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Fashion
Going back to work after mat leave? Here are 20 dresses that will make the transition to office dressing ten times easier
9 months ago
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6 min read
Our mum-filled fashion team has scoured the high street for comfy-yet-chic dresses that will have you looking sharp and sleek for the office in no time.
Heading back to work after having a baby brings with it a huge number of emotions. The worry of leaving your little one with family or childcare combined with the exhaustion from interrupted sleep is enough to cause any new mum stress. And, now you’ll be balancing all of that with the long to-do list that comes with your office job.
There are many mums here at Stylist, including our fashion director Lucy Reber, who says: “Going back to work after having a baby is such a busy and emotional time. You are still learning about mothering while readjusting your brain to the world of work and getting ready to settle your child into nursery.”
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When it comes to getting ready to go back to work, she adds: “The last thing you need to be worrying about is what you are wearing; your body might have changed since you were last there, and that’s just another thing to get used to.” So you may feel more confident if you have a handful of go-to items that are both comfortable and make you feel good when it comes time to head back to the office.
Stylist’s executive fashion director Kitty McGee adds: “Mornings with young kids are testing and tiring and there’s little to no time for yourself. I look to dresses as a quick way to look presentable; I want supreme comfort and something that looks at least a little bit polished – often that’s a print and a crisp or structured fabric.”
So, we’ve compiled a list of our 20 favourite back-to-work styles that take minimal time and effort to put on and are as comfortable as they are chic.
Aligne Grace denim pocket mini dress
“This roomy dress with crisp sleeves is a great post-maternity option for a relaxed workplace. Wear it with socks and loafers for a comfortable, effortless everyday look,” says Kitty.
Arket flounce dress
Named the flounce dress, this sleeveless, roomy midi combines a drop waist with a puffed hem to create a minimalist shape. Plus the thick, rigid fabric is slightly shiny, offering a bit of added support while still looking luxe.
Pink City Prints emerald trellis Izzy dress
This gorgeous green frock wouldn’t look out of place at any fancy affair, Royal Ascot included. So, if you’re after a confidence-boosting dress that immediately grabs people’s attention, look no further than this Pink City Prints pick. Plus, it has pockets to make it more practical.
Simply Be Caludie V-neck midi dress
Combining neutral shades of beige, brown and black in a graphic holiday-like palm leaf print, this midi dress adds a fun spin to a formal frock. Plus, the button-up front adds even more detail.
Cos oversized short-sleeve linen midi dress
A shirt dress is one of the most versatile items in any wardrobe, whether worn alone, layered over jeans or worn over shorts and a simple vest top. For work, we imagine you’ll probably button it all the way up and pop on a pair of boots or pumps.
M&S cotton square-neck midi waisted dress
“This soft blue cotton dress is the perfect back-to-work piece – the ankle-grazing hemline and half sleeves are elegant and the slight structure in the top feels like the perfect amount of formal,” says Kitty.
John Lewis Aelia bloom maxi dress
“This sage green printed maxi dress feels roomy and welcoming and would look great with chunky sandals or backless flats,” says Kitty.
Next square-neck maxi summer jersey dress
“This lightweight summer dress is great for warmer days at work. An all-black outfit is instantly chic and looks great with smart leather sandals and statement sunglasses,” says Kitty.
Asos Design Curve high-neck satin contrast midaxi dress
With a satin skirt and contrasting comfy top combined, this Asos Design dress is a great find for a whole host of occasions, office environments included. Plus, it’s an easy way to look instantly elevated with minimal effort.
Shop Asos Design Curve high neck satin contrast midaxi dress in navy, £42
Nobody's Child blue stripe sleeveless midi dress
“The crisp poplin fabric of this dress and gentle stripe feels considered and pulled together – structured but also relaxing,” says Kitty.
Shop Nobody’s Child blue stripe sleeveless starlight midi dress, £79
Whistles linear leaf midi dress
“A shirt dress equals instant polish, and this structured Whistles style would look great whatever the season – with sandals or leather flats in summer or with leather boots in winter,” says Kitty.
H&M oversized drawstring-detail dress
Brat girl green is the shade of the summer thanks to Charli XCX. If you’re heading back from mat leave singing her songs, take this as your fashionable way to fangirl in the office.
Aiayu Rosa dress
If the overwhelming number of nappies, baby wipes and bottles has you craving some simplicity, take a look at Scandi brand Aiayu. Home to expertly made simple-yet-chic pieces, including this loose-fitting shirt dress. Just be mindful that you will need to pay for shipping.
Reiss Aimie cotton-blend utility-belted midi dress
This elegant frock comes courtesy of Reiss. Minimal styling is needed to keep it looking elegant, so pull on a pair of pointed toe pumps to step back into your old role.
Shop Reiss Aimie cotton blend utility belted midi dress, £198
River Island Plus denim midi dress
For casual work environments, you may be able to get away with denim dresses, especially those more formal in fit like this River Island find. Plus, it also works for weekends, evenings and date nights too (if you manage to find a sitter).
Albaray linen drop-waist dress
A black dress will go with everything and is a great option for when you need to just chuck something on and go.
Aspiga Cara block print dress
Loose-fitting shirt dresses are not only incredibly comfortable – tie the waist belt as tight as you wish – but they’re also formal-looking with minimal faff. Plus, this fun print will instantly make you look alive – even if you’re running on two hours of sleep.
Saint + Sofia Greenwich dress
Polka dots are always in style. This, combined with the tiered skirt makes it an effortless (and exceptionally comfy) frock for office environments.
Exquise Tobie button-front pleated midi shirt dress
This easy-breezy dress would look just as chic with sandals by the beach as it would with pumps in the office. In a shirt dress style, it’s effortlessly formal in fit and accentuates the waist to add extra dimension.
Shop Exquise Tobie button-front pleated midi shirt dress at Anthropologie, £165
Live Unlimited charcoal tencel blend ruffle sleeve V-neck midi dress
Easy for everyday office dressing thanks to the simple shape, this black midi dress is perfect to throw on and go on manic mornings. Plus, a midi length, loose-fitting ruffles and short sleeves are modest enough for more formal environments.
Shop Live Unlimited charcoal tencel blend ruffle sleeve V-neck midi dress, £79
Images: courtesy of brands
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