To have no idea what to wear to work?

[PurpleVioletBlue]

Late 30s, starting new job next month. Been out of work due to having kids for the last five years. Put on quite a bit of weight. Size 14-16, 5ft3. I hate everything in my wardrobe. I just feel so frumpy. Office is smart-casual, but I have no idea what this means - apparently some people wear jeans and trainers, but it sure I want to show up looking that casual. I just want to look nice and feel confident. I don't know where to start, which brands I might like etc. Don't want to look too boring, but don't want to look silly either. I know it's not the biggest problem in the world, but anyone have any advice?

I'm a bit taller but I tend to wear wide legged trousers (mine are from Next usually) with a shirt/blouse tucked in and smart trainers.

I also wear wide legged trousers from M and S, linen shirts from Zara or H and M over a vest, and smart, clean trainers or brogues. Or sometimes slim trousers with an oversized shirt from Uniqlo. I am not a dress person.

I usually do jeans with a knit top and ballet flats, plus some kind of cardigan or wrap in case the office is cold.

Smart casual is a minefield. It seems to mean anything from a t-shirt and jeans t an LK Bennett fitted dress. I would suggest, don't go all out with the shopping until you've worked there a while and got the vibe.

Find some outfits for your first week that are not too smart or too casual. I like black jeans and a smart t-shirt/casual shirt with a cardigan. Or a jersey dress. Would recommend flat shoes, but not trainers initially until you are sure they'll be okay. Once you are there, look at what others are wearing. I'm not saying copy them, but take your cues from how smart/casual they are.

Also v.v. envious of those of you who can wear the wide-legged trousers. I love the way that looks, but they just make me look like a potato. Every time.

I just embrace the potato look (also a big fan of a French tuck so it looks like I have a waist)

Wide leg or boot leg black trousers and then just rotate tops. Either t shirts in summer and shirts in winter. Works for me

I wouldn’t buy loads until you have been there a week or so. I like the cigarette trousers from H&M with a nice top. Add a blazer if you need it to be more dressy or a cardigan.

My office is smart casual,
I wear black work trousers and blouses.
Some wear jeans and t shirt etc.
But I like to wear work clothes if that makes sense haha.

H&M for trousers.
H&M, new look, primark, quiz for tops

Pop this onto the Style and Beauty section too OP there are lots of helpful tips over there and usually people really help. It's quite a busy board.

Smart casual is hard.

I find Next and H&M pretty good; I tend to wear black jeans and a smart top or black trousers from next. I’m trying to extend my dresses too

@mynameiscalypso off to google French tuck...

Well done on your new job!

My office is smart casual too. Being short and similarly potato shaped to @gwenneh I prefer a jersey / wrap dress. I feel it covers a multitude of sins. I pair with flat shoes or ankle boots.

Boot leg black trousers from asda George work collection are £6 or £7 and come in petite!! Love them and look so good. Wear with boots or sandals. Top wear a blouse.

Im not in my office often but when I am I do smart casual as:

jeans with a shirt/blouse, blazer and shoes

smarter trousers with a plain fitted tshirt and trainers

dress with trainers in summer and tights and boots in winter