Please help me with some style/shopping tips!!

[trappedinsuburbia]

Im at a loss.
I'm 40 and have absolutely no style, it doesn't help that im tall with stupid skinny legs and huge feet and my weight is all on my upper body.
I usually run around in (not too) skinny jeans, loose tshirt and trainers.
For work this is fine, however I would like to smarten up and look nice when im not working.
Im having a crisis today as the hairs not sitting right, feeling fat and generally crap. I just don't know where to start, I feel like a right tramp, any style tips would be gratefully received

[firedancer]

Sorry I don't have any suggestions but watching with interest.

[suffolkblonde29]

Sorry you're feeling like this but don't be too hard on yourself - we've all had days like this and there are loads of easy things you can do to feel better about your appearance.

I'm not feeling my best at the moment having just had a baby, but I usually find that putting in a bit of extra time with grooming makes me feel loads better e.g. get a new haircut, get a make up lesson from a counter if you're not confident with your make up and then set aside a bit more time each day or week to do your make up and hair nicely, paint your nails, shave legs and moisturise etc.

As for clothes, why not invest in some smarter, trendier versions of your current favourite clothes? You're probably right that skinnier jeans and looser tops suit your figure best but you could get some new, nicer versions (maybe try a department store where you can see lots of brands at once) and get some nice jewellery/a new handbag/trainers to make your outfits a bit more interesting?

I picked up the free John Lewis Edition magazine yesterday and it had some good edits of the new season's trends - makes it easy to see what's on trend without looking through all the shops/reading lots of magazines.

[trappedinsuburbia]

Thanks, im on top of the painting nails, hair, make up etc, well as much as I can be with the kids, I just really don't have time to experiment with clothes and need to buy a lot from tall ranges which is a bit limiting.
Im not very overweight, but its creeping on and tight tops are out for the moment, its just even a small bit of extra weight on me goes in the wrong place.
I need someone to come in and dress me every morning

[MollyRedskirts]

I carry all my weight around my middle, and while I am losing it (slowly!), I still prefer loose tops. Tunic style tops and dresses with leggings and ankle boots are my staple. I'm sure I'm wildly unfashionable, but it looks good on me. From your description of yourself, it'd look good on you too.

I'm also a big fan of necklaces. Long, pendant ones. You can be wearing a plain t-shirt and leggings, but add a necklace and it suddenly becomes an outfit.

[trappedinsuburbia]

Thanks, but leggings are a giant no no, skinny legs and big flapper feet means they're out, I know a girl who wears tunic/legging combo and she always looks really dressed, but her legs are in proportion.

[firedancer]

Have you got time to try a personal shopper? I tried the one in Debenhams recently for a specific event and she was amazing. Not expensive either.

[trappedinsuburbia]

A personal shopper would be great, unfortunately most of all tall range stuff is only available online, so I doubt that there would be much in the actual shop that would do.
Im going to go through my wardrobe later (if I get a chance) and try to put together some outfits, its not as if I don't have a load of clothes but have little imagination/courage to wear most of the stuff i buy !!
Feeling a bit better today after a trip to the hairdressers as long as I don't look down !!

[firedancer]

How tall are you?

[junebirthdaygirl]

I'm jealous of your skinny legs. A lot of people would kill to have those. When you look online for your skinny jeans see exactly what the model is wearing with them. Stick to plain colours and only ones that lift your face. So be conscious of what colours are up to your neck.. You're on top of hair and nails and have skinny legs. You sound pretty good already.

[trappedinsuburbia]

Hi im 5ft 11 and June there is such a thing as too skinny, especially when you have big feet as well lol

[blushrush]

Based on your height and shape, I suggest:

Long maxi dresses, preferably Empire line, as this hides your tum if you're feeling a bit bloated

Boot cut trousers - the little flare at the bottom will give your legs shape and make your feet look smaller

Tie waist/wrap around tops and dresses - these give you a waist, regardless of your shape and, if you choose a v-neck style, slim down your neckline and draw attention away from your middle and up to your bust

That's all I can think of at the moment :)

[BluebellSpirit]

I'm the same height as you OP and have just been through exactly the same thing recently. I just posted in another thread, saying that I had a John Lewis stylist help me choose new clothes and it was fantastic.

I was introduced to many new styles that I would not have considered before and I learnt that tucking tops in to a well fitting skirt or trousers does actually suit my curvy shape. The 2 hour session was free but I loved so many of the clothes on me that I willingly spent over £500....and it is the best £500 I have ever spent! Everything goes together now and it's easy to get ready in the mornings. I have trousers that are long enough and skirts and dresses that fall on the knee, so I don't think you should dismiss it based on your height as they will recommend brands and clothes for your figure after talking to you.

The session starts with a consultation on what you want to achieve and styles you like/ what you are looking for, then they run around shop floor grabbing items for you while you relax and read magazines!

[trappedinsuburbia]

Right based on suggestions and a lot of looking on the internet im thinking long chiffon blouse/shirt type things, skinny jeans and shoe boot things with a heel ok enough to drive in (I spend my life driving) its a sort of mutation of the tunic/leggings/ankle boot idea. Sorted, thanks.