Office work wear post mat leave - no clue

[GetUpStandUp4]

It's been 3 years since I've worn non-maternity work clothes and I've only actually been in the office about 10 days in that period (2 mat leaves either wfh in between).

I dont fit into my pre-baby clothes but also they're just too frumpy. I used to wear a couple of dresses with black tights and heels on repeat.

I'm 35 now, short and size 12.

I'm terrified about returning but would like to feel confident in how I appear.

I dont want to spend a massive amount and would prefer things that won't go out of fashion too soon.

Any suggestions please?

Uniqlo is good for workwear.

How much is ‘not a massive amount’? Without knowing the culture of your office, and your level of seniority, it’s hard to say whether a ‘good’ wardrobe will help you to feel confident as you return to work - I’d imagine it would, but you can buy work clothes from supermarkets if necessary.

Otherwise I’d second Uniqlo as an easy place to start.

For some variety, and the certainty of excellent quality that won’t go out of fashion, you could look at Community Clothing. I’ve linked to trousers, as you sound tired of dresses - but they have those too. (Possibly more than you plan to spend; they have heroically tiny mark ups but I guess no one’s immune to huge increases in costs. They don’t do sales.)

Otherwise there’s the reliable triumvirate of & Other Stories, Cos, and Arket. You’ll look perfectly acceptable and up to date if you shop from any of them.

And keep an eye on Zara online, for styling inspiration, irrespective of whether you have the time and energy to winnow out the few brilliant things amongst the piles of not-so-great.

I wonder if you’re a Toast fan? If you’re quick you’ll catch the tail end of their sale, so things might cost no more than low to middle High St prices. Worth a look, as their quality is generally reliable - and plenty of people love their weird colour schemes and quirky shapes.

https://www.toa.st/collections/sale