One Hollywood Stars: Reader Question: Transition Work Clothes

I gained some weight with my baby and still haven't lost quite a bit of it, so I have to buy new clothes. I don't want to spend a ton since I plan on getting back to my old size ASAP, but I need some basics for when I go back to work. Even though I love skirts, they really aren't a work possibility because my work's dress code requires hose with skirts and I HATE hose. Plus, my super comfy work shoes would look horrendous with anything but pants. Anyways, what are some basics that I should get and where do you think is the best place to get said basics? Any input would be helpful!

As this reader is in the medical field and required to be on her feet all day, I will, for once, not pass judgment on the comfy shoe choice.

There are a few points that will affect my answer to this one: first, since these are just transitional clothes, you won't want to spend a fortune, so I'm keeping this to sale items. Second, I'm guessing you aren't really sure of how things fit you since your body is continually changing, so I would venture to say that online shopping is out of the question. Lastly, you have a new baby, so scouring lots of stores for your pieces is out of the question, so we'll keep this limited to just a couple stores.

Since you are firmly against the skirts and dresses (sadness! that's like 90% of my work wardrobe), that really just leaves us with tops and pants. You know I love a cardigan for layering year-round, and I love a ruffled blouse.

While I may find a couple tops at Nordstrom and every once in a blue moon I can find something decent at Macys, there are two stores that I think you could go in and completely fill your work wardrobe: Banana Republic and J. Crew. I swear about 80% of my work attire comes from just those two stores. I'm serious. They just do nice, mid-range, work clothes very well. I also really like Club Monaco, but their items are pricier and I wouldn't suggest you buy a $190 skirt that will be too big for you in just another couple months.

So my advice: hit up your local Banana Republic and J. Crew, scour the entire store, and try everything on. Even things you think you might not like, you won't know for sure until you've seen it on.

I took the liberty of perusing BR's and J.C.'s sale sections online and have posted some cute options below. Keep in mind, though, online sale items may not be available in your local store. But you can always 1) buy it online and return it at your local store at no charge if it doesn't fit, or 2) if you like it and don't see your size, ask your local store to look up in their system which location does have your size and have it mailed to you.