First day back at work after mat leave - I need help with my outfit!

[Mepmep]

Help, Mnetters!

First day back at work next week and I have a presentation to do so need to look reasonably professional. I have some items but but no idea how to style them.

I have only one good pair of trousers that I'm not too big for so I'm planning on wearing those (these capri pants in navy; they are qui dressy, not casual at all, despite being pictured with holiday items! www.next.co.uk/g3910s9#891680g39 )

I have loads of silk tops I can wear tucked in or loose so here are my questions:

• Can I make a nice outfit with capris and a blazer? I'm still breastfeeding and paranoid of leaks, so want to cover up (don't trust breast pads) What kind of a blazer would work? Or a scarf if a blazer doesn't work?

• Would flat shoes work with capris? What kind should I buy? I can't wear heels due to an injury.

My workplace is quite casual but I'd like to look smart. I'm a size 10-12 btw.

I got a couple of blazer type blouses out if Wallis and next recently that might work- they're lighter than a blazer and can be worn when sitting better (I always get uncomfortable/feel the urge to rice blazers at my desk thereby ruining my smarter 'look')and are sort of a heavier blouse type material. They are open front with a sort of waterfall style drape instead, with 3/4 length sleeves. I think they would work well over dresses etc too.
Sorry I can't describe them better!

Also capris and blazer look great. In terms of shoes, flats can look very smart, either in a similar colour to the capris or a colour that ties in with your top half, a small wedge would also work. Just go for something that does not look too much like it was meant to be worn with suit.

Ooh thanks peppermint, had no idea I was supposed to coordinate shoe colour eek!

Thanks for the tip! Glad blazers and capris seem to go together, was wondering whether that was actually possible!

I did a summer workwear post w navy trousers, white blazer, printed top and blue pointed heels or flats at www.theworkwearedit.com

Alternatively, you could get navy pointed flats or nude pointed flats. Or almond toed flats, if you prefer them, better. I find round toes comfortable, but not as chic.

Just had another thought... TM Lewin have a beautiful navy and white blazer that's reduced. Also, H&M have a heavily textured navy and blue printed blazer, but you would prob need to go in store for that.

My go-to site for inspiration is Pinterest. Here's an idea for styling capris and blazers:

www.pinterest.com/pin/537617274237715160/

Love the spotty shirt which confuses the eye and therefore draws away from any potential leaks! Boden do similar spotty shirts.

Also:
www.pinterest.com/pin/498281146242603606/

Not sure how much you are wanting to spend but this Whistles blazer has been mentioned on quite a few fashion blogs and I'm definitely keeping my eye on it! The advice is to size down as it's a generous fit:

www.whistles.co.uk/fcp/product/whistleslena-double-face-jersey-jacket/903000061434

Shoe-wise, I'm not really a flats wearer but I think a loafer might look good? Or leopard pumps as they go with everything (they are a neutral in my book). Ditto metallic pumps or wedges. Or navy suede low wedges like this? www.next.co.uk/x532320s3#871394x53

@ Belinda - might have to get that Other Stories blue snakeprint top mentioned in your workwear edit!

Great advice from frankie and good links. Pinterest is excellent - I use it ALL the time.

frankie - it's a terrific looking top, isn't it? I love &Other Stories. Not everything, but some of it is fantastic.

Oh you don't have to match them, but sometimes it helps it feel a bit more smart. I work in a casual office too and it can be difficult to create an outfit and find that helps

I love & Other Stories for its quirkiness although when I was in the Regent St store recently, I found the colours a bit wintery given the warm weather! I've bought two things from there - a boat neck Breton knit and a black holey jumper - and both were 100% cotton and well priced.

Thanks all- Belinda, your blog is fantastic, I'm bookmarking and going to read through for workwear inspiration.

Excellent point on the patterned top, I'm going for that option.

Coveting the whistles blazer! I don't mind a more expensive item if I can get lots of use for it - would you say the whistles blazer can be worn with jeans (dark skinnies)?

oh yes totally, it looks really versatile to me. I'm just biding my time for a 20% off voucher cos I'm a tight Northerner

Ooh and I love leopard print flats! I never wore them to work though, had no idea if they came across as stylish or odd (as you can see, I'm generally a style-free zone )

Hadn't come across &other stories, going to google before DS wakes up!

See the Style Guile blog for more on the Lena jacket:

styleguile.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=lena

Be aware that it's a soft jersey/cardigan type fabric, not a structured blazer as such.

Another great blog, thanks frankie!