need trousers that have a tall option - can get away with regular size tops.
Women of Mumsnet..I need your help. Can anyone put together some outfit ideas and send me pictures/links (including shoes)? I am open to most colours but prefer (am used to) more neutral tones. No suits or anything business smart - just some nice sensible ideas that don't make me look 20 years older. Price - high street brands if possible, don't have money to spend £130 on a t-shirt!

Are you allowed trainers? I’m a big fan of halara trousers which look smart but are comfy. They’re about £25 and come in lots of colours, then I just go for a plain jersey material top which you can get anywhere (H&M has reasonable basics) and adidas gazelles - I have black ones so they aren’t overly trainer looking.

I fear this maybe leans more towards casual than smart casual?
I have had a few people who have mentioned the Halara trousers but I've never really known how to style them to make them office appropriate.

I used Uniqlo clothing when I was teaching where there was a dress code: no denim or slip-on shoes, for instance. Their stuff is smart and comfortable, mostly reasonably priced. This mattered to me as I never wore my work clothes outside the school, liking to separate the two worlds.

I'm not helpful about shoes, though I liked and wore DMs.

My DD buys her work clothes from Uniqlo and New Look - simple knitted long sleeved tops with plain trousers in blacks, greys, burgundy mostly. She wears smart black trainers unless meeting clients when she wears same outfits with Chelsea boots.

I second Uniqlo - you can’t go wrong with their wide legged trousers and merino/cashmere jumpers as a basic look and then you can play around with shoes or a blazer or a nice belt.

I remember myself being that way regarding bulk orders and the returns process, it is very tiring indeed. What worked for me is following a certain formula to ensure I do not overthink about what I should wear every day.

For work, my preference goes out to wearing a trouser set that fits me well, a top that isn’t overly decorated, and finally a third item such as a blazer or cardigan to complete my look.

I totally agree with your neutral tones idea, it seems much easier to coordinate when you are not thinking of purchasing many outfits.