Help, need entire new wardrobe for work

[Hairbrushhandle]

The last few years my weight has fluctuated and as a result I've got no clothes at all. I live in leggings at home and alternate 2-3 dresses with tights for the days I need to be at work. I'm a size 10 but feel 'flabby' after unintentional quick weight loss after pregnancy.

I am going to a conference for 6 days for work. The weather will be hot (26-27 degrees) but I'll be in and out of air con hotels most of the time. I need a whole wardrobe to take.

It needs to be smart casual, I hate my legs so they need to be covered but I can't even begin with learning what trousers might suit. I'm 5ft4 so maxi skirts can swamp me. It also needs to cover slightly nicer things for evening meals with colleagues.

The stress of this has got me thinking I won't go but I need to for work (and it's all expenses paid in a different country, swish hotel etc.)

Where would you begin?

Come on you can do this !!!! What fantastic opportunity. If i were having to do this I’d keep my colours and styles very neutral and simple. Black, white, beige, camel, navy etc. You’re looking to create a little capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match. Suiting now is looser than it has been in the past… this one from Arket is not too sloppy though and you could use the blazer over dresses or other separates. Simple dresses that you could wear both daytime and dressed up for evening like this black one. ( I think black is only inappropriate for summer when it’s it the wrong fabric ) I liked this 2 piece from Cos for the versatility too… put a white t shirt or shell top with the black trousers and add a pale blazer with a nice bag. I’m not saying any of these things are your style but just a nudge to get you going.

As @Divebar2021 says, capsule in coordinating colours is your friend.

I’d probably go for:
2 x dresses
2 x trousers - 1 slim cropped and 1 wide leg
1 x bias cut midi skirt
1 x blazer
Mix and match tops in coordinating colours.

I'm liking the simplicity. I often go for ditzy prints and while I like them, for work it puts me in the 'school mum' bracket (I am a school mum but don't want it to be how I'm perceived when working).

I'm very pale though, will beiges work? I love navy.

Rather than suggest specific items - I’m linking four sites that might kick start a hot weather working wardrobe. (I was shockingly unprepared for a similar trip last year, even with several months notice. Heavy denim barely made it out of the suitcase. And the stupid bloody big puffy dress was a hot sweaty disaster. All the cool Parisiennes were in tiny tops and leather shorts. And once there was a woman in front of me, crossing the road in the South of France, in a perfect navy t shirt (not heavy jersey, something light but solid) and a tan suede just above the knee skirt. I nearly died of envy.)

Anyway …

https://www.rendez-vous-store.com/categorie-produit/women-selection-rendez-vous-store/

https://www.massimoalba.com/en-uk/collections/women-clothing

https://cordera.es/collections/women-ss23

https://uk.skallstudio.com/collections/skall-studio

Hope they provide inspiration!

I think colour wise you probably have a sense about what suits you. I’m pale too and I can wear pale colours with a cool undertone but not warm beiges and camel. You might not want a pale suit in any case because of the risk of spillages …. Or is that just me? It was just to give you an idea of mix and match potential. Your capsule wardrobe might by navy, cream, grey and pale pink for example. I don’t do much print myself but perhaps you bring in some contrast with accessories.

Those colours sound good, I can do link and navy and a bit of grey. I have two young DC so anything too light gets smeared with sticky fingerprints and stained even if I never wear it near them.

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/bowery-blouse-ivory-stretch-silk/

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/roseby-blouse-berry-silk-satin/

With black or navy trousers

https://www.marksandspencer.com/collared-midi-wrap-dress/p/clp60528072#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c1

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-round-neck-midi-tea-dress/p/clp60622760#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c1

a black or navy dress

and a black or navy jacket that would go with all of the above.

shirt dresses.
I am petite and these are a great length
Tie-belt shirt dress
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0942075013.html?utm_source=source&utm_medium=medium&utm_campaign=campaign

I like Who What Wear for capsule wardrobe inspo -

https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/workwear-capsule-wardrobe/slide5

https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/easy-work-capsule-wardrobe