What items do I need to be comfortable but chic?

[december2020]

My current wardrobe consists of stuff I don't wear anymore, items I'm hoping to fit into again comfortably (first child, 11 weeks postpartum) or items that are ancient, probably 5-10 years old, and really need replacing.

If I declutter all these items I'd have an empty wardrobe, so I seem to be keeping hold of them just to have something in there.

I'm feeling very bedraggled wearing slobby but comfortable clothes all day every day so wanting to update my wardrobe with pieces that are comfortable but still chic and flattering. Hopefully being able to use at least some of them in a work environment when I'm back from maternity as well.

I'd prefer quality over quantity, stripes over polka dots, block colours over crazy patterns (some patterns I do like) and not a fan of hot pink. In my mid 30s (if this is useful information).

Please help me, what do I need to get?

I would say a selection of good leggings, it's worth spending a little more for good quality, Baukjen for example

Then some good layering tops and probably long line shirts you can wear with sleeves rolled up and some cool necklaces. If you like dresses, midi dresses or shirt dresses instantly makes you look more out together

Take a look at the Baukjen or Whistles sales

Thank you so much! I hadn't heard of Baukjen before and have ordered a pair of leggings to try them out!
Also found a few pieces from the White Company Sale. I'll trawl through Reiss and Whistles sales as the next step to hopefully find some more nice pieces.

I love a good dress and want to get more into skirts as well. Hoping to be rid of my old mangy current wardrobe and have a nice classic put together one by the end of this year.

Thank you again!

I was also going to suggest Baukjen, they have some items in their Outlet too if you are looking for bargains. I also bought a pair of leggings from them this morning. Odd bits at John Lewis - eg Modern Rarity and Kin can be nice. Me+Em might have the sort of thing you are looking for, too. Even M&S (Autograph) if you are prepared to spend time looking.

Cashmere sweaters. I have oversized ones for lounging/layering (bought secondhand).

Honestly leggings are the furthest away from chic ! I'd say you need some really well comfy fitting jeans and some decent fitted tops / jumpers and a nice trench coat / jacket .. if you really have no clue pay someone to help you !
I work in a high street shop and I'm happy to help anyone to do a capsule wardrobe like this if they want help for free ( obvs when the shops are open)

Me and Em palazzo pants are v comfy and also elegant, especially paired with a ballet wrap top. They also work with loose sweaters etc.

Personally if I'd just had a baby, I'd not buy very expensive things until my shape had gone back to normal. Be a shame to spend lots of money on things that might not fit in a couple of months.
I'd probably go for harem trousers (not super baggy, the more fitted kind) or some fitted straight leg trousers in a decent material. Tube skirts are good , especially long wool ones as they tend to fit over a few size changes - obviously don't get thin ones. I'd just pick up a few new jumpers to go with and would look at nice dresses and longer term clothes when the shops are open and you can try things on. Sometimes having a baby means your shape changes even if your weight returns to pre pregnancy size.