To ask how some people making looking so normal so good?

The things that make me always feel not-put-together are 1) I have big boobs so a lot of outfits just don't look right on me, 2) I have fine wispy hair so it never looks 'done' unless I spend aaages on it, and 3) I have a sticky out tum (thank you peri-menopause) so I find my jeans never hang right. I revel instead in looking slightly scruffy and alternative, but secretly clothes-wise I would love to look like an actual 52 year old woman rather than a teenage boy!

I was looking online at outfit inspiration recently....there was a woman wearing black leggings, a loose white vest and a long beige cardigan over it. It looked incredible. She was probably a size 6-8, olive skinned and long dark hair. She looked so chic and stylish. But honestly on a pale, chubby, size 14, that outfit of leggings, vest and long cardigan would look average verging on crap.

I was just trying to say that the things I’ve seen for sale abroad often just don’t work in the UK, even though they look great there, that’s all.

But you can buy colour in the UK 😆

In my experience, it helps to be pretty. Less attractive people rarely look put together, whatever they wear, where’s beautiful people can throw on a bin liner and look good.

I was just trying to say that the things I’ve seen for sale abroad often just don’t work in the UK, even though they look great there, that’s all.

The UK is not just England though, or London. I spoke of the UK. And anyway it’s about the intensity of the colours and the exact undertone as much as whether it is just “blue” or “green” etc. Same way as paint will look completely different depending on whether it is in a N or S facing room etc. Even subtle differences can have quite an impact. And everyone will have a different skin tone at different times depending on how much time they’ve spent in the sun or indoors etc, whether it is winter at the time or not.

Having said what I said, mind you, visiting Italy seems to involve everyone wearing a sea of black puffa jackets so it’s not as though brights are ubiquitous! I’m quite partial to a bright colour myself but I’d have more opportunity to wear it if I was Queen L as above or even Princess Kate etc where it would be fine for me to stand out as one of the few not wearing dowdier colours…

I would also only wear one bright patterned item that suits my skin tone (I’m very pale and blonde) and leave the rest plain. I live in London. I don’t see why that would be garish or clash with Londons architecture.

@springbringshope who is your stylish person that only wears neutrals?

I disagree that brights don't work because of the light in England. But yes it's about what suits the particular person.

Obviously I speak in generalities and from my own personal experience. I said many, not all. Obviously I don’t speak for everyone.

The light in London is still island light though. And the tones of the architecture and plants. It’s just different to eg Alpine light or the Med/tropics. Or even Central Europe.

I love bright colours and they look great on some folk and they should fill their boots on that score. I’m just saying what I have observed about what is traditionally sold in the UK and who it might suit.

I'm a Londoner, lots of skin tones here...

In the UK, the prevailing light and skin tones of many mean bright colours are less common. Tend to be reserved for special occasions often when the light is either artificial (evening do), or at its brightest (summer garden party for example).

When I shop abroad I see clothes in a far brighter palette and frankly a lot don’t suit me and my Celtic colouring. Before I realised this I did buy some there and brought them back to the UK and they looked garish in the light here (even leaving aside whether they suited me specifically). A lot is about context.

Oh another persons colourful style I like is Queen Maxima

I think there is a middle point between trying to 'look expensive' and wearing all beige and white and resembling a Christmas tree. Some examples:

Queen Letizia:
Plain top + patterned skirts: 1 2 3
Bold colors: Orange dress Pink coat and red dress Red suit Pink ensemble
Other: Patterned green dress

Caroline Cook Caroline Style Hacks

Some inspiration from the Cup of Jo 'Week in Outfits' (no influencers or ppl with stylist here):
Yellow Red + stripes

I think the key is to know which colors and patterns work for you. A bold color or pattern that doesn't suit somebody will make them look awful, so neutrals are a safer option. But muted, neutrals=sophisticated & classy is simply not true.

What’s the link to the specific item she was wearing from the set? Only saw a link to the generic collection? Very curious!!

Following with interest as feel the need for a look overhaul and thought the find someone who you like the looks of an interesting idea, coupled with knowing your body shape.

I’ve always liked what Fiona Bruce wears and feel we are a similar shape having read a few tips from this post plus I aways like her look and outfits, especially her summer ones.

Im definitely not a fan of ironing but I do feel that Im going to have to find mine

Yes, no matter what I wear, I look a mess. I work in fast food, my family say my uniform's very smart, I don't think it looks like it on me, it always looks crumpled after 5 seconds.

@KingOfPoundbury , I like the idea of a crown or a tiara perhaps? Yes a simple white tee shirt and a crown will be my go to. I'm going to put it on an App and wear beige all the time.

Well, not sure if anyone did the same as me today, but achieved the perfect hint of t shirt under my crew neck by going out with it back to front…it worked! However, realised I might get warm and have to take it off, so turned it back around and it still looked great.
Never though I’d say it, but classic fit white t from Primark did the trick!

Great post and good for you! The part about putting your own oxygen mask on really resonates with me.

Hmm. I kind of look better in the summer because I have to wear so many layers in the winter, but if anyone saw my mosquito bitten legs....
Sweat takes the makeup off too and we're not supposed to tan any more..

Yes, fitted, not too tight or too loose.

I love the idea of wearing shades of camel and black and looking all sophisticated, but they just don’t suit me, unfortunately. I also reckon that shapely legs really help with looking good.

I think Prue Leith looks great in prints & colours.

Lupita Nyong'o's is one of my best dressed celebs.

Not the poster you asked, but Iris Apfel.