Help with starting all over again

[Notthesamepersonanymore]

Hi S&B experts,

I've just taken redundancy after a few months off sick with depression. I'm a lot better now, and its time to pick myself up and start looking for another job. The trouble is, I've lost two stone over the last few months, and when I tried on my old work clothes today, absolutely everything was hanging off me like potato sacks, especially all my old faithfuls.

I need to get myself a new work wardrobe for interviews and hopefully for a new job. My confidence took a knock last year and it makes a big difference to me to feel well dressed/stylish so I can probably spend up to about £300 - though that needs to give me five days worth of outfits.

Can I please ask for recommendations of what you'd all buy if you had to start all over again like this. If it helps, I'm 40, 5ft 9 and an hourglass. Big norks and a fat backside, though clearly not as fat as it was six months ago. I've also got a terrible allergy to ironing.

Thank you all so much.

What kind if work environment are you in? Standard office? Do you need to wear suits or just smart casual? Do you prefer trousers or skirts/dresses? Do you ever wear tights (opaque or nude?)

Hi, yes a standard office job and I do wear opaques. I generally get primark oiled look ones for about two quid as I think tights are a tax on womankind, just like sanitary products.

I would get two skirts, two pairs of trousers, a short sleeved shift dress, then two tops and two jumpers to mix and match with the skirts and trousers. One jacket, you can increase after a while. Get toning colours like black and white with an accent colour like blush or mink. Then everything will go together.

Whatever you buy, get five clear outfits. Don't get four bottoms and be reliant on repeating during the week, the day will come you need to wear the trousers again but the he's on one leg is coming down, or you forgot you spilt yoghurt on the skirt and didn't wash it in time.

*hem