frumpy at 40

[jolaylasofia]

my youngest is turning 2 and haven't lost the baby weight. i'm size 14-16 and nothing i wear looks nice. i have a professional job and would like to look classy and stylish but end up looking dishevelled and like a sack of potatoes.
i'm not a girly girl, rarely do anything with my hair and only wear minimal make up. it's worse because i was a size 10 and have so many beautiful clothes i can no longer wear.
i need 3 outfits that will look smart, feminine but corporate.
i have slim legs, but a mom jelly belly and wobbly arms. boobs are a normal 36dd. help me please

I think separates are a good idea so maybe some wide leg trousers and some lovely blouses with a jacket over the top. Whistles do jersey jackets which are fitted enough but relaxed enough not to be constricting.
Trousers like this
I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-wool-blend-wide-leg-trousers-port-royal/p111039709?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_bmV0LndoYXRzYXBwLldoYXRzQXBwLlNoYXJlRXh0ZW5zaW9u

This jacket https://www.whistles.com/product/slim-jersey-jacket-30907.html

A blouse, maybe from here https://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/blue-and-white-floral-pussybow-blouse1-ludzf035-b04

Personal shopper at John Lewis can often be very helpful, OP.

I am a size 12 now but was 14-16 for ages and would wear things like this, depending on how dressed up you have to be.

Outfit 1: Smart casual

https://www.baukjen.com/products/baukjen-essentials-long-sleeve-v-neck-top-with-lenzing-ecovero-deep-indigo?variant=40373042348113&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6l9EF8pT6FbFGPSH9S5wDf8DJlV1s1i2kHtEZ8VPPZRXAIw7-8T3rUaApniEALw_wcB

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/2534/Brooke-Mid-Rise-Cord-Trouser/DK_TEAL?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6lE4ySyJu2xPYAV0G5UviO5xn1yL0jCtrzI3HH5gO8TR_tkr2fSeC4aArnbEALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarks-Womens-Hamble-Derbys-Leather/dp/B0089K1IIG/ref=asc_df_B0089K1IIG/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=208025099239&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6807126344420202722&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044983&hvtargid=pla-337533788802&psc=1&mcid=4ef5bdec0a6d3a52986e863617b158cb&th=1&psc=1

Outfit 2: Smarter business wear - may also work with the jacket @Britpopbaby shared

https://www.theshirtcompany.com/products/veronica-khaki-cotton-button-down-shirt-dress-1?pos=14&_sid=eb96d54fd&_ss=r

https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350294831.aspx?dim1=1&dim2=4&cod=Google-PPC-Shopping-20485265419-&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6kVOyoA94v_bt4yT_QxE8FqFTP61vF79h8Nm93W-cRGsUT_Sgjq_R8aApq0EALw_wcB

Outfit 3: Day to evening (may be required at this time of year)

https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-velvet-tailored-blazer/p/clp60625646?color=NAVY#intid=pidpg1pip48g4r1c3

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/treasured-floral-metallic-shirt-361910?utmsource=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping%20UK&utm_term=39-233-998-907646&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6neGrNHw4b3fHRo-FP7KklgVCMBKTz6ghLXQFMjnU_euYwoXeDz1dsaAlK8EALw_wcB#selection.color=15

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/metallic-leather-ankle-boots-3483217041.html?gadsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6kbVLps1hezqn1sjcMvmyW0FF3JsDYNbR_Jj-oDtEzHHMQg2vcFHocaAsQfEALw_wcB

Love all @Britpopbaby 's suggestions also.

thankyou so much i love that pussybow blouse. i'm only 5ft 2 so alot of trousers drown me and jackets. i got a jacket from matalan which was just a black suit jacket in a size 14 and the shoulders and sleeves make me look like the kid at the end of BIG the movie

I have found some great stuff on Vinted. Might be worth browsing Pinterest etc for 'looks' you like and then putting together a kind of uniform based on your style preferences/budget. If you can afford it I second the JL suggestion (the style advice is free but the clothes are obviously not!).

I'm a similar age (and height) and have realised the looks I liked at uni still look fine if modernised a bit (in my case short skirt, thick tights, cropped jumper/polo neck, up to date boots).