Anyone thinking about a back to work wardrobe? Need inspiration!

[Quarentina]

So just to pass these dull days I’m thinking about putting together a back to work wardrobe after mat leave/quarantine. I’m a secondary teacher so need smart, practical clothing - I always wear dresses, tights and flat shoes with a cardigan over the top in the winter.

I like midi dresses/skirts and midrange places like Oliver Bonas &Other Stories, Joy, Uniqlo, Arket, some H&M stuff (though the quality can be woeful).

My wardrobe needs updating when I go back in the Autumn and thought I’d start browsing now. I think my tea dress and cardigan style is a little old fashioned.

What shoes do you wear for work? I have quite wide feet so need something comfortable. I’ve always worn ballet flats or brogues as loafers are usually too narrow - any suggestions? Wondering if my shoe choices are abit dated now tbh.

Hopeful bump!

What are you hoping to wear instead of tea dresses apart from midis? Are there any restrictions on what you wear in terms of length etc?

John Lewis sell a brand called YAS which has lots of midi dress options and is currently 30% off.

It’s a different look but if you wanted to wear trousers with a drapy shirt I’m a big fan of uniqlo’s rayon shirts. I haven’t found my holy grail of trousers yet but suspect they will turn out to be Boden Richmond trousers when I finally spend the money.

Have you thought about a pair of Doc Martin shoes, for example black patents? Would look great with a midi dress or a 7/8 trouser

Thanks Thinkle for the reply! Hmmm not sure what I’m hoping to wear tbh. Trousers don’t really suit me, especially since maternity leave when all my weight has settled to my hips and stomach (I am exercising but don’t see it shifting quickly!). So even midis might not be best, idk.

I guess I just want to look smart, put together... something other than yoga leggings and breastfeeding tops really! ☺️

Dr Martins are a good idea, they seem like a good investment but I wasn’t sure if they are too chunky looking?

Controversial on here but cropped wide legs or cullotes and a nice blouse? I’m not a teacher but friends who are also wear a smartish jumpsuit.

Lots of midi dresses around too. As well as the brands you like, Monki are worth a look.

Boden (in the sale) do some really nice clothes that might work. If you are on Instagram, blooming_nikki wears lovely outfits.

Thanks for the replies! Fiorentina my legs are quite short so not sure if I can get away with collutes? Maybe wide legged trousers would work. How do you find the quality in Monki? I’ve browsed but never brought anything.

Thanks @joyfulincolour... wasn’t sure if Boden might be abit mumsy? I’ve had dresses from them before and they are really good quality though. Will check out that insta, thank you!x

Monki quality is fair, definitely not high quality.
I’ve had some great quality cotton shirts for example and cotton dresses. I try and avoid synthetic materials.

Monki is good quality for the price if you stick to their organic cotton stuff.

If you like Arket, &Other Stories and H&M, how about Cos and Weekday? Part of the same group. You’d get a more modern take on the dresses there.

Weekday dress

Cos dress

Clarks do Hamble Oak brogues in E wide fitting if you fancy trying them.

Thanks @JessicaDay just checked out Weekday 👍 might give cc a bashing.

I love a dress and cardigan combo. I work for a private bank as a business analyst and need to look smart but feel comfortable. I also like elasticated waist trousers. M&S have nice dresses, Dorothy Perkins, Next and Wallis. Jersey wrap dresses don’t need ironing either!

I think Thought might be your cup of tea..www.wearethought.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2PP1BRCiARIsAEqv-pQ4oxfMESUdBIqmiBgye253CsYdkykdXkcLTcTq_6pKAQVSuy-L07caAmsGEALw_wcB

I like H&M cigarette leg trousers, duster coats or cardigans, deconstructed blazers over simple jersey tops, brogues then boots as temperatures lower.

I also wear Hush ruched skirts with opaque tights and similar top halfs. Just before lockdown I bought (a cheap H &M) tiered puffy sleeved maxi dress and really liked it. I needed to belt it so I didn't go out at my huge boobs and not come back in again. I received compliments from my S4 girls (that never happens) so will wear it again in the autumn. Secondary teacher too