Need a professional wardrobe overhaul

[Littlemissdaredevil]

Im back to work and started to lose the baby weight. Fingers crossed soon my clothes won’t find me and I will be back to my pre-pregnancy size ten. I’ve just realised that I binned most of my work clothes when I got too big to wear them when I was pregnant and I’ve realised I literally don’t have a clue where to shop and since I’ve got a baby I don’t have time to trawl round the shops.

Where would you advise I go to to buy a new work wardrobe for an office environment. I’m in my 30’s on the shorter side and I’m looking for things that are wear in the morning and don’t require a lot of faffing!

To start, basics. Uniqlo, Hush, and your high st favourites that worked in the past.

What's the dress code/type of business and are you managerial - do you need to project authority I mean?

Zara is my favourite for work clothes - not too £££ and everything seems to wash well and last.

It’s difficult. I where I work at the moment no one bats and if you work in jeans. However, I’m due to TUPE to another organisation soon where it seems to be business casual. I’m not senior management (but Head of would be my next step). I will be a lot younger than most/all of my peers therefore I think I will need to dress more sharply to project authority and gravitas.

No hush or uniqlo any where near where I live I’m afraid, but I can check out Zara

If you are near a Debenhams or John Lewis, I'd go see the personal shopper there. I've done this a few times, most recently about 6 months ago - the things they brought for me to try were things I'd never have even noticed if I were browsing. No pressure to buy at all

I tend to wear a dress - hang to dry with no ironing- single item to find in the morning with a jacket over the top to look smart. Look for dresses with gathering at the front to hide tummy fat .... I use Baukjen on line as they seem to be good quality with thick fabric .

I’m not usually an fan of NEXT, but they are good and convenient for work wear. Get a delivery of a few things and you can easily return those that are unsuitable.

I have quite a lot of M&S limited collection and Autograph stuff for work. It's reasonably 'fashionable', smart, not too expensive and lots of the stuff is machine washable (I do hate having to take stuff to the dry cleaners and it costs loads!)

Dresses are my friend, no need to worry about which top goes with which skirt/trouser.

I'll shop anywhere but I get lots of mine from Amazon (which I'm trying to stop using) and Sainsbury's do really good clothes. Not expensive either so when you've lost your weight you won't have spent a fortune.

Congratulations on your baby and good luck for going back to work.

I'm a similar height to you but size 14/16. In winter I wear skirts like this, which come nearer to my knees 😂With opaque tights and either brogues or ankle boots with a chunky heel,
m.asos.com/parisian/parisian-check-a-line-mini-skirt/prd/10789293?clr=yellow-and-bluecheck&SearchQuery=&cid=27418&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=6&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=314
On top I wear fine knit crew or v neck jumpers from good old M +S like this
www.marksandspencer.com/v-neck-jumper/p/p22511132?image=SD_01_T38_1552_Y0_X_EC_90&color=BLACK&prevPage=plp
In summer I wear ankle grazers from M+S or Matalan ( surprisingly good quality) with smart t shirts and cardigan. Again, brogues without socks.
I have 3 of each item in a variety of colours and patterns. Since doing this, my mornings have been so much easier!

If you are near a Debenhams or John Lewis, I'd go see the personal shopper there. I've done this a few times, most recently about 6 months ago - the things they brought for me to try were things I'd never have even noticed if I were browsing. No pressure to buy at all

I second this. I went to JL just before my return to work in December. I now have an awesome capsule wardrobe and I don't have to think about getting dressed in the morning.

M&S do a free online styling service and they'll send you outfits based on what your preferences are. I've had some good suggestions from there.

Thank you everyone for the advice. I’ve got a week off in Feb so I think I will book an appointment at JL then. I’m not naturally stylish and since having a baby I have zero brain capacity to think about these things.

I am in the same boat and found Next (surprisingly) and M and S have some really good on trend work outfits.

I second having a consultation. I am naturally very stylish (even if I say so myself) but after maternity leave and also body changes I went for a consultation to return to work. I had also been promoted just before my leave so I needed to project a more senior vibe.

I also find having a work wardrobe in place that is separate form other clothes that you have lined up for the week helps speed up the morning. And I only dressed as I was leaving the house, after doing make-up and having breakfast / coffee and baby things so that any spills were not on the planned clothes for that day - I still do this even though my youngest is now 6!!!