Affordable stylish understated workwear

[Stopsnowing]

I am starting a new professional job. After two plus years at home I have got too fat for my old work wear. In any case I want to update my wardrobe from shift dresses and cardigans to something more appropriate. I think trouser or skirt suits would be too formal so was thinking more trousers and blouses or dresses and jackets. Not too officey. I have a very limited budget. Any ideas welcome.

This time of year, I tend to wear wool wide leg trousers, close fitting tops (Hobbs works for me) with a jacket. As soon as it gets warm I'll switch to linen versions of the same or fit and flare cotton dresses and flats.
I need clothes that are practical for a fairly mobile active job.

If you know your size in Hobbs, Jigsaw, Whistles you can pick up bargains in sales or on eBay/vinted. You can get very good quality trousers, blazers and blouses used.
Also TK Maxx on a good day.
By limited budget do you mean Matalan/supermarket or M&S/high street?
M&S Autograph is a good call too.

Is this the sort of look? (Dress m&s)

Smart jeans and flats (vejas or similar). A smart t shirt or blouse style top (I like these www.dorothyperkins.com/built-up-cami/AQQ06991-373-18.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvLOTBhCJARIsACVldV2G6lhMmutFb-Y1gzc_2tKhDXpMw4J-49Hdfc4bhDf9vPHNHy1MJuYaAnnBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) , and a blazer. Uniform sorted for all work occasions.

Trousers, blouses & a blazer with flats are my Spring & Autumn staples for work.

Find the trouser style and brand you like first. Blouses & blazers much easier to find, but good trousers can be hard.

I don’t suit wide legged or straight trousers, so pretty much live in ankle grazer/tapered trousers in black, navy or grey from M&S. They wash well and I can get plenty of outfits out of them by choosing neutral/dark/more formal tops/shoes/jackets for some days, more casual blazer or colourful for relaxed days.

I switch to pencil dresses & black tights around Oct/Nov and stay in them until about Easter.

It helps to have a bit of a ‘uniform’ for work, I find.

I would definitely recommend Vinted if you are on a budget.

I am currently updating my work wardobe and have had some amazing bargains on expensive labels that I certainly couldn't justify paying the high RRP otherwise.

Maybe have a look at brands and see which ones fit your style and have a search on Vinted to see if anything takes your fancy. If it helps, everything I have bought on Vinted has been as described, very happy with every purchase so far.

Thank you. I just go some wide legged trousers and some fitted tops from Hobbs.

I guess my budget is Hobbs sale or m and s!

will have a think About Blazers