Thanks, all! I've missed you. Just had no extra time to post.
Zaeobi, yes, very comfy. Angie recommended similar pairs from Cole Haan recently. I wore them for the first time tomorrow for a full work day (at the office) and had no problems.
Star, Helena, Suntiger, Cardiff girl - it's true, it's not really ugly! I have one with cats on it that fits the bill a bit more, but even that is pretty cute. It was too warm for that one yesterday.
Rachylou - I am struggling with this now too, especially since I am craving dressier clothes but my pandemic lifestyle has not changed enough. I do go out more, but hybrid work is here to stay for me, and I only go in twice a week (if that). And my office is not veyr formal to start with! I do dress a bit for work at home--more than sweats, put together outfits, but not as put together as going out to work.
Bijou - I will try! The new house is great, but we have had some problems with poor management of our condo (we are on our third company) and a leaking roof, among more minor issues for the whole building. That's on top of the flood in our basement, fixing that, and then putting in flood prevention measures). It's all finally settling down, but I have lovingly dubbed this place The Money Pit.