How to look smart?!

[Mirrorball]

Starting a new job in a couple of weeks and am not getting my head round looking smart and groomed! I've been in for a couple of days and wore a suit both times with heels, but everyone else seemed much more casual. I still want to look smart as I'll be working up on the exec floor with the senior vice presidents, but what else can I wear other than a suit every day and still look professional?! Help!

Also, how on earth do you get yourself ready and the kids ready and the dog walked then the school run and manage to look half decent - hair and make up done and clean clothes?!!!

Would be worth reposting in style and beauty for more ideas.

I used to wear smart trousers/shirt alot but have moved away now more to dresses with heels as it is then a simple decision on what to wear and less ironing.

Ive got this lk bennett one which is more formal and very well cut and this jigsaw one which is slightly more casual but drapes well.Good shoes really make a big difference to how smart an outfit looks.Depends on what you like though.

I have to get up at least 3/4 hour before the children and have breakfast and tea in peace, get myself ready apart from final clothes (to prevent anything being spilt on them) before getting them up and ready - not sure how the dog walk would fit into this routine.

I also get out everything we are all wearing the night before,breakfast things on the table,bags by door etc.Washing is on timer to finish as I get up in the morning so this goes in the drier/hung out then.

Hope your new job goes well.It always takes a little time to find a routine that works for you whenever you start something different.

I work in a firm with a "business casual" dress policy. In general what most people wear looks like a suit minus the jacket, if you see what I mean - tailored trousers/skirt/dress, with a shirt or smart knitted top (not a T shirt) on the top half.

Dresses definitely make life easier - wrap dresses in plain colours with black tights look good and can dress up or down.

Earrings and a discreet necklace make a big difference in making more casual clothes look smarter.

Could you wear jeans and T shirt for morning routine and then change once you get to the office? means carrying a lot of stuff with you though.

If you have longish hair, putting it up will look smarter and be much easier in the mornings.

Smart flats are a good alternative to heels, or possibly low heeled knee high boots.