Going back to work - help me with a new wardrobe!

[BusyCee]

I'm just back at work after mat leave. I'm 6yrs older and two dress sizes larger.

I need a capsule wardrobe that suits a size 14, 40yr old. My work occasionally takes me into hospitals (admin, rather than clinical), but otherwise I'm in a small office. I'm sort of an apple shape and quite self conscious about my baggy pouchy belly. I've got quite big boobs, so if it's too fitted I get belly anxious, not fitted enough and fabric just hangs off my boobs. I don't have lots to spend (think Uniqlo and Zara...) but enough to get me started again (it's been tesco t shirts and jeans for a looooong time now).

Busy - I think we must be body doubles! I am facing the same issue, 7 years off, (I'm not counting the two 6 month stints where I was back in between kids!), a H cup, much jigglier belly than I would like & far too many t-shirts! I don't even know where to start. Fortunately I have a few months yet but not looking forward to either the shopping or the back to work.

Can I also lurk for ideas? I'm a bit bigger 16-18 but losing weight and slowly and need smart primary teaching capsule wardrobe!

Daisy. Wonderpants. It might just be us.

I'm slinking off to Uniqlo this eve for some basics. I'll let you know what I see and whether I get any inspiration.

Feel free to pile in with ideas, everyone else!

How about the dreaded wrap dresses witb a jacket ? Black trousers that are well cut with a variety of tops. Choose a neutral for the bottom half (trousers , skirts ) make sure that everything works together. For ideas for building a wardrobe have a look at the Vivien files website. People also have success with the personal shopping service at the big stores.

pinterest is great for capsule wardrobe ideas :)

Ooo can I join? I'm starting a new job as a teaching assistant (secondary school if that makes any difference) in September. My previous job had a uniform so I've not had to think about what to wear to work before so after some suggestions.
Size 14-16, pear shaped. Want something a bit more exciting then black bootcuts and smart-casual tops

I got derailed by a teething baby, a book about a bear on a building site and negotiations with a 5yr old about sleep. FML.

Uniqlo at some point this week - I'm determined.

Will report back.....

Homeaway & everythingsgoingsouth - am off to Pinterest now

No uniqlo near me but online looks promising. Have had a look at Pepperberry but some of it is a bit pricey & stuff I've had from there in the past has not been the best quality.

There were loads of what I'd call drapey wrap blouses in stores this year, they are quite flattering on apple shapes imo. I'd pair them with some slim cut trousers or a pencil skirt in a tonal (not contrasting) colour.

This sort of thing:
m.dorothyperkins.com/h5/product?productId=24369355#

Uniqlo merino jumpers are wonderful!
I'm a size 14 but more hourglassy.
I pair the merino uniqlo jumpers with knee length skirts, or wear navy jersey dresses with cropped cardigans.
H&M has some good jersey knee length skirts, as does uniqlo last time I looked.

Thanks loads - that will give me somewhere to start.

So I went to local massive shopping centre. Couldn't find anything v necked or fitted in Zara. Found a dress that's the perfect shape, but too short for my thunder thighs. Bailed empty handed.

Didn't have long enough HB for a proper shop and did a smash and grab inM&S. Haven't even tried any of it on yet. Feeling a bit glum that I ended up in M&S - it feels so mumsy and predictable. BUT. I won't lose heart. I now have at least one outfit that's acceptable. I CAN move on from here.

Please let me know if anyone finds a top to go with fitted trousers, that's v necked and about waist length. No pressure.

I saw loads in the sale in H&M today, was also in a rush for black top for interview tonight.