Return to Work - Promotion Post Long Term Sick Leave

[OhSoSharkie]

I'm returning to work shortly post long-term sick leave, and I will be returning to a promotion several levels higher than what I was on previously. Cancer has completely killed my confidence with everything and I'm looking to kind of "restyle / rebrand" (apologies that sounds tacky) for my return.

I need to have smart, and ideally more feminine styles for workwear - I cannot wear heals, I have a long back and I am more suited to skater style dresses and skirts, not apposed to trousers and blazers though either at all. I've spent the last several months living in the comfiest lounge gear I could find. It's formal, with regular meetings with stakeholders and persons who are significantly more senior than I am.

We also do dress-down Friday where I work. I'm so out of touch I cannot even start to give you an idea on what people are wearing now so any tips would be appreciated.

I have a long back, shorter legs, muscle arms (swimmer, boxer), a horrendous hair style right now as I try to figure out what to do with that, colours that suit me are greys, blues, rusty reds, some pinks - I'm fairly pale.

I also really need good quality bras and tights (I've got an import of my favourite Australian undies arriving imminently).

Preferences for second hand, high quality fibres (natural, eco friendly), and ideas for clothings plus accessories please for workwear that I can quickly add to to take it up a notch to be very formal if needed during the working day, but also some ideas for dress down Fridays.

Feeling so overwhelmed with it all.

Budget?

Finery has some good bits right now. Baukjen does some nice blouses.

Trouser wise - I've mainly worn wide legs (quite popular with younger staff I noticed) from M&S. Also just bought their barrel legs black trousers - I feel quite contemporary with these on and I think they work with simple tops.

For dress down Friday you could do black wide leg trousers and white trainers, or black or dark wash denim jeans.

I recently bought a grey sleeveless jumper - thats been a revelation as it works quite well between seasons and looks smart.

Bras - you could do a bra analysis with Bella Rosa lingerie. It's often about getting the right size.

If you have a preference for second hand then Vinted is your friend. I’ve had some fantastic workwear buys from Massimo Dutti, Cos, Margaret Howell and Me+Em. Trousers don’t suit me at all, although I love wide legged trousers on others. I tend towards skirts and dresses with long boots and a blazer (The Kooples are my favourite, some bargains on Vinted).

If you want super smart then also consider The Fold for a very tailored style.

Thank you, I'll book an appointment as new bras are definitely needed and my body shape has changed completely. Thanks for the other post as well.

On budget, I am wiling to spend right now as it's been a while since I have, but it will be a multi-month effort at this stage.

Thanks! Going to sign up for Vinted now, and I will check out the Fold.

I would definitely say Me and Em would suit your tastes and requirements.

Have a look at their current collections first - then look for similar items pre-owned. But also sign up to their mailing list so you can get into the scheduling of their sales.