New job, office workwear??

[crazyhousefull]

I'm a lurker but having a panic and was hoping for some suggestions after far too much time browsing clothes online!
I've been offered a new job but haven't worked in an office for 9 years and have about 2 suitable outfits!! I have a budget of about £500 for a new wardrobe. So to those who work in a smart office environment... what would you buy? What's your essentials? Clothes and shoes?
I'm 31, 5ft 2, size 4-6. The role involves working in the office, interviewing job candidates, representing the company at workshops and events (daytime) and meeting with key stakeholders at their offices. I don't want to be over or under dressed! Would prefer shoes or boots with a heel or wedge as quite short🙈
I require a laptop bag so recommendations for these would really be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Xxx

For me it’s smart navy trousers, plain jumpers and loafers but I have heels at work if I need them. I do like dresses but I feel this look is at bit dated as I can’t find any I like at the moment in the shops. As you’re client facing I think you do need to go smarter. For a laptop bag I have a large tote I carry. Good luck in your new job!

H&M have really good office wear at decent prices, or you can try Hobbs.

I wear mostly dresses with a smart jacket, flats to and from work and change into heels when I'm there

Is it a very formal industry? Asking because I'm in an industry where our client facing people are still doing a sort of "smart-edge of business casual" for meetings. So trousers and boots, jumpers, smart coats, etc. None-matching blazers (no suits). Dresses maybe now that the weather is warming up?

It's a funny time with people returning to offices after the pandemic. I'm not client facing so I usually wear trainers with my "office" wear!

It’s really difficult to predict what will work for the environment. Unless you’ve been into the offices? Lots of places have changed over the pandemic and are more casual. You have a great budget to spend so if I were you I’d wait until you get there to invest too much. You don’t want to spend £500 and still feel over/under dressed. Maybe get some basics to tide you over the first week or so - a couple of pairs of trousers or a dress or two.

In my office - which is smart casual - women wear wide leg trousers and a ‘smart’ tee or fine knit jumper tucked in, or straight leg trousers and a smartish top, loafers, brogues chunky platform shoes and trainers are all popular. Not many dresses but that might change in warmer weather. No heels I’ve seen.

What were the people who interviewed you wearing? Formal is a suit/heels, smart business ie trousers or skirt plus a blouse or blazer but not a suit as such, smart casual ie posh jeans and a jumper....

I'd start there and plan round that with just a couple of outfits to get started then buy more as you go, Dont spend all yourself budget at once.