First 'proper' job in 20 years....what the heck do I wear?

[KingsArmy]

I have a new full time job starting in December in London after being out of the game for 20 years.
Office based but attire is stated as smart casual.......herein lies the challenge.
Having lived in leggings/joggers/dog walking tat/sainsburys bakery outfit (current job) over a long period of time I really need help and guidance on what I should wear.

For guidance I am 6ft tall and have a real problem in most shops with their tall not being tall enough. Size 12/14, alas no boobs to get excited about, bit of a mum tum and size 9 feet. I have long curly hair and wear glasses.
Budget is small at the moment but I will be earning more in the new job so am able to spend after a few paychecks.

Advice greatfully received.

The good news is in general office wear has become a lot more casual over the last 20 years. I agree with pps that interviews tend to bring out smarter wear and that it depends on what type of industry you're in. No one seems to care what people wear in my office, which means you get a real mix and so its not too hard to fit in (as there's nothing to fit into).

We are smart casual and we are ok to wear denim jeans in blue or any other colour

I am also a lover of comfort wear and found great relief in jumpsuits when I had to go back into the office. You can buy them in stretchy soft materials and they somehow look smart - Hush is great for this.

Added bonus is that it's just one thing you pull on and looks great. If they're short sleeved, you can pair with a nice knit.

Being very tall you'll have to shop around to find ones that work for you - I have the opposite issue being 5ft but when I found that style that worked I bought several.

Congrats on the job :)

I do like jumpsuits however they always seem wrong on me, not too sure why, they seem to attach themselves to areas I want to hide, also, as you say, many are not long enough and end up quite uncomfortable round the nether regions.
It is helpful to hear what others wear as smart casual, gives me some ideas of potential outfits for the future. I have ordered the dress someone posted earlier on in the thread from M&S, they had only 2 left in the tall range!
I quite like DM boots but again unsure whether they would be appropriate, they are also quite expensive. As stated I will just need to wait and see what others my age are wearing.
I want to try and look professional, stylish and put together for the first time in my life!
Thanks for the congrats, nerve racking but very exciting 😊

I'd probably go for some black trousers and shirts for the first few days until you get an idea of what everyone else wears. Just really innocuous, and branch out into more interesting stuff later on if it's appropriate.

There’s quite a few pairs of Docs being worn around our office at the moment and an increasing number of those chunky Chelsea boot type boots that seem to be in fasten this season.

Congratulations on the new job.

I’m about half an inch shorter and 2 sizes rounder. I’ve given up with trousers most of the time, legs never quite long enough. Dresses are easier, one choice not two. As long as approx. knee length or longer, I’m happy. Seasalt dresses are comfy, wash well and come in tall sizes. I’ve had success with Principles and Wallis too.
I tend to wear boots with low heel, unless I want to intimidate a bit, then boots with big heels!

Congrats! That is very exciting - and also a little scary. Just here to say pretty much the same as everyone else - wide leg black trousers and a nice merino or cashmere jumper or chambray shirt would be a safe option. I am tall and find Esprit good for tops that come over my wrists. A good quality, good condition belt, shoes or coat will help.