After that no matter what the make, go for trainers or Doc Martin type ankle boots and knee boots. Polo necks are back in and lots of below the knee knitted dresses about, slender fit. Straight below the knee knitted skirts with a sleeveless knitted top and a grandad shirt or poloneck underneath.
I agree with lollylimejuice.
Dianne Keatons streetwear can look good on a woman of any age and she wears similar clothes to those that lolly mentioned. (Her night look is similar but much more glam). I think she’s a great example of artsy in a very smart way. She often wears lace up boots with wide legged, ankle tapping trousers too. Polo necks, big oversized white shirts, wide leather belts for the waist (if you have the shape that looks good in belts, and if you find them comfortable). It worth googling her look, I think. Although I have adopted her look a little (in line with my much more limited budget), I can’t wear the belts, and I stay away from the heavy silver bling she can often be photographed wearing around her neck.
Someone else mentioned red lipstick. I agree. Just find the red that suits your colouring. And elsewhere someone mentioned earrings. Earrings , especially handcrafted ones can look pretty ‘artsy’
Other people mentioned cotton, wool, velvet fabrics and I would agree. But budget doesn’t always reach to it.
Handbags. I have this cross body bag/satchel that I love. Made in Morocco, Long strap made of soft leather with a large flap over the front of bag made of same soft leather, the rest of the bag is made from a thick wool material and lined with silk like fabric. Most practical and comfortable bag I’ve ever worn - it’s like a big pocket, almost clothing in itself.
I have to use a walking stick and that can be an instant style booster.
Lately I’ve noticed that instead of wearing lace up combat style boots, some women are wearing mens style black business shoes (loosely laced up) with socks - combining that look with ankle tapping trousers or midi length skirts. I don’t have the legs (I think one needs very slim calves in this case - just my opinion) for that look, but I do think it looks pretty cool.
Having said that, some days I go out in pyjamas that look like lose clothes (with a bit of quirk) - long sleeves and full length pants - but with lace up boots (or in warm weather , thick soled slide shoes) and my red lipstick and cane - no one knows I’m wearing real pjs. Or maybe people are too polite to tell me. 🤔. I think I look ultra ‘artsy’ then, but not so business like. :)
Good luck with your new job in the arts.