Where do you buy your work clothes?

[JLG19]

I'm going back to work after mat leave shortly (dreading it!) I've put on a bit of weight and need to buy a few new items to wear to work... But I really don't know where to start. I just feel like everywhere I look is all summery fashion tat.

So, where is good to buy office wear? Not too smart but still business like. Also shoes?!

Also, feel fat and frumpy, which doesn't help. Any ideas what a pear-shaped lady with a mum tum and no boobs will look good in?

M & S (don't judge me).
H & M
ASOS
Dorothy Perkins
River Island
Boden
I've also got some really nice tops in the supermarkets like Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys.

I don't spend a fortune on clothes for work but I like to look nice.

John Lewis online - Whistles, that sort of thing. I order loads at a time then then send quite a bit back.

I hate shopping so this is the best way.

TKMaxx
Jaeger
Hobbs
John Lewis

WilburIsSomePig I'd also like to look nice without spending a fortune... However, it seems like a lot of high street shops charge ££ for cheaply made clothes which all look the same and/or are not appropriate for work (cold shoulder tops, random cut-out bits, horrid embellishments and embroidery). My self-esteem and body confidence is low though so I could probably wear something costing ££££ and still feel like I look shit.

Although I did see a nice grey cardigan in Sainsburys that I might have to get

Also, are accessories important?! I can't wear fashion jewellery due to allergies.

Ebay. I really really hated spending loads of money on office wear. By the time I retired, I had a fine array of black and grey trousers, skirts and jackets (I did some research on which shops suited me. M&S, no. Next , yes etc). I teamed them up with bright colored tops. Job done. I could wear any top and bottom with any jacket.

That's a good idea, user, and easy 'mix and match' wardrobe. I was thinking dresses would make my life much easier in the mornings! I'm not the most decisive of people.

OP I know what you mean, I hate embellishments of any sort on clothes and can't abide cold shoulder tops etc. I tend to wear very plan clothes and change the look with different shoes/jewellery etc.

Glad it's not just me, Wilbur!

A lot of mine is s combination of mango, Benetton and a few wee gems from m and s. Recently I’ve begun to pick up pieces from Warehouse as well.

Thanks Shenanagins! I like Warehouse, will definitely check out the other places you've mentioned. Except M&S, I used to like their work clothes but now feel despair when I walk through their clothing section.

I could have written your post JLG. I’m also returning to work very soon and am 2 stone heavier 🙁. I feel like utter garbage. I don’t want to spend much money on clothes when I don’t even like them on, but equally nothing fits so I have no choice (except the maternity dresses I wore 🤣).

I think dresses are easiest to throw on in the morning! Also my legs are shocking so I look awful in trousers.

What sort of accessories do people wear? I feel so out of it 🙁

Uniqlo is good for basics. I mainly buy shoes from office and Dune.
I tend to keep accessories understated in general, simple jewellery, plain leather bag and shoes. Maybe a nice scarf. We have a casual office so I wear my normal clothes so can't suggest any formal bits