Return to work outfit help

[Paaseitjes]

Please help! I'm 5 months PP and I've put on 10kg. Nothing fits and my body shape is so different I don't have a clue what to wear. I went shopping today and everything looked terrible. I'm looking for ideas about what sort of shapes might look good.

I work in a large tech type company, but often have to meet with the board and clients and as one of the few women have to dress much more sharply than the jeans and hoody shop floor.

I'm about a size 16 but with back size 36in and waist 34 so I feel incredibly stout. Despite breast feeding I don't have much bust, but what I have is very widely spaced without cleavage adding to the very stocky appearance. Before pregnancy, I was very sporty with a flat chest and stomach and 23inch waist. The change is quite galling!

How about a soft skirt below the knees, and a loose linen shirt? Embrace your new shape . Move majestically! Your new shape may be temporary but at the end of the day it doesn't matter. It's your smile, your brain and your ability to engage with others that will ensure success.

You say about about a size 16 but in fact you’re about a twelve on your top half and a 16 at your waist. Obviously the width of your shoulders and hips will determine your overall proportions. And whether you look angular and muscular or soft and round will influence what sort of clothes you look best in.

One thing though - I don’t think it’s invariably necessary to fall into a generic corporate wardrobe; some people may suit a beige waistcoat and wide trousers, but others may look their most authoritative and natural in high necked frills and ruffles. What sort of clothes do you instinctively want to wear now?

Beyond all that, really it’s about how much you are able to spend and how you want to spend it - new, pre-owned, rented by the month?

Thanks for your very kind replies @Galectable &@Faineante! After sleeping on the dispair (everyone's had a shopping trip like that! ) I think my problem is that I really don't know what shapes to look for anymore. It used to be easy to wizz round and pick 3 things that would likely suit. I tried H&M because they should have a lot of different choice to try but everything I thought should work (after googling how to dress with no waist) didn't. Watching people in the street and looking in shops, I've noticed that there are very few v-necks around. Most women are wearing crew neck because that's what's available, but doesn't help with blockiness. I'll take some photos later and ask for help dissecting why things do and don't work

It's possible some of your strong feelings about what clothes to wear also relate to the shift from being a mum at home fully connected with your baby, to being a working person again. It's big!! Do you have a friend that can shop with you? If you start with pre owned then any mistakes won't be so costly. You want outfits that are comfortable and give you confidence 💕