Back to the office - advice on shoes, belts & jeans

[aliceinlalaland]

I've got 2 small DDs and work freelance but am about to embark on some office-based work. I look an absolute fright. My daily uniform is some kind of long-sleeved t-shirt and scruffy jeans (dated bootcuts). I work in media so it's smart casual rather than smart but I still need to not look like worzel gummage.

Don't really know where to begin but was thinking:

1. a nice pair of smart jeans - possibly straight-legged? Not sure i"m ready for skinny but sick of the ol boot legs - any recommendations? I'm 5,6 - probably a size 8. And possibly a pair of cords/moleskins as an alternative?

2. not great with heels so was thinking of some flat shoes that aren't trainers (which is more or less all I've worn for 3 years). Ballet pumps would be a bit chilly this time of year, non? Any other suggestions

3. say I had a long top and a pair of skinny jeans and wanted to belt it in to give me a waist, what sort of belt would I wear

4. what coat? I have an overcoat that I bought a couple of years ago but it's long, which always feels a bit weird with everything but a skirt, it's smart in style (b & w check, big buttons etc bought in the sale at jaeger) and doesn't really go with everything else I wear. Guess I'm looking for something that's fairly smart, warm and versatile - any thoughts?

Any sartorial wizards out there and willing to help?

Thanking you

I would go for trousers rather than jeans, and wear with loafers or brogues; topshop have some nice ones, but won't let me link:

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=1916401&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208543&parent_categoryId=208492&sort_field=Relevance&pageSize=200

thanks v much tether. Like the idea of brogues. the link just took me to the home page but had a look at trousers - it seems the majority are high-waisted, not sure what I think of that... is it possible to find flattering high-waisters or do you have to be kate moss to get away with them?

At 5'6" and a size 8, you're not far off Kate Moss yourself

I think high waisted is more flattering, but I'm extremely pretty curvy, so low-slung trousers are a no-no for me.
These are nice and have a slightly lower waist

It may be a case of trying stuff on and seeing what works best...

Some nice brogues here and here... also here and here... Or with buckles

As for coats, how about something like this sort of style?

Ah, you are sweet but believe me, even size 8s have strange little bulgy post-baby bellies. Nice.

Wow - you are very good at this clothes malarky. I like all those shoes and the coat so fab tips all round. Re the trousers I think you're right, will need some trying on. Bear in mind I'm still stuck in 1995 trouser-wise so will take me a bit of time to adjust