Where should I be getting my working wardrobe from ?

[Rookiemum]

I'm going back in Jan and have become aware that most of my work clothes are either hideously dated, are so cheap that they look dowdy or don't fit due to southerly movement of body mass post pregnancy.

I want to look vaguely respectable when I go back oh and our work dress code is business casual and I've never really understood exactly what that means. I'm a size 14 age 36 and I don't want to spend shed loads on clothes. Most of my existing work stuff is from Next, Principles and M&S.

I'd love some recommendations about what to get and if it was online that would be even better.

Ah I have just bought a pair of pretty sassy black boots with a bit of a heel and I think I do have a knee length skirt.

I hadn't thought of Zara or Hennes as I thought they would be too young for me but I will give them a try as we don't have Peacocks or Primark. I like the idea of a wrap dress so I will have a look for one of those.

Thanks.

Fwiw, I love the look of the clothes in Zara but find they don't suit my "other side of 40" pear shaped body. I have spent several occasions happily browsing the racks, only to emerge from the dressing rooms 30 minutes later empty handed. But, you may have better luck there.

Yes I did actually go to Zara once but left in disgust when the size M didn't go anywhere near my pre baby not actually that badly sized 12 but did I appreciate that at the time heck no body.

Darned skinny spaniards. However I will try again and see if they have an XL, bad enough having to get the XL maternity stuff from Hennes.

I did go to topshop last year to see their maternity range but was frightened off by the thigh length denim mini skirts ( what pregnant woman would wear those apart from Jordan ?) and loud music. Lordy I sound about 93 no wonder my work clothes are all dowdy.....

You're right anniemac I need to get a bit more funky, I will go online and investigate Top Shop