To wonder what you wear to work?

[Lennon80]

Ladies - help- I’ve been on a career break with young kids for over five years. I’m going full time in the new year and have no idea what kind of thing to buy for work wear that doesn’t need ironing (I won’t have time) - what are your favourite work staples? It’s a professional job NHS seeing patients so doesn’t need to be a suit. (Any nice leather laptop bag suggestions welcome too).

Congratulations on your new job. How are you feeling about it? It’s really daunting going back after having children I know how you feel.

its hard to know what to suggest without knowing your shape and style. But, I suggest a capsule wardrobe of softs so you can mix and match.

I’m a size 12 pear shape and have:
a black oversized blazer
a beige oversized blazer
x2 wide leg trousers- 1 black, 1 navy
1 navy and white breton top
1 black and white breton top
1 black and white stripe thin knit jumper
1 black and 1 khaki a line dresses
1 dark grey jumper
1 pink jumper
black and white oversized t shirts
black, white, chocolate and beige long sleeve tops
chunky loafers
flat chunky boots

sorry Incan’t help with the bag but adjust the wardrobe above to your styles e.g you may look better in fitted tops and dresses for example. You could add jeans too if permitted.

good luck in your new role

I wear wide leg machine washable black trousers from HM, with a short sleeve fine wool jumper from Uniqlo which I have in 4 different colours. I also machine wash these but dry hanging. Then I wear funky shoes. Patient facing.

Aww thank you that’s really helpful. I’m about a size 8 but not very tall. I prefer trousers as hate my knees.

I wear marks and Spencer's trousers, some nice tops and two dresses. I just rotate through the week. Good luck in your new job

I wear longish (midi) dresses from Next with oversized cardigans or blazers, smart boots or sandals. None of my dresses need ironing and I always feel smart without feeling like I’m an 80s business woman. The only trousers I wear are jeans (or workout/outdoor clothing), so I never wear trousers to work ever.

I’m in what sounds like a very similar job for the NHS. I’m a qualified nurse too and it’s in my job title despite the lack of nursing. So a lot of days I just wear a uniform when I can’t be arsed.

My staples are a black jump suit, black cargo trousers, grey cargo trousers and a bunch of tops and jumpers I just rotate around with a few dresses sprinkled in for variety. Most people I work with only have 3-5 outfits I ever see them in and that’s more than enough.

For my laptop bag I use a Hershel backpack which I got off Vinted for a tenner brand new (RRP £75) and I love it, so have a look on there!!

Presumably, it is a community post where you don't need a uniform.
I wear a lot of Uniqlo clothes which are smart and low maintenance. Simple trousers and a shirt/blouse or long-sleeve tops. Shirts do need ironing but I do it at the weekend, hang them up and just take them off the hanger in the morning.
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/heattech-fleece-turtleneck-long-sleeved-thermal-top-459793.html
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/rayon-skipper-collar-34-sleeved-blouse-461143.html
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/corduroy-relaxed-fit-ankle-length-trousers-458979.html
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/printed-long-sleeved-wrap-dress-460598.html

My go to for the office is M&S wide leg trousers with black trainers, but you could wear loafers or an alternative.

In the winter I wear a Uniqlo fine knit merino jumper and in the Summer short sleeved shirts (got some great ones from Asda of all places last year).

Also have a few midi dresses to wear with trainers - generally buy those from Tu, Monki.

Hope that helps.

I tend to wear Boden 7/8 trousers (that finish on the ankle); a brecon stripe top with long sleeves, tucked in; and sturdy ballet pumps. I add an unstructured blazer in cooler weather.
Or a Hobbs wrap dress, one of 3 bought over 10 years ago when their clothes were great quality.

Thanks everyone - super helpful