Right - I desperately need help, from someone other than DM ('you don't really suit anything except black baggy things, do you darling?' 
) and DH ('you know I always think you look nice so it doesn't matter what you wear'). So, apologies for what will be an epic post:
Am imminently returning to work after maternity leave and need an entire new wardrobe. And I really really need help as I have no idea where to start as my entire body shape has changed AND I've spent over a year festering in breastfeeding-friendly stretchy things. Don't feel I look nice in anything.
Before I left I was a size 22, and it was really a case of wearing whatever fitted, in addition to which the place I worked was very casual - jeans and hoody fine. Now starting in a new place which is more smart. So not suits really but nice trousers/ skirts/ blouses/ tops. I'd obviously like to make a good impression and really want to feel confident about how I look as part of that, but have no idea what suits me really.
So: Post-baby I have lost quite a lot of weight and am now about a size 16 on the bottom/ 18 on top. 5 foot 8. Basically apple shaped but do go in at the waist and my boobs aren't that enormous. I hate my upper arms though (hate hate HATE cap-sleeves for this reason), don't want anything too tight over squashy tummy, no bum to speak off so things can look baggy there but have curvy hips. Good legs esp below the knee. I'm still losing weight so ideally looking for things that might still do if they're looser in a few months.
Can anyone suggest a basic 'look', and/ or a few staple items to go for? Or some shops to look at? In addition to the above am (ideally) looking for stuff which will wash and wear well/ easily, and won't require enormous amounts of ironing. I have about £400 saved up for this as I really do need almost everything but equally happy not to spend it all!
If anyone can come up with some ideas I will be eternally grateful as I am really stuck!