Starting a corporate job after 5 years of mummying, wardrobe help please

[Birdienumnums]

I have nothing to wear! My job before children was in a very relaxed office so it's years and years since I've worn 'work wear', my shape has changed considerably and I'm hoping for recommendations of where to look/what to buy. I have a decent budget. Ive just been been having a look online at Finery, The Fold, Cos, Jigsaw and saw lots of lovely clothes but many that I know won't suit.

Thinking of starting with some basics and giving myself a bit of a uniform - trousers, shirts, flat shoes (cannot do a heel anymore!) and a couple of dresses that make me feel amazing which I can use for client meetings and functions . However I'm 5'2, a 16-18, have generous thighs, big boobs and a round tummy. I've been living in trainers, jeans/chinos and voluminous tunics so this is all quite different.

Any recs for brands, styles, ideas of any type gratefully received.

Bumping for you in case anyone else has ideas...

Some department stores have a personal shopper service - it's free, you make an appointment with them and tell them specifically what you need and they will grab you things to try from different ranges and give you opinions on what works and what doesn't. It's been really good when I've used it and handy for specific requests like yours.

My work clothes that have worn well are from Hobbs, Phase 8 and Damsel in a Dress ( if you can get past the terrible name.)

I tend to order lots, try them all on and see what works, which sounds obvious, but the things I think will suit me often don't.

I would agree personal shopper though if you're going for a style change after a while out of work. I've used the John Lewis one, it was good, and there was no pressure to buy.

Massimo Dutti have smart and corporate wear. Book a stylist session at John Lewis and they will choose clothes which suit your body shape and colouring. Also, the labels that you're considering are stocked by them so you don't need to traipse around different shops.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service?

John Lewis. Of course, I used them a couple of years ago for a wedding outfit, it was disastrous but I'm sure we'll do better with work wear. Will book now. Many thanks for suggestions.

Is this dress any good? Hobbs?

Cos trousers

Ooh Remus both of those look good. And the dress description says it has thick fabric which is always good for smoothing bumps. Will order and try. Have you tried the trousers?

I am in love with this dress but some reviews say the fold clothes are not generously sized. Anyone have any experience? thefoldlondon.com/product/camelot-dress-winter-white-tweed-long-sleeve/

I would buy one smart thing and then see what the rest of the office wears.

Not tried those particular trousers but Cos ones I've had in the past have been good.

Really not sure about that dress, sorry. It's lovely, but I don't think it would work with big boobs.