Help - return to office wardrobe

[Stringervest]

We are expected back in the office three days a week from this week and I genuinely have nothing to wear.

I haven't bought work clothes in years. Recently that was due to pandemic-related home working but prior to that it was due to pregnancies and maternity leave.

The office dress code has also shifted from smart casual to more casual recently but not as casual as my go-to home wear of jeans and trainers or athleisure-wear. None of my old workwear of suits, smart suit dresses and heels is right for this.

I am a reasonably senior professional now and need to find the right balance of looking put together, while not over or under dressed. I used to have a fairly decent idea of current trends but two kids mean much less time to focus on these things. I can see why lots of mums start to worry about feeling frumpy. This is me.

Can anyone suggest good places to look for inspiration? I have tried Pinterest but don't have the patience to sift through lots of pictures which are unsuitable. In particular I guess there might be some good Instagram accounts I can follow. Maybe some decent shops I don't know about too.

If relevant I am 37, 5'7" and size 10. I am fortunate to have saved £1,000 for a new work capsule wardrobe but this is not a small amount of money for anyone and I am terrified of getting it wrong!

I’m the same height and size and a similar age (30) and career level. I love trinny’s curated closet videos on YouTube. She dresses smartly but her clothes are also fun and interesting enough for your new dress code.

With your budget if you need to buy quite a few items I’d try Cos, & Other Stories, AllSaints and Arket (grown up H&M) with some more trend led pieces from Zara.

I’d get a really good shirt (something more interesting than a plain white button down, maybe a jewel colour or something with fun sleeves / interesting neckline), lovely well fitted jumper (wool or cashmere) in navy or grey, beautifully cut trousers, black leather skirt / trousers (Zara has an awesome range), midi length dress (I love the AllSaints Rina which is on sale via asos in burgundy, grey and black - may be a bit body con for some), a decent leather bag big enough to fit your laptop and ankle boots (if you don’t already have these).

Thank you. Those ideas are really good and you have suggested some shops I hadn't thought / hadn't heard of. The only suggestion that won't work for me is the ankle boots as I have weirdly thick ankles that don't suit them but I will look for alternatives.

Does anyone have any suggestions for places to look for whole outfit inspiration?