Office workwear for 38 year old

[user1471500179]

Going back into an office after many years WFH and have no idea what to wear or what would suit someone who has gained weight while WFH. Size 16, needs to include flat footwear. Please help 🙏

I wear pieces from Jigsaw, Cos, John Lewis own brands - wide leg trousers with a shirt and pointed flats, loafers/heels or dresses with boots, adding a blazer for external events.
Depends on your line of work though, mine is quite smart still.

@user1471500179 I agree with the ideas above. Have a look at Arket and &OtherStories and Massimo Dutti for ideas to start. M&S have upped their game too.

You certainly can wear trousers with flats - trimmed loafers are smart. Not a fan of ballet flats at work but some like them. There are better ones which are more substantially made which look smart. Flat ankle boots work with trousers too. I think dresses work well if you choose wisely for your shape. At the moment I think flared skirts look great with a shirt tucked in but again buy a skirt that suits you. Work clothes are often channeled by our female newsreaders! Also don’t buy much until you see what others are wearing.

Im not a fan of random blazers. A couple of trouser suits look so much more coordinated if you need something more formal. Loads around. Also a cardi adds warmth over a dress. (Depends on agape of dress!)

What does the dress code say? Ours is smart casual and I’m not customer facing. Generally, anything that’s not denim or sportswear is acceptable where I work. I tend to wear wide leg black trousers with either a blouse or smart jumper or a midi length jumper dress with a belt and boots.

If we have a meeting with the senior leadership I’ll wear a shift dress with a pair of heels.