I’ve been absent from the forum for some time (and was never even a regular poster), but I’m making a major life transition and need some fashion guidance. YLF is the only place I trust for that! So, hi! Nice to see everyone again!

After being at home for many, many years, my youngest has started Kindergarten and I’ve taken a full-time position in an office setting. I’m working for a local real estate association in their membership department. I don’t get the feeling that the fashion vibe is overly conservative, but I will be meeting with and recruiting members, so I need to look put together and professional.

Below are a few new things I picked up. The pants are the only thing that isn’t new; I also have a black pair as well as a gray dress and several tops I can mix and match. In addition to overall thoughts about how these new items work for me, I’d love your opinions on some specifics:

1. Can I tuck? Tucking is new to me, but it seemed to be the best thing for these new shirts. I know that a belt is probably required for tucking into the pants, but can I get away without one on the skirt?

2. How is the skinny belt in the pencil skirt/cardi combo? Should I go with a wider belt?

3. Thoughts on the shoes? I like them but sometimes I look at them and think the toe is too round. There was another pair I may go back and get; not quite as round of a toe and more dove gray in color rather than metallic pewter.

I’m starting this work wardrobe from scratch and it’s been both fun and frustrating trying to figure out what my “work style” is. Thanks for your help in guiding me there!