Work wardrobe

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I'm going back to work in January following mat leave and want to pull together a capsule wardrobe of stylish pieces to make me feel more confident and put together on my return. Most of the bits I already have are a bit too small so I need to start over really.

I work in a corporate environment and tend to wear pencil skirts and heels with blouse rather than proper shirts but happy to take suggestions. I'm realistically a size 14 and a pear shape.

What should I be looking for? Thanks

If budget allows, I really rate The Fold. Excellent quality.

Ooh thanks for that suggestion - I'd not come across the fold before but the stuff is gorgeous! Where do you rate for cheaper bits and bobs to go with their separates?

Sainsburys shift dresses? With a jacket? These are my staple, and a bargain at usually less than £25 each

Next have some nice pencil skirts and blouses and not too expensive.

I think blouses are more forgiving than shirts if you are carrying a bit of weight.

For a capsule wardrobe you need to think about colours so that it can all be mixed up and you make the most of individual pieces.

banana republic have lots of pencil skirts in their suit department

I get most of my work wardrobe from Uniqlo and M&S - I'm a teacher but I dress quite formally, so blouses and skirts, or smart trousers. I picked up a couple of blazers too - M&S on sale and Sainsbury's!

Ok got a few sainsbos bits ordered (25% off so happy about that). Having a look at these other stores online now and will hit the shops tomorrow to try a few bits on.

I agree, blouses are probably the way forward. I've never really been a shirt fan anyway. Thanks for all the help so far.

@Lucked what are banana republic like on fit? Smallish or ok? Was just going to order some bits now. I know they do returns but I live overseas so it's a pain in the arse to sort all the shipping. Thanks

They are guilty of a bit of vanity sizing but I haven’t bought anything in about 2 years so can’t be very accurate on their sizing.

I wear a lot of pencil skirts and blouses too. I really rate Reiss for silk blouses - pricey full price but check out their sales. Also try BrandAlley - they often have Reiss stock there and I’ve picked up several blouses at 70% off. Also worth thinking about warmer layers - I like fine knits or fine knit cardigans with pencil skirts as they show off your slim top - I get mine in the LK Bennett sales or from Massimo Dutti.
Finally, I think an A line skirt is also very nice on a pear-shape if you see any.

Good luck with your return to work!

Much depends on your budget, including for dry cleaning.

After that fit is obviously key. I’m size 14 and find it much easier to buy work skirts and blouses/tops than suit type dresses or any kind of work trousers (try about 20 pairs before one looks OK!)

What are the shops like near you? Shipping costs could mount up if you have to return most items.

I have a similar dress code and H&M often have some great blouses in natural fabrics If you search hard. M&S too in their sales I’ve picked up some slightly different styles that I have worn and worn. Cos, is also a go too, they have great sales probably starting just before you go back to work.

So I bought a few nice bits today - a nice blouse from debenhams and a few sweaters from warehouse and oasis. Two other blouses I'm taking back as we're not flattering. Also bought some pencil skirts from M&S but both too small going to try next size up. I did buy three pairs of heels which were a success.

I'm worried about online purchases now as bought all size 14 and think that might be optimistic based on skirt issue today.