where to even start???

[bejeezus]

Please help me......

I live in jeans and which ever top is the least smelly when I am not at work,with trainers/walking boots or all terrain sandals. I have been working in an office for the last 5 years, professional with very minimal client contact, so black trews and 1 of a handful of tunic tops over the top with a black cardigan

When I had time and a figure,my look was out-doorsy/surfer chick/scruffy, but I have never been too into fashion/clothes and I absolutely cannot wear heels- i look like a tranny

SOOOoooo...this is where you lot come in...I am going to be embarking on my new life plan in 6 months or so and re-train as a secondary school teacher. I know teachers arent renowned for fashion/style etc but I do need to and want to set an example...help me recreate my 'look'

I think Ive nailed the minimal effort makeup with good skin care and natural looking clinique products

Clothes are difficult...my shape is all different to how I was before...
Shops I like are Espirit, Apricot, um....used to like H&M when I had time to trawl through the jumblesaleness...cant think of any more

[nomoreminibreaks]

Might not be much help but it sounds like fat face might be a good shop for you as it's grown up surfer outdoorsy style?

[bejeezus]

Thanks nomore fat face is ok, tis a bit bland and washed out for my liking

[FunnyLittleFrog]

I love H&M. I'm a teacher and all my work staples come from there, even though I do try other places. They often have things like chiffon type blouses that are smart but still on trend (and don't need ironing!) for less than a tenner. I make DH take DD off for a hour so I can trawl the shop, or do an online shop.

As a teacher you need to be smart but practical - very few teachers at my school wear heels, most wear trousers and skirts with opaque tights. Clothes can get damaged easily - even in secondary - felt tips, board pens, paint, PE subs out on the field... so it's better to try to do style on a budget.

Good luck!

[bejeezus]

thanks frog that is really helpfull to know

maybe I will just find some time to get stuck into H&M then....I struggle with being out of shape....I dont seem to be able to adjust, and still are drawn to the clothes I used to wear, which dont really suit my new body shape! And im sick of bootcut trousers!