The size 16 you is just as deserving as the size 8 you. I'm not saying go all out if you know this is a temporary phase. But in this moment of your life when you're going through so much the least you can do is put on something that makes you feel beautiful. My closet had a range between size 12-18 and it was making me a little depressed. I took out all the clothes that did not fit me right now and put them in a suitcase in the basement. I do hope to fit into my size 12s sooner than later but it was doing me no good to walk into my closet every day and see them laughing at me. Now I feel confident that whatever I pull out from the hanger will actually fit.
As far as work goes, a basic pair of black pants will go far! You can interchange tops. Or even wear the pants with a basic t-shirt and interchange cardigans/sweaters. Use your accessories. Black pants, white t-shirt, blue cardigan and a scarf. Next week, black pants, white-t shirt, yellow cardigan, other scarf. Bam, it's already in your closet and you don't have to shop for anything. Keep it interesting with jewelry statement pieces, scarves, shoes, hats, bangles, purses, etc.
Nobody pays attention to clothes, they pay attention to style and style fits any size