I'm going back into the office after WFH and have lost my way completely

[Twopoodlesarebetterthanone]

I have WFH for 3 years and been wearing nike for most of that.

In the meantime I have gone through menopause and am feeling old and out of touch.

I really don't want to wear heels or wear anything fussy and need to get some ideas and maybe some new main pieces and then head to ebay.

I'm 51. and am also growing the grey out (eek) so definitely need a bit of a reinvention and an update.

think it depends on your hair length. I have the large oval shaped barrel one, I think it's called the volumiser. Got it on sale in Boots a few months ago. My hair is just below shoulder length - I think if it was shorter then the smaller barrel one would be better.

It doesn't actually 'style' my hair as such, not in waves or curls or anything, but it's brilliant to dry my hair in a smooth, sleek, salon type blowdry (with a bit of swish) which I could never really get before with a hairdryer and barrel brush because I don't have enough arms basically!

Ditto - I have a straight-ish shoulder length bob

It’s much more casual in my office now than before covid. I think this is pretty common. I am quite a smart dresser for work myself, but you will see everything from smart business dress, through smart casual, to out and out jeans casual in my office these days. I am not CS now though, and I don’t think trainers would be acceptable even now, in my old CS job. I would test the water by observing what others in your team/department are wearing.

Their website and newsletters are very good for ideas on what's in and how to put pieces together.

@LivelyBlake love uniqlo already and actually have a cos dress - but not
familiar with Massimo Dutti or &other stories so will have a look on ebay now.

@DDoOneRon my workplace is currently full of interns who are gorgeous which doesn't help !!!

@EmmaGrundyForPM jigsaw and hobbs noted, and boden blazers. I think the main issue is i've been in denial about having to go back and i haven't given these shopping efforts enough attention !!

OP I feel your pain. I work for a firm full of glossy Europeans and young, beautiful interns and graduates. Our dress code has gone to ‘business casual’ which nobody really understands. I’m in a relatively high profile role so have to stay firmly at the business end of the spectrum, although the days of tailored dresses and LK Bennett heels are definitely behind me.

My winter uniform has been bias cut skirts, cashmere or silk jumpers and sometimes a ruched sleeve blazer if I need to feel a little smarter.

I have found the shops really helpful, speak the to the staff what you are after and they always seem very happy to help.

Are you near a McCathyOutlet village? I went to the Hobbs in the York one and got an amazing coat. Which just makes me feel great and more confident.

You are not competing with the young and gorgeous, success companies/offices need a wide range of staff celebrate being you.

I'm living in wide leg trousers with fitted tops/knits paired with chunky smart flats at work. I've got my eye on some low heeled pointy boots and I'm keeping an eye out for some ankle grazers to wear with loafers when it's a bit more spring like. My pre pandemic work heels are gathering dust under my bed.

@dishpatchnow thanks yes am CS policy and mainly working on legislation and that sounds like our sort of dress code as well

Thanks everyone will have a look at me and Em as well. Sadly @OhBeAFineGuyKissMe am not near an outlet village. Live on an Island so shopping is a bit limited although we do have some high street names