coat can be a big investment but if you look at it in terms of pence per wear then it is a bargain. A smart coat creates a great first impression when visiting customers and will keep you warm at the school gates too. A really good coat will smarten up every outfit you wear, improve your confidence and make you look fantastic. MyVoucherCodes have discount codes for nearly every high street retailer so it might not be as big an investment as you think.  A Very Large Good Quality Handbag: rather than arriving at your client's with your folders/papers in a carrier bag, invest in a smart handbag that is big enough to fit all your essential paperwork in. I have one ready packed especially for work so that I know I've always got spare pens, business cards and notepads ready for every eventuality.  Boots and Shoes: my way of covering all bases is to wear boots to the school gate to avoid mud spattered trouser legs and ruined shoes. I then have a pair of 'nice' shoes in the car to slip on once away from the mud. (Top tip: a neutral coloured pair of flats goes with any outfit, looks smart and you can still walk in them at the end of the day!).  Wear clothes that you don't have to worry about: when you are working there is so much to think about anyway that you don't want to be wasting energy worrying