Long time no see, Fabbers!

A lot has changed since last I was here, so I have a few questions for you ladies:

1. How do you create a long leg line with flats?
2. How do I NOT look so frumpy in flats?
3. Are there good business casual outfits for flats that don't make me look too "cute" or too "classic"?
4. How do I fit flats/sneakers into my Modern Casual/edgy yet romantic bombshell personal style?

The Backstory:

This month, I was diagnosed with mild bunions, mild arthritis and heel spurs. As a long-time heel wearer, my heart was completely torn to pieces when my doctor told me that to avoid surgery and my condition getting worse, I need to give up my heels (and only wear them on special occasions). Thanks to sites like Barking Dog Shoes and The Podiarty Shoe a Review, I was able to narrow down styles that are "marginally attractive". Because platformed rocker soles (the closest I can get to a heel) cause me to fall and aggravate my over pronation, I had to give them up and stick to shoes with a 1.5 inch rigid platform all around. They're basically flats that are elevated with cushioning. Fitflops are the most attractive brand of shoes I can find (my foray back into sneakers, but there are some ballet flats I want to get a hold of but are unavailable in Canada), but I also wear Alegria (not as pretty but they're so comfy). I also purchased a pair of $20 Crocs flats (the prettier ones) on sale so that I can see how flats work on my outfits.

Note that these shoes all have wide toe boxes so the polish of slimmer toes is out of the question.

When I tried my new purchases with the wardrobe I worked hard on honing for years, I was very unhappy to see that the new shoes did not work at all. The new non-heeled shoes had the following effects:

1) increased FRUMP factor. Flats don't have the polish that my old heels provide.

2) my upper body looks much much larger. Probably due to the shorter leg line and the lack of the heel gait. I look very imbalanced.

3) Ballet flats, sneakers and short boots just aren't me - but they are the ONLY attractive ones in the market for the shoes that suit my health condition!

4) flats don't work on my slim dresses unless I hike up the hemlines. Not always professional. Wearing these dresses are out of the question should I switch to a business casual work environment in the future.

So since this condition, I really need to rethink my style personality and outfits that will give me that polish I look for without detracting from my style.

Any suggestions will be welcomed!