New job, new clothes

[Piratesue]

I have a new job starting next week but I'm nervous about what to wear as I've been in a uniform for the past 7 years. I asked yesterday and it's basically smart, doesn't have to be a suit. Best ideas for a staple wardrobe? I thought I would get one suit but not sure where to start. I'm mid 40s not massively stylish and a size 16. I've got a waist and a slim ish legs but a definite mum tum.
I dont have much time as I assume you can't try clothes on at the moment and not a large budget.
Any ideas welcome!

What's the job? Do you know if suits are the sort of thing people wear there? (It's vanishingly rare). What's your budget?

I dont think it is formal for suits every day, smart tops and trousers mainly. Low budget, but need them to be able to wear well

I would advise against a suit if you aren't sure, a blazer that you can mix and match would be better. I actually wouldn't buy too many clothes until you have been in the job for a few weeks and you have got a better idea of what will be comfortable/what everyone else wears/what the temperature is etc. If its an office job then most office environments are more casual than they used to be.

I love Whistles for work stuff, their jersey jackets are a favourite of mine which in winter I tend to wear with fine knits, A line shortish skirts, thick tights and brogues (my office is freezing). I like wide leg trousers too with a polo neck. There are sales around at the moment but I have found Next fairly reliable if you dont want to spend too much.

Good luck with the job, I am sure others will be along with some good ideas.

I like COS if I want to look smartish and be comfy. Some H&M is not bad too. But there's no generic work look... You may prefer other styles

basically smart, doesn't have to be a suit

I'd go for dresses, shoes with some heel, not necessarily high.

Try charity shops if your budget is tiny. Many are overstocked as people have been clearing out during the lockdown. My local ones have high end high street dresses (Boden, Jigsaw etc ) for under £5.

High street chains like New Look, H&M, Dotty P etc are good. M&S have some lovely dresses and shoes.

A blazer can tie in the outfit.

Don't go overboard with the shopping. I started a job once and although HR said it was no jeans, many of the office workers wore jeans.

Two pairs of trousers and a couple of smart tops. You can add to it as you go along.

FWIW I don't think formal suits are much of a thing now and cheap ones look awful.

I tend to wear dresses - sometimes with a smart fitted cardigan or soft jacket.

Agree that a suit isn’t needed. I am in a “professional” role and no one wears suits these days. Also agree that a blazer is more versatile and stylish than a matching suit jacket.
For affordable but good quality have a look at Uniqlo. Their Ezy trousers are very good as are the draping Rayon Blouses. I tend to mix Uniqlo with more expensive bits from places like whistles for my wardrobe.