Work clothes to flatter lumpy postnatal body?

[Porkscratching]

Hi all, I'm back at work after maternity leave in a few weeks, and I'm struggling with my wardrobe.

I'm in a senior role with the NHS, so need to look professional. There is also the requirement for any sleeves to be no longer than elbow length.

Generally I prefer dresses and skirts over trousers as I find them more flattering. I usually have gone for a line in the past but not sure if this still suits.

I'm 30, 5'4, size 12ish, pear shaped with large bum and hips, and I've got a post c section pouch. I've also got quite large upper arms, so find sleeves can feel tight.

I'm really struggling when looking in shops to find something I like at the minute. It doesn't help that I feel frumpy and lumpy in everything I wear currently, and I'm feeling quite down on my body.

I'd go for this sort of style - can wear with boots or sandals when warmer. Very flattering on pear shapes....
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/short-sleeve-jersey-midi-dress-black/sty-d0328-blk?code=U4K4&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=drop-offer&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=UK+-+Performance+Max+-+WW&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh2egv94fbkvtkXiubTLBXwJd5bT9B1e-_3x0RGGw7chqcSSJLcP_AoaAgZyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

cheaper alternatives in Matalan or even Tesco - I have a few in this sort of style. The puff sleeve balances out my bottom half

www.next.co.uk/style/ls224243/p59228?dp=a&dndl=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh2DhR2udQUl3AS6eZsJmmzhYpVfN-Rlcleuv7IxPwQQQ03TlmE3r2IaAlHZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#p59228

this may suit you height wise....

Oh that looks nice. Very much my usual style too. I might try that one and see how the length is.
I struggle with midi dresses sometimes as they don't always sit at the right length.

glad you like it 😊 I live in dresses like this all year round and just add a denim jacket in summer or a biker jacket depending… the key with the length is making sure it fits your leg at a slim point … If the dress fits elsewhere it’s worth doing the hem yourself…. All the best going back to work it’s daunting after maternity leave … can you get some new shoes and a new bag to give yourself a boost (budget permitting)

It's my birthday soon so I'm going to get a new bag for a present to myself. Not even started looking yet, but it's on my (never ending) to do list haha

I love bags and shoes - can never feel too fat or lumpy for them! I might order this dress for summer - another great shape although I'm a bit taller than you so possibly a bit too much for you but Matalan have some great stuff in
www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2943486_c101/black-aztec-jacquard-midaxi-dress-black-womens-style-edit