To ask for help finding office clothes that aren't trousers

[dontbenormal]

im so nervous.

I'm starting work on the 1st August and had all my work clothes planned. Only I had to have surgery a few days ago and the stocked around my stomach are really hurting when wearing the trousers I had bought. Everything I bought was intended to wear with them blouses, came tops etc!

So I'm starting in a few days and have nothing to wear! I went out and bought an elasticated one but apart from looking awful they still hurt even with padding over my scar.

I need clothes that don't even touch the scar so high waisted skirts and dresses but my stomach sticks out a bit and I'm a social worker so don't want to be looking sexual in any way !

What on earth can I wear? I've never even considered wearing a dress to work?

I think leggings would be too casual but I have high waisted tights that don't hurt.

Stitches not stocked!

Nice plain tunic and legging?

I'm not allowed wear leggings. Too casual.

Hmm, what about a nice plain knee length dress and tights? I was in peacocks earlier and they have quite a nice range or workwear that are reasonably priced. You could add a little cardigan or shrug .

Do you have cardigans or blazers you can smarten up plain dresses with? Maybe wearing a bright coloured scarf for some detail. If so I'd go to H&M and buy a couple of their basic jersey dresses.

My work wardrobe consists almost entirely of dresses from oasis. They do great A line dresses that are super comfy and smart (and don't need ironing) x

I have a big tummy and wear mainly skater/tea dresses with tights and cardigans which looks really smart but also covers all my problem areas bed I feel super comfortable.

I'll find some pics for you

Lindybop have some nice dresses that are flattering on the tummy area and would work in an office

Bugger just lost my post but try jersey dresses on Amazon. Someone on s&b suggested they were worth a go and the one I had today is fine quality wise, tummy skimming and was 17 quid. Lots of colours. Size up though.

Yup - dress + cardi + tights

Dress, loose around the middle, hold ups, not tights because of the elastic waist, cardi or jacket.

You should be able to find a couple of smart dresses in the tail end of the sales - oasis is good.

Dresses don't mean sexual. I wear them all the time.

Dorothy Perkins have some nice wee dresses which cover the swelling of my tummy post surgery.

Cos is great for dresses that are smart and loose fitting.

Any of these I'd wear for work, with sheer or black tights and ankle boots or brogues. Sandals on hot days.

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2663160_c101/papaya-curve-embroidered-jersey-dress-black

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2661304_c120/stripe-shirt-dress-black

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2661302_c101/shirt-dress-black

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2661009_c101/fluted-sleeve-dress-black

m.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/red-floral-print-wrap-front-dress-_529575869

www.fatface.com/india-embroidered-skirt/invt/922909#ff_colour=Blackberry

m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/navy-keyhole-skater-dress-6760144

m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/black-flute-sleeve-wrap-dress-6809673

Debenhams had some really nice midi dresses a few weeks ago as I bought one for work. Similar to this one but it was the maine new England range, so slightly longer sleeves & striped.

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_33678+07552572_-1

They also sell Dorothy Perkins, and their Scarlett and Jo line looks nice on the website, if anyone needs plus sizes

Boden- the Hannah or Hermione dresses in the darker colours? With suitable accessories to liven them up.

Pleated knee length skirts.

I'm big in the middle and wear dresses and black tights and flat shoes almost every day of my working life.

Sainsbury's do some nice things, Dorothy Perkins also great.

I bought the dress that Ginger linked to in both colours as it's so flattering and easy to wear. £28 too! Bargain!

Skater dresses are nice, comfy and loose in the middle. Might be ideal. I wear them a lot as i need to move a lot.