Workwear!

[Ineedsleepzz]

I am going back to work next month after being on maternity leave.

I need some help with bee outfit ideas!

I work in an office where most people dress quite smart, skirts, heels etc.

The team I work on is a lot more casual and involves a lot of walking around the office etc, so I need to wear something comfy, but would also like to be stylish. I normally dress pretty casually to work (skinny jeans, jumper, trainers/boots), however I think it's probably time to stop turning up in trainers. I don't want to suddenly start turning up in skirts and heels as not comfy and everyone will think I've had a personality transplant.

Can anyone help with stylish but comfortable office wear??

Thanks

*New outfit ideas!!

Slim fitting trousers with flat but smart ankle boots
Jersey blazers are v comfortable as they feel like you're wearing a cardigan but they look at lot smarter
Cashmere jumper & wide legged wool trousers with brogues

I wear things like this to the office. I rarely wear skirts to work & never heels

Good luck going back!

Check out Holly Willoughby on Instagram, she posts each day what she is wearing on this morning, and I think it strikes a nice balance of smart, casual, and comfy. She links the brands too, while it's mostly £££ it's good inspiration to find similar in your budget.

Wear what you are comfortable with, as long as it's appropriate to your office, your role and the dress code.

I don't think anyone is going to think you had a personality transplant if you start dressing a bit smarter.

You can get some comfy trousers that will look more smart than skinny jeans. Shoes make a difference so I would avoid trainers but some boots are fine or even have heels to change into at work if that helps.

When I went back to work after my first baby after 6 months they had changed the office dress code to smart casual which I really appreciated as I wasn't quite back to my pre-pregnancy weight and so I was able to wear my comfy maternity jeans etc.

Something like this OP? 😆

Sorry, couldn’t resist!

When you say workwear I think about a nice pyjamas these days so not much help.

I love dresses, you don’t have to worry about co-ordinating top and bottom and most shoes go with them. I don’t do heels.

Why not upgrade your skinny jeans to slim cut trousers, and the trainers to flat black shoes (mine are always boring black slip-ons from Clarks). Boots sound fine.
Personally, I have straight black trousers, previously mentioned black leather shoes, and a shirt/top and cardi or a jumper.

My got to when I went back was skinny jeans, healed ankle boots, nice T-shirt and a jersey blazer.

Yes ankle boots

I got some flat chelsea boots and they are so much more comfortable than trainers or more casual boots but look much smarter

I also got some nice coloured brogues

I was wearing similar to you for work, from what you've said, and I decided I should smarten up a bit and "upgraded" what I was already wearing.

So I went for lace-up boots and brogues instead of trainers and on top started wearing smarter jumpers in cashmere or merino with smart details like metal zips and button details on them, and silk tops and shirts when it's warmer (all from eBay, second-hand or TKMaxx) plus putting jewellery on every day. Still with the same jeans. I got lots of nice comments. And a leather bag in tan.

"Nicer" fabrics really made my look much smarter.

I'm starting a new job and I just bought half of Massimo Dutti. Bearing in mind I'm in a warm climate, so what I've got won't be immediately useful to you, but I've gone with black midi dresses with wide sleeves and flared skirts, black and white cotton sleeveless blouses, and flared midi skirts (some with neutral abstract prints, some plain). From elsewhere, I've also bought a selection of flats, mainly square toed ballet flats, but also one classic Chanel style pair with the round contrasting toe. I also bought every style of black and white linen t-shirt in the H&M sale, and a couple of structured cardigans in linen. I want to like blazers, but haven't found any jersey ones on my search.

Instead of heels and a skirt suit I wear loafers / pointed flats and a floaty long-sleeved dress or culotte type trousers and a fitted tee with non-matchy blazer . It gives formality while also being business casual. I wouldn’t wear jeans and trainers to work (not even on casual days) and honestly I think getting rid of both is the easiest way to smarten up your look.

I think LK Bennett pull a work look together very well. You do not necessarfily need the jackets but tailored trousers and flat shoes look great with a patterned top.

I too think dresses work well and I agree that Massimo Dutti do the best up-market "casual" dressing very well. Arket and &OtherStories will also have excellent alternatives to jean and trousers.

The Telegraph on line also has very good advice for clothes on their web site. You can usually search their editorial for ideas.

OK do small swaps so it will work with your current wardrobe and dress style.

Swap the trainers for flat ankle boots now or flat brogues or loafers when the weather is warm enough for exposed ankles.

Swap skinny jeans for cigarette or tapered trousers. These will look good with the jumpers/top you already have.

Dresses are a good "whole outfit", wear with flat boots (knee high flats or ankle).