Nearly half of new mothers return to work feeling dowdy compared to younger work colleagues
Researchers have found that working mums often return to work feeling intimidated by younger and more fashionable females in the office.
The poll of 2000 women by Persil revealed 25% of women returning to work after having a baby feel they are overlooked in favour of younger and more trendier women. A further 44% believe they have missed out on a promotion because of the way they look.
More than a quarter of new mums said they would feel more confident in their approach to work if they looked better, while 44% said they feel more self conscious in the clothes they wear and feel old fashioned in comparison.
However, around the same number of women said the main reason for their insecurity was due to being overweight. More than 20 per cent of women admitted they never managed to get their figure back after having children, which had an influence on their working wardrobe.
Nearly half of the women polled admitted it often takes too much time and effort to shop for new clothes and feel they are far too exhausted to even attempt it.
A modest 28% say they manage to go clothes shopping four times a year with 15 per cent preferring to have one annual shopping spree.
“Despite the pressures of time and money, working mums should not feel that they don't have the confidence to experiment with different looks and accessories. My advice would be to invest a little and create a simple capsule 'working wardrobe' of basics, suitable for helping you dress the part in any kind of workplace,” said personal stylist, Lisa Talbot.
Over 50 per cent of new mums felt the office uniform standard was a v-neck top with smart trousers.
“Working mothers have a lot on their plates and sometimes keeping up with the latest trends is the last thing on their minds,” said Dani Ross, the Brand Manager for Persil.
