Help me look stylish at work

[legfaced]

I'll be returning to work soon from maternity leave. I look young for my age and I'm small. As a result I think people don't take me seriously despite having me a senior role, and I don't think the way I dress really helps. I'm also a bit rubbish wearing heels.

I want to go back with confidence! When I was at work I wore a combo of Oasis/Warehouse with bits of primark and H&M thrown in.

I'm 5ft 1, size 6/8, dark hair with a pale but rosy cheeked complexion. Work is smart-casual so no suits. I don't want to spend a fortune as I don't have much spare cash and I'm only going to be in the office 2 days a week. Places I can order online are best but I have access to all the usual high street stores.

Please help me to build a lovely capsule work wardrobe.

What do you do, how smart do you have to be? How old are you, I had this problem when I was younger (think early to mid 30s) and looked even younger (I once had a man who was clearly a similar age to me tell me 'I don't want to speak to you I want to speak to your bosses boss' ) but now I'm in my mid 40s it's not an issue anymore because I look old enough to have the authority I have IYSWIM. What's your budget like?

If you don't like heels don't wear them, Check out enbrogue's post about flat shoes suitable for work. I think shorties (I'm 5'2") with stupidly high heels look a bit ridiculous anyway. Presence is about personality as much as height I think. I always wear flats, in fact I wear trainers to work quite a lot since I'm a scientist, I really like them with widelegged trousers.

I'd check out Boden petite for good quality workwear separates, they do a lot of their dresses in petite which is great since dresses are where lack of height really affects fit. Gap's gap bi-stretch skinny ankle pants are available in petite and a good basic for work and look fab with brogues or other flats.

Boden petite is good. I like next trousers teamed with flattering jumpers, nice oasis tops when it is warmer, long sleeved shift dresses in winter with tights. I wear brogues - clarks do nice heeled ones which are a good in between.

Thanks. I'm early 30s. It's smart casual so no suits just work-like and professional! Love the gap trousers - will be getting some of those!

I had the same dilemma when I went back to work! I can get away with jeans and smart tops, so made myself a uniform of skinny jeans paired with simple-with-a-twist type tops. I have always loved slightly different shoes, so wore things like the Melissa Meow shoes (flats) and a bright lipstick. If you feel like it, pop on a nice statement necklace - I couldn't because I felt a bit overdressed but love it on other people.