Back to work wardrobe - where do I start?

[Jemimapuddlemuck]

Hoping you wise ones can help me out please...I'm back to work from mat leave next month and neeeeeed new clothes.

Have lost a bit of weight from my pre pregnancy size so my old stuff is no good. Also I've been promoted so I sort of feel like I need to smarten up a bit.

I've always done black trousers and a blouse or jumper and it's all a bit dull. I think some nice clothes will soften the blow of going back a bit!

I work in an office, third sector type workplace, so not mega corporate smart but fairly conservative.

I'm a size 10-12 (ok mostly 12), 5'3, legs are ok, bit of a tum.

I normally buy cheap stuff from Asda, Primark etc but would like some more quality stuff without breaking the bank, am wondering if there are still good sales bargains to be had out there?

So what do I need? And where do I go? I'm a bit overwhelmed at the thought of leaving my skinny jeans and leggings behind!

Some nice dresses that you can mix and match accessories with have really helped my work wardrobe. My company is a but more formal than yours I think though but you can dress up or down accordingly. I've found nice ones in the past in M&S, Banana Republic or Hobbs/Jigsaw depending on budget.

Enjoy your return to work.

I was in the same position last summer, returned to work a smaller size so none of my old stuff fitted.

I decided on a colour palette based on what was in the shops that I liked. From there I chose a few bits that mixed and matched to make several outfits. Knowing what colour palette I was sticking to I picked up some cheap and cheerful accessories to finish the look, mostly necklaces and scarves.

I like black so started with a good quality pencil skirt and some flattering trousers. From there I chose some brighter blouses to lift the outfit, I stuck to plums and jade greens. I also bought one dress, just so I had something different, I went for a shift dress that can be smart with heels or more casual with flat knee boots.

Over the months I've added to it so what was quite a small wardrobe is not bad now.