Help! What does a scruff wear for a smart work meeting?

[CambridgeBlue]

I work from home in a creative job so rarely need to dress smartly. My wardrobe consists of jeans, loose jersey trousers/leggings, t-shirts, slouchy jumpers etc.

I have been unexpectedly asked to a client meeting with someone I need to impress and I have no clue what to wear. I don't really want to buy anything new but everything I've got feels too casual. Trouble is it's so long since I've been to anything like this I have no idea what's expected.

I've got some slim smartish jeans, several fitted long sleeve t-shirts, a really nice trench coat (but I can hardly sit there in my coat!) and some shoes that should work. Would something like that look OK? With maybe a necklace or scarf to smarten it up? And what about a bag? My everyday one is a red satchel - I like to think it looks funky and creative but am worried I'll just look odd.

I don't do smart at all well - I always feel a bit frumpy or like a teenager trying to dress like an adult. Neither of those is the look I need to portray for this. Please be honest and point me in the right direction - if necessary I will buy something new as it's important this goes well.

[peasandlove]

you need a blazer. Black or navy

[peasandlove]

could you wear something like this? asos jacket I think they smarten up jeans really well

[CambridgeBlue]

A blazer would be a very good investment actually because it would smarten up many of my scruffier items!

I found some slim black trousers at the back of the wardrobe this morning so think I am going to go with them instead of jeans - even though I'm a 'creative' so not expected to wear a suit, I think jeans look a bit disrespectful at a meeting.

[Stokey]

A shirt or blouse rather than long-sleeved t-shirt? this is casual but looks like she has made an effort, or this

[CambridgeBlue]

Both of those looks are very me. I haven't got a blouse/shirt - really don't do tailored stuff - but looking at those persuades me that one would be a good investment.

[Redoubtable]

Have you seen the workwear thread on here?
There is a lady posting who has started a workwear blog, which I quite like. The Pinterest page might give you some ideas on how to mix up what you already have?

[CambridgeBlue]

I hadn't looked at that as I didn't think it was of any interest to me! Think I'd better have a read now :)