New work clothes needed on a budget

[Jemster]

Hi
I'm back to work in March after a year's mat leave. I am slightly bigger than I was and none of my old work clothes fit me properly, am between a 12 & 14. I am 5'3.

I work in an office part time 5 mornings a week. Most people are smartly dressed but not overly smart like in suits.

I literally have hardly any spare money as we've only just managed for me to take the full year off. I would like to buy a few key items for work rather than loads of stuff that doesn't really go together. I also need shoes but I can't wear high heels due to foot pain.

What items should I look to buy and look nice but without spending a fortune? I am rubbish at style and putting things together so any help would be really appreciated.

ebay.

its the only thing in my budget at the moment.

I just paid £3 for a pair of trousers plus £3 for postage.

Can you use any of the non-work clothes you have? I always wear smart trousers and fine knit jumpers or cardigans with a vest top underneath. The top half comes from my everyday wardrobe and I just wear it with work trousers. For 5 mornings a week, I'd get away with 2 pairs of shoes and 2/3 pairs of trousers.

I mainly wear a jersey dress to work. Depends on your budget but have a look at Great Plains. They have some lovely dresses in the sale.

Here

maybe here

I have some lovely mid-heel shoes from New Look.

Thanks Incognito. I have used ebay before and had good and bad results. I just find it frustrating when something doesn't fit and then I'm stuck with it or have the hassle of relisting it. I'm such a weird shape at the moment I feel like I have to try things on. I will keep an eye on it though as there are definitely bargains to be had.

I was in a similar situation. I went to h&m and bought a capsule wardrobe of skinnies, tops, cardis and flats for not v much - interspersed with long sleeve tops etc that i already had from Primark etc. All broafly the same colours so they all go.

Halle I love those dresses thank you! I would never have thought to look there. The black one looks very smart but comfortable. Do you think I could wear flattish shoes with it? I don't want completely flat but a very low stable heel I would need.

Hi there. Black trousers are the answer. They are slimming and you can change the look every day with different tops. Try marks as they have loads in all different shapes, sizes and prices. Good luck going back to work. X

Thanks sparkina, I will look in M&S. What's best to wear on feet with black trousers and shoes, I mean like tights as it's a bit cold to have bare feet at the moment? I hate the bit of foot that shows at the bottom of trousers!

Sainsburys too. But not Gok Wan which is ££££. But defo hang around Great Plains as their stuff is reduced and reduced.
Just got a dress for £15 that I had coveted at £75.

Opaque pop socks (runs for hills)

TK Maxx good for 'trouser socks' by good brands but vastly reduced.

I'd go for dresses though. Really easy to change the look with a different cardi / jacket and bright / patterned tights.

Apparently this sort of heel is fashionable now here are some expensive ones. So you might be able to find cheaper version in New Look or somewhere.

I love Great Plains but have too many dresses now in my wardrobe.... So can't justify anymore.

I quite like my shoe boots but they have massive heels. These might work for you though with the right dress here.

I do jersey dresses with cardis (long and cropped) plus long boots in winter, shoe boots/brogues in Spring/Autumn and wedge sandals in summer
EBay is your friend for dresses if on a budget. I've picked up some great ones for a fraction of their original cost. Go for good high street makes whose size you know fits you. Phase Eight, Monsoon, Great Plains, Boden, even M&S.
The bit I'd spend out on is cardis tbh - as these get worn for far longer than dresses.
Footwear can be picked up cheaply from New Look, H&M, supermarkets etc for now.
I'd also second the Great Plains sale - some real bargains to be had there.
Good luck shopping and enjoy the new job.

Thanks been looking at the dresses on Great Plains sale and like lots of them but when I go in to the detail alot of them are out of stock. Will keep an eye on it.

Have a look at Mango-

Dress 1

Dress 2

Dress 3 (will be a decent length on you)

Dress 4

Dress 5

Or People tree:

Dress 1

Dress 2

Or Tesco:

Dress 1

Dress 2