Brand ideas for smart /chic / tailored work clothing

[Rockstardonkey]

So here’s my story…

I used to be a size 12 3 years ago and I have some lovely clothes from Hobbs / LK Bennet type brands that saw me through the working week.

Covid and 2 little ones in close succession and my body is a bit of a mess and I’m now a size 16. I’m working on getting back my fitness and body but for now I need some clothes for work that will look smart and chic (is that possible?!) i haven’t really been in the office much in the last 3 years due to covid and then almost back to back maternity leaves but now I’ll be back in regularly I need something that makes me feel and look good. I think I need some smart dresses and blazers and possibly some tailored trousers and tops that I can wear with a blazer too. I work in the city where everyone else seems to look effortlessly well out together.

I am in my early/mid 30s, size 16, 5 8, c cup. Any tips on brands or outfits that will cater to my needs given my size?

I like Arket for workwear. Clean lines and nice materials.

Following - Similar story here, except I'm shorter

Hobbs is good, I'm in a similar situation and find Hobbs works well, seems to be designed for 'real women'. I've got a few bits on Vinted very cheaply. Boden also has some forgiving and comfortable dresses

A smart blazer can be worn over most things and really smartens up an oufit.

It is quite expensive, but The Fold has fab clothes for work.

COS has a few gems and the quality is excellent

Following, similar story here and yet to find a shop! Found decent casual clothing shops but not smart for newish mums. Definitely a gap in the market.

I have recently bought some really good black wide leg trousers from M&S. They hang well and feel much more expensive than they actually were.

You might find that your workplace is more casual than you expect if you haven't worked in an office in Covid.

Mine is at the smarter end and it's still much more casual than I was used to. Smart dresses are hardly seen, same with heels. In winter it's mostly wide legged trousers and smart T shirts or thin knits. Summer is smart casual dresses (rather than work style dresses) with sandals or perhaps a smarter wedge.

Blazers only worn with casual trousers or sometimes jeans. When I wear one I get comments.

Essentially the new rules seem to be one smart thing: trousers, blazer, shirt, and then the rest more relaxed and informal.

It might be worth double checking before you have a shopping spree.

I've recently got a midi black dress from boden.

Side Ruched Jersey Midi Dress

I'm a size 18 post 2DC and all my lovely smart work clothes are too small.