Work wardrobe - please help me out of a rut

[tiredandgrumpy]

I'm a very conventional dresser, working in an office of accountants, where we're expected to look smart. Most of my peers are much younger than me and all look fab. I'm stuck in my old-fashioned rut and would welcome some suggestions for work wear. I've a slim (even good?) figure but just lack the imagination to break out of the black trousers/basic blouse routine. Please please help.

What do your peers wear, and how old are you? Have you tried looking at different coloured trousers? I wear a uniform for work so don't have this problem, but I think if I did I would try looking at what I liked about what the others were wearing and then see what would suit me. If you've got a good figure probably most of it.

I always think people in tailored dresses look very smart and stylish

I'd love to venture into dresses or more variations on trousers, but actually have found it surprisingly difficult to find decent ones. My basic black suit came from Zara &, whilst ok, has rather too baggy trousers. I'd just love to find a shop which had the perfect work trouser in a range of colours.

jigsaw suits are good, also hobbs

what sort of shape are you? For me, (fat tum, slim hipped) Reiss do great work trousers (I don't get on with their jackets) - if you were reasonably tall you might get fare better. Gap do a straight trouser in black stretchy wool (good for putting under tunic -style tops), plus a "modern fit" flared trouser. Try wearing trousers with a knit top which looks a bit smarter than a t-shirt but more casual than a blouse.

At work today, I am currently wearing sage linen trews from Kew with a linen mix knit top here which is not super baggy or super fitted. I've got an old Topshop jacket to sling over if it gets cold, but you can find a suitable cotton jacket most places. A plain trouser/nice top with interesting jacket or cardigan over the top works quite well in this weather.