I'm struggling putting work trousers and shoes together

[LynetteScavo]

For work we wear smart casual (some people wear trainers but they have different roles to me so I tend not to) For the last couple of winters I've worn skinny trousers trousers and ankle boots with a slight heel/Chelsea boots (and a loose shirt or long jumper)

I want to ditch the skinnies (I've put on weight so they don't fit anyway) but don't know where to start. If I wore wise leg trousers with brogues I would feel frumpy seeing as I'm older and fatter than everyone else at work. I'd happily wear wide leg trousers and trainers at home.

I'm totally stumped. I need a warm and comfortable but fashionable and smart trouser/boot combination! Does this exist?

Why don’t you look for some smart black trainers. Designer rather than sporty?

I’m thinking all black with a pop of silver maybe? Looking!

I think it's going to be hard to find a solution so long as what you would feel comfortable wearing is something you compare negatively to what your colleagues are wearing. What would you wear ideallly if no one else was looking? What would make you happy?

I would ideallywear a loose top (I have a lot of these, they're nicer than they sound) full length trousers in the winter as I don't want cold ankles-( I like shorter trousers but only) in the summer and then boots - I like the Dr Martens fur lined Chelsea boots. I'm a huge fan of Chelsea boots. But what trousers do I put in between those tops and boots?

Google Italian magic trousers. They don’t look much in the photos but they truly are magic! I am also a bit lost off about what to wear to work since returning to the office after about 20 months WFH but I wore some of them last week in black with a black long sleeve T and some chunky loafers but I’m sure they’d also go with your boots (definitely with the Lenora boots which I also love) and long tops. Some of them are one size fits 10-22ish or some are sized 1 which I think is about 10-16 then size 2 fit bigger. I’ve no idea how they work but they do!! X

What about getting slightly higher boots like these: www.marksandspencer.com/leather-chunky-chelsea-flat-ankle-boots/p/clp60489168?color=BLACK#intid=prodColourId-60489168

And then trousers like the Uniqlo "smart comfort" ones? They're cut with a slight taper and slightly cropped but not too much, for me at 5'6" they come over the top of my boots. There are lots of colours and styles, but they're definitely not skinny. They have good cords too.

Does it have to be trousers? The work 'uniform' where I am at the moment is a long dress or midi skirt with Doc Martens or low heeled boots.

A bit like this.... sorry if not helpful but I am also carrying a bit more weight than usual and finding trousers a problem. This is my solution!

Some great ideas here- I have bought a dress, but not won it yet. I'm really not a dress person! Especially not at work, I'm not sure why.

@MrsTophamHat - I particularly love that dress, do you know where it's from?

I shall be going to Uniqlo next weekend I think, and shall order magic trousers.

Sorry @LynetteScavo it was just a google images, but I love it too!