Okay, once you’ve got your smart blazer(s) sorted, you’re most of the way there, as the thing about a blazer is that you can sling it over more or less anything and it transforms it into workwear. I take back what I said about the long flowery dresses. If I actually had to go to an office, ever, I’d be in long dresses and blazers and boots 24/7. Only very particular boots, though, as I’ve still got that weird neuroma in my foot and I’m limited as to what shoes I can wear. I’m going to have an operation! Just as soon as I can be bothered.
Are you allowed to wear denim to your office? If yes I would like you to consider, if you haven’t already, wide denim jeans. Smart ones, in a nice sensible colour. I don’t want to hear anything about how they’re no good in the winter or in wet weather. What you are going to do is buy a pair of wide jeans (or trousers) and then if they fit round your middle and you’re happy with the rest of it but they are too long, you are going to take them to a tailor or seamstress and get them taken up so that they fall 1/2 cm short of your shoes and so will not drag in puddles. There, done. Skinny jeans are over for the moment, I know it’s hard but let go.
I’ve got a pair of wide jeans from Dr Denim via asos that are no longer in stock (and also, if I am going to be very honest with myself, give me a wedgie) but I am informed by literally everyone that these from Wyse are the apogee of smart wide dark jeans.
Me + Em (them again) are also in on the game with these.
These from Paige will also be excellent, and they had better be for £280.
Or these from good old Hush, on pre-order.
If you have a pair of long boots that you like and know you will wear a lot over the winter, you can go for a cropped trouser, veering into a culotte, with the boots. I have done this and it looks fabulous but then I have to be carried everywhere due to foot neuroma.
Non-denim, I think these from Boden look very promising. Boden is pretty good with trousers, they don’t usually do anything weird around the middle or the crotch and last well. Corduroy is very now and you know that navy is the only colour I find acceptable for any clothing.
So there we are! 1 pair of smart wide jeans, 1 blazer, 1 clean t-shirt, 1 pair earrings, 1 pair clean shoes.
Hot.
Thank you for the link to Wyse, I’ve never come across them before but their stuff seems really nice… And not quite as hideously expensive as me+em.
I also love love love ba&sh but they’re also hella expensive.
But cheap stuff just doesn’t cut it anymore now I’m in my late 40s. Sigh. Buy less, buy better…. I know, I know it’s true but it’s so much more FUN to get a big bag of tat from H&M 😩
I KNOW Kate I hear you. But better a bag of tat than a single item from Zara
Talk to me about shoes please! I have only trainers or biker boots and nothing inbetween these days but have a need for 1 pair of decent SHOES that I can wear with a dress or trousers to, I don’t know, a Golden Wedding anniversary lunch at a smart hotel, or drinks with ones family to celebrate a 70th. help me please!!!
I find mid-height wedges really comfortable, if not high fashion, but my main tip is to buy your shoes in a colour that will go – ie not fight with – both black and navy. I have had shoes in dark green and another pair in darkish burgundy patent leather, and because they don’t match anything they looked fine with everything. See also pewter, silver, bright green etc. Hope this helps!
@Laura – how about these from Doc Marten? https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/p/25699001 Apparently they are a Kourtney Kardashian favourite everyday shoe. Maybe this is off-putting. But, I have a pair and like them!
Hello Laura, I’m not sure if these are your sort of thing, but I would recommend these shoes I got from M&S (or are ballet pumps too old fashioned? possibly – I’m old) https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-bow-ballet-pumps/p/clp60505523?color=NATURAL . They come up small (half a size or so?) but they look great and are a very pleasing price.
Very interesting. Verrrrry interesting. Esp re: cropped trousers in winter. I love cropped trousers, bit of ankle etc. But there’s nothing worse in winter than finding yourself sitting down and exposing several inches of pasty shin and calf above standard socks. Cringe!!! I have never worn a long boot – maybe that’s the way forward??
Definitely. If you can find a pair that work for you (and you may have to go through many pairs to find one) then there’s nothing more handy in the winter as it doubles your trouser options to include ankle grazers, or even items that end mid-shin
How much do I wish that I hadn’t got rid of all of my Boden wide leg cords a few years ago? If I’d known I’d need them again, I could have saved myself having to buy more!
Tried on the Paige jeans in JL the other day. They really are amazing – super comfy and flattering. I can’t justify them because 4 months post twins I’m not at my fighting weight but would highly recommend for anyone who has the cash to spare. The M&S ones are meant to be amazing and only £40 if anyone has tried them on?
Love this. However am now pregnant and can’t find anything to wear. Most of the stuff you recommended in your 2018 Maternity wear 2.0 post is (unsurprisingly) now unavailable. I like your grungy aesthetic, but most of the maternity stuff I see online is very twee, with little ribbon ties to wrap your bump up like a present. Am aware you’re a long way down the road from pregnancy these days, but would you consider a Maternity 3.0 post?