Corporate wear mid 40's - lawyer

[kikilaw]

Hello

I am having a total confidence crisis. I have just got a job back in a large city law firm that requires office attendance 3 days a week.

I have been completely remote since the pandemic so have basically worn active wear for 4 years pulling on a smart top if I had a video call.

I have put on a lot of weight - now a busty size 16 with a bum to match. I'm 5ft 7.

None of my old office clothes fit. Do people even wesr suits any more?

What do lawyers wear on just office days (so not seeing clients)?

Where on earth shall i go shopping.

If it was me I'd surreptitiously lurk around outside the building at lunch time and see what people wear. I work at a law firm with offices all across the country and we have a casual (almost anything goes, even jeans and trainers) dress code policy when in the office but not seeing clients. However, different offices approach this SO differently. Mine is pretty casual and I don't feel out of place in jeans but a couple of others I travel to semi regularly are quite a bit smarter.

Not a lawyer but I work for a big organisation and I'm in a city office regularly. Definitely depends on the day ahead and on the company - but I was in a linen suit over the summer, often dressed down slightly with a smart t-shirt & flats or trainers, some days I get away with jeans but only on Fridays when it's very quiet.

Recommend considering a personal shopper for a couple of staples & updates (some shops offer this for free, but assuming you'll buy some stuff) - I found it really helped me shift to dressing for work but still felt like me.

M&S have really upped their game so is worth a look, also Cos, Whistles, Mango, Hush & John Lewis.

Vinted is brilliant for work wardrobe capsule/basics. Worth checking local dress agency/resale as well if you have one. This can help you experiment a bit more and build your confidence without breaking the bank! BrandAlley can be good and I've found some amazing smart work coats from TK Maxx as well.

I think work wear post pandemic is more relaxed so it's possible to buy pieces that can flex more between work, home, leisure etc. Have fun :)