Capsule wardrobe return to work

[CookieMumsters]

I'm starting a new job in January, after not being client facing / WFH for about 3 years. During that time, I had my son, and that left me with a very different body shape, and MUCH more tum.

I want to buy some new outfits for returning to the office but I'm overwhelmed. I don't know where to start, or what suits me any more. I've lived in jeans and t shirts, and I don't know what my style is any more.

I'm going to be working 3 days a week so I thought if I could put together 6 nice outfits, that would do me. I'd like them to be good quality / from ethical brands.

Help? Where do I start?

(Disclaimed, at least 80% of my anxiety about this might be redirected from my worry about going back to work, but )

What are the practicalities like? Flat shoes / boots, warm or cold office? I think it's an excellent idea BTW!

I like wearing ankle grazer trousers and fitted round neck jumpers. I tend to wear navy trousers. I would suggest a casual blazer too - flattering and helps with the air con! Shoe wise I struggle a bit. Flat suede type boots in winter normally

I bought myself the Boden Hampshire??? Trousers. Black straight and very comfy. I liked them so much I bought the wide leg version as well and wear with various tops, usually a Breton (smart casual office)

Thanks @leftbutcameback and @pippi1970.

It's a reasonably small office, seems warm enough. There'll be an occassional need to go into the workshop warehouse so probably need to be able to layer up.

Also suggest smart leather-look trainers with wide leg trousers

What about some t-shirts but good quality ethical one - say v neck ones in cream, green, navy with a good pair of trousers and a blazer, and smart trainers? Is that too casual? Maybe also a polo neck jumper for the cooler days. I find navy, cobalt and bottle green are my go to colours.

I think a blazer would be helpful, does anyone have any recommendations for brands to look at?

How smart is the office? Mine was always casual but is even more so since Covid - I wear jeans most days. If you can’t wear jeans, I’d recommend trousers in a style you like - wide-leg pleated or tapered, or cigarette, whichever is more you (try Cos) - and aim to get three or four tops that go with them. & Other Stories have some nice silk or viscose or cotton blouses at the moment, or get T-shirts (I don’t like having my arms out as they get cold so go for long-sleeved - Cos have nice ones), and make sure either can be layered with a blazer (Zara have heaps), and/or with a cashmere jumper in your favourite colour (Nearly New Cashmere is great, or Uniqlo) or a boxy hipbone-length v-neck cardigan in camel or green or dark grey (Stories, Whistles, Cos, Massimo Dutti). Shoes - loafers are in, or lug-soled Chelsea boots or DMs, or Converse (leather ones will be practical in winter). Then get one dress you like - I’d get a jumper dress but might not be practical if your office is hot, so maybe a midi shirt dress. Wear the blazer or cardigan or jumper over the dress to change things. You could wear the shirt dress open over the trousers and t-shirt if it’s a crisp shirt one. A rib-knit midi tube skirt would also go with all those except the blouses, but depends how much it clings to your tummy.

Thank you @MaryLennoxsScowl, for all the suggestions. I'll look at them all.

The office is fairly casual, jeans are definitely OK. Everyone just looks so put together, and that's a million miles from my current mum-chic look of whatever is clean off the floor