Lost for workwear after maternity leave - HELP!

[NoStyleMOT]

I am a high school teacher (34) and I am returning to work shortly after 2 maternity leaves, which were very close together.

I have no idea what I am meant to wear to work anymore?

I feel very lost with what I should be wearing in my 30s, clothes in the shops feel either too casual or make me feel too old.

I need to dress quite smart and would prefer pants and tops over dresses as I am still breastfeeding and don’t fancy fully stripping off to pump!

Any help is appreciated.

Are you in the UK?

Or …?

Yes, UK.
My friend said her primary school is quite casual - she can wear trainers, but I definitely can’t get away with that!

Ok. (‘High school’ and ‘pants’ confused me!)

Do you have a budget? And what clothes size are you?

Oh sorry, My school is called XYZ Catholic High, so I can always call it HS.
I also mean trousers, not knickers as pants!

I’m size 8/10, high street budget. I usually shop in H&M and New Look if that helps

Aha! So you want:

Uniqlo especially the :C collection.

If you have a more flexible budget then a combination of

& Other Stories

and

Community Clothing

would probably cover everything you need for a school year.