Work clothes (hospital doctor)

[LyraLupin]

Hi I may be asking for the impossible...

I return to work soon from mat leave and need whole new wardrobe as nothing fits!

I work on wards so needs to be practical - nothing too low cut or too short, closed in flat shoes, no longer than, 3/4 length sleeves (or ones that can be folded/rolled up).

I am tall with a long body, size 12-14, pear shaped but now with a Mum tum!

Need some key essentials preferably not too expensive!

Any ideas?

When I went back after mat leave (also hospital doc) I booked a personal stylist at John Lewis. It’s a free service and she was brilliant. I bought quite a big but it also gave me loads of ideas of what styles worked and she made me try stuff I wouldn’t have looked at usually.

Personally I find dresses easier as no need for coordinating outfits. I like boden, Hobbs, joules, John Lewis own, gap.

Another saying John Lewis. The info when you book online doesn’t ask many specific questions so make sure you put in your age and hair/skin colour.

The one problem I found was that JL has lots of dry clean only brands, not ideal! I ended up with a pair of black trousers that cost more than I would normally pay (£100!) but they fit perfectly and I know they’ll last ages. Pockets too!

Also got a few things from Hush as there’s one in my JL branch.

For shoes I buy cheap Primark ones and replace regularly - but I’m not on my feet all day like I used to be.

I have a few things from Tesco too. You can order online to store and try them on there and return anything that doesn’t fit.

I am a GP.
For work I prefer dresses rather than separates ( I am quite short).if I need to look more “put together” can put blazer on top.
Hospitals can be hot so layers are good. Always natural fibres so avoid polyester- good quality cotton or fine wool which can be washed.
Want shoes which are comfy but now dowdy either flat or slight heel.
I don’twork In UK but if I did would favour cos - great style, natural fibres, to Toast ( but only in sales).
Good luck with your return to work!

I got Boden cotton dresses to go back to work after maternity leave, their sale was excellent. Some dresses have a deep V neck so I wore a camisole. I got 5 or 6 to rotate.

I’m a GP and I buy basically all my work wardrobe from uniqlo. Inexpensive, wash well and comfortable elastic waisted trousers. Also don’t need to go to the dry cleaners if, you know, something gets on them . I think ankle grazing trousers with loafers or brogues are good then either a smartish tshirt or shirt. They do good jersey blazers too which are good for wearing over things to smarten them up if you need to.

Ankle grazers plus loafers to work here too. With uniqlo shirts that can be rolled up.
Cos are also good for this too.
M and s do really good flats that are comfy if you are on your feet all day.

Hi Lyra

I'm actually a personal stylist at John Lewis - if you want to message me privately I'd be more than happy to give you advice. I tend to dress a lot of GP's who are busy mums so I know the go to pieces and the ones that are machine washable and within a budget that would suit you!
Look forward to hearing from you! x