OP here. I have read the replies and listened. I live very close to a number of the retailers listed so I will watch for good sales and shop in person.

I’ve gotten several cute things off of Amazon but I’ve also had some bad misses. It’s hard to tell which it’s going to be until you get it in person. Fortunately, you can return the clothes…you just have to remember to do it!

I had a similar experience and got a bunch of clothes off of Poshmark, Mercari, ThredUP, and Ebay. You can get BR, J Crew, Anne Taylor, Everlane, etc. at big discounts. The shipping can add up, so stick to sellers with multiple items you like. I’d get several cute tops to go with neutral pants. Easiest way to not break the bank but still have variety.

I second trying Amazon Essentials for T-shirts. I’ve had luck with Amazon Essentials for other things as well.

I’ve also had luck with Lillusory sold on Amazon.

Honestly I’d suggest that you go to the outlet mall near national harbor and get some separates at banana republic factory store and or j crew. Brooks brothers if you need something a little more formal . Better selection than Macys and affordable prices.

Anonymous wrote:Mid-fifties capri-wearer here.
I wear them a ton in the summer.
What would I wear instead?

Mom jeans? Shorts? I’d love to find some mid-rise khakis.

We're talking about the office so no, not jeans or shorts. Wear slacks or a dress.

If you find capri length slacks that look good, go for it, but that length is unflattering on most people especially those with short legs.

Mid-fifties capri-wearer here.
I wear them a ton in the summer.
What would I wear instead?

Mom jeans? Shorts? I’d love to find some mid-rise khakis.

Anonymous wrote:Do not wear capris. I can not stress this enough.

Lots of people wear capris. Come on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm starting a new job after working remote for 10 years. This job is hybrid (gasp!), which means people might see me once or twice a week. I should probably not wear my Old Navy joggers on those days. I don't want to spend a lot on a wardrobe, though. It's still just hybrid.

I have suits, etc., for conferences and important meetings. I need a handful of pieces for my in-office days where I might run into an actual human. I don't want to spend much on this possibility though.

I'm 5'1
Weight 127 (yes, a little chonk, I'm aware, lol)
49F

OMG 127 is NOT chunky!

She’s 5’1

Anonymous wrote:I'm starting a new job after working remote for 10 years. This job is hybrid (gasp!), which means people might see me once or twice a week. I should probably not wear my Old Navy joggers on those days. I don't want to spend a lot on a wardrobe, though. It's still just hybrid.

I have suits, etc., for conferences and important meetings. I need a handful of pieces for my in-office days where I might run into an actual human. I don't want to spend much on this possibility though.

I'm 5'1
Weight 127 (yes, a little chonk, I'm aware, lol)
49F

OMG 127 is NOT chunky!

Anonymous wrote:I have a couple dresses from Amazon, but overall the selection and quality has been disappointing. The fabric wears out really quickly.

I second the advice to go to Macys instead (or shop online, the stores near me are picked over). You need one or two pairs of slacks, a couple tops, and a sweater or blazer. I go to the office once a week, and all winter I wore the same pair of black slacks + a top or sweater set. I'll wear dresses in the summer but the A/C in the office means slacks are fine year round.

Don't shop at Amazon. Try Macy's.

Also, just because it's "hybrid" doesn't mean you just make half an effort all the time. At home you can wear pajamas, and at work you should look polished!

Anonymous wrote:Just buy 2-3 outfits from a real store that give you some mix and match options. 3 good outfits worth of pieces can easily make around 30 different combinations.

+1 and I like to feel how comfortable the fabrics are. That's been a big issue with random Amazon clothing purchases for me.

Anonymous wrote:Do not wear capris. I can not stress this enough.

That was my initial thoughts, but OP is short, so I guess they might be ankle length?

OP, just go to the Loft petites section. That way you can try on items before purchasing.

Just buy 2-3 outfits from a real store that give you some mix and match options. 3 good outfits worth of pieces can easily make around 30 different combinations.

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I'm definitely open to pull on pants and capris, etc. I haven't seen the office look yet. My direct report is 100% remote and all my interviews were virtual. I can't imagine that it's too formal. It's the research side of a public university. Mostly engineers/professors/grad students.

lol do not worry! This is not a fashion forward bunch.

Try Amazon essentials, their solid t-shirts are actually really nice. You can get square neck, long sleeves to look a little more put together or get a bunch of white or black ones and throw on a casual blazer/jacket with them and nice jeans.

Wrinkle free button down shirts are good too though I haven’t tried Amazon, would always get these at the Brooks Brothers outlet.