Help me with layering

[towhomitmayconcern]

It’s that time of year again where I spend half an hour each morning having a stressed out meltdown because I have no idea what to wear before I end up in a pair of leggings and a top that makes it look like I lost my PE kit.
I’m a 40 year old size 16 mum and work is a casual dress code so just need help with simple but semi stylish pieces that mean I’m not sweating in a top all day long.
my budget is standard high street shops.

please share some examples of nice, everyday layering that’s comfy and not ugly Cardis.

Denim/bomber jacket? I only wear dresses, layer with tights/leggings as needed. Coat goes on over it all for weather.

Don't buy polyester! I only buy cotton, linen or viscose nowadays. It's a pain as most things on high street are polyester but keep looking. My go to outfit at work is trainers, wide leg trousers and top (t-shirt / shirt/ blouse / jumper) and possibly a blazer. Or layer t-shirt/ jumper/ blazer. Easy to smarten up if needed (belt, jewellery, different shoes maybe loafers) or make it more casual. Or sandals in the summer.

This is what I think of as ‘casual work clothes’:

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/jeans/straight/product.straight-cropped-jeans-grey.1214864002.html

Or absolutely anything here:

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-trousers-chinos

Or here:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/collaborations/women/jw-anderson

There is so much choice available - why the leggings?

But yes, for tops stick to linen or a thick, textured cotton (never poplin) or a wool twill (though that would be much more expensive).

Massimo Dutti has a whole section devoted to wonderfully simple and casual looking linen pieces. You should definitely take a look. Think how easy your life would be with this ‘denim look’ plain linen dress.