I'm returning to work but own nothing more than jeans & sweatshirts. Style away.

[Bohica]

I'm 34, 5ft 7", short brown hair, a size 10 with 3 children.
I have been a sahm for 3 years so my wardrobe now consists of a few going out outfits, jeans & t-shirts.

I'm going back into a PA role, 5 days a week so need some new clothes, only problem is I need to buy them before I actually get paid so I need a cheapish capsule wardrobe to start with that I can then build on as time goes on.

Oh by the way I'm about as stylish as a er oh fgs I'm unstylish please help me

How smart do you need to be?

Would wide-legged trousers and a fitted top be okay?

Or cigarette leg trousers and a blouson-type silky blouse?

Or a couple of jersey dresses? Zara sometimes has cheap ones (no good for me as a norky short-arse but should be good for you).

I'm going to start by saying I'm not stylish. But I bet I could be if I was 5'7 and a size 10

So, you're going back to work as we're getting into summer - you can't go too wrong with some sleeveless dresses - lots of plain shifts around at the moment - that you can put a cropped cardi or small jacket over the top. And scarves. Scarves are fab.

Shoes - not much right now in the wearable region between pole dancer and ballet dancer but if you can get some nude-colour heels, and maybe some smart strappy things in both black and brown you should be OK.

And put a pile of old muslins in the kitchen and bathroom so you don't get sicked-up over/toothpaste yourself just as you've got yourself together in the morning.

M&S are usually good for work dresses, washable too so save on dry cleaning

It's not mega smart because I am in a meetings building so most of the time I will be on my own but there will be people about iyswim.

I love the idea of scarves & shift dresses although I don't can't wear heels.

Cigarette leg trousers & silky blouse also sound lovely & probably the more practical of ideas to get me started.

I do need links though >

If you can wear flats then you're spoilt for choice right now. I can't - flipper feet and rubbish ankles. Which shops do you have near you?

I'm near Lakeside

Spoilt for choice really. Debs, Next, New Look erm I haven't clothe shopped for myself for ages.

Lakeside has a lovely stall selling scarves but I wouldn't know what to wear one with - bandana style?

Did the Essex girl admission put you all off?

Bohica - you're a size 10 and 5ft 7! Seriously, almost anything you put on will look good. Zara's styling is notoriously nicked from the catwalk - and you'll be able to fit in it, so take your pick. If it seems a bit too edgy, look around M&S and Oasis then go and buy the cheaper versions from New Look. Simples.

Not that cheap, but if you're able to get credit and any of the clothes appeal, with Next Directory you can shop online, sends stuff and then bills you, and you can settle with a credit card if you have one (or with a debit card if not and if you prefer that. They also sent me a card I can use to buy on the account in the shop - I normally settle in full by credit card and then settle that in full before I pay any interest on either. If doing it that way is an option for you it means you can get a couple of outfits before pay day and then settle the bills.

I find dresses are the perfect work wardrobe as literally sling on a dress with some tights and shoes et voila - you are done, no need to think about matching top and skirt/ trousers etc...

I have this dress from oasis which I wear with opaques and this belt it is slightly on the short side for me without opaques but I am 5'10 so would be fine on you.

also in navy

I took the tie thing off and use a different belt as I have a long body and found the tie thing came up too high.

I have lots of belts and scarves so that I can wear my dresses more often and make them look different.

Dresses are great.

M&S do some reasonably priced and, yes, washable ones which are great but worth trying on as they vary a lot in cut/frumpiness

I have this one but not in petite which is really flattering and easy to accessorise with blouse or top under, cardi over etc.

You can manage with a handful of things til you've earned a bit more money. Good trousers then a couple of tops, plus a dress which you accessorise differently will get you through most of the week?