How to look put together?

[CatteryCatss]

I’m in my late 20s. I’m 5ft 2, with a BMI of 24. I have been working on a capsule wardrobe with good quality clothes, which I love. I typically gravitate towards classic designs. I exercise by walking and swimming 2/3 times a week.

I wear make-up in a natural style (foundation, which is matched to my skin colour, brown mascara and I fill in my brows a little.)

However, no matter what I do, I never look put together. I feel frumpy and bloated, even though I’m not overweight at all.

Does anyone have any tips for me?

What sort of clothes do you like? I know you say you like classic clothes but could you give us an example of what you wear? Do they fit you properly? Do you have enough shoes so that they don't look too worn? What kind of bag do you use?

I like neutral colours (navy, beige, cream and black etc.) I have a few Ralph Lauren jumpers. Several basic tees in white and black Two pairs of Levi jeans in a medium wash. A navy Barbour waxed jacket and a Hobbs trench coat.

My clothes fit me properly, but I feel so frumpy!

Yes, I have a few pairs of Doc Marten boots, a pair of white New Balance trainers and a pair of sandals.

I have two bags, a Fossil tan crossbody and a black Longchomp le pliage (medium).

Maybe you need a bit of colour in your accessories? Or shoes. There are some very cute red Mary Janes out there currently.

Who do you admire? Who’s your icon?

Put together for me is straightening my hair, wearing matching lingerie and smelling good.

Put together for my friend is letting her gorgeous curls go wild, 1950s fitted dresses and matching her bag to her shoes.

I really don’t mean to sound rude but do you think you are dressing a bit older than your years? I don’t wear ‘classic tees’ and I’m in my mid 50’s and don’t think I’ve worn medium wash jeans since the 80’s. When people say classic I think of Kate Middleton. I understand you want long lasting clothes but then you’re aren’t going to look modern. How about following some stylists on Instagram, look on Vinted or DeBop for inspiration

Maybe check out your kibbe type - I know jumpers can make me look a bit frumpy depending on fit and if a chunky knit. Also you give your height and weight but distribution does matter too for example a large chest may mean different things suit better. Agree with pp that it is a bit 'older than your years' is that why it feels frumpy would you have more luck with a modern classic look

One tip I got from Mumsnet a few years ago was always having little sparkly studs in my ears pretty much 24/7. I used to only wear earrings for occasions but now I love a little bit glitz everytime I look in the mirror and it really does help me feel more put together. Also agree with nice matching underwear and nice perfume too, obviously others won’t see that, but it does make me feel more put together 😀

Do those colours suit you? Sorry to say that they sound a bit bland. I used colourwise.me to get an idea of which colours to go for. You upload a photo and it determines your best and worst colours. I already knew that khaki suited me and peachy tones don't - they completely wash me out. I was right , and it gave me some more ideas of what to/not to go for. It's really good.

Sparkly stud earrings is a fab tip!

I completely get you. For me, neutral clothes means that I can mix and match everything, so I don’t require extra pieces.

Modern isn’t really the look that I want to achieve, but I do appreciate the response!

Grace Kelly! (I am 28, I swear)

Her looks were so timeless. I’d love to achieve a look similar to hers!

I think you suffer the short person curse that I can empathise with!! Your wardrobe sounds too stiff and like it cuts you in half visually, maybe book a stylist appointment at a store and see if they can give you some things to try on that you wouldn’t usually entertain? X

Grace Kelly was stunningly beautiful.

She was very classically elegant. What are your hair and nails like?

Isn't Grave Kelly style more dresses? Am I missing something?

I wear similar to what you describe- Levi jeans, white or black t shirts, trench coat (wouldn't touch Hobbs or RL though!!). For me personally I think it's a look that suits a slim frame to give it an effortless stylish look.

Grace Kelly had quite a structured, tailored look with strong silhouettes.

I would try swapping out a t-shirt for a shirt. Wearing a column of colour can also help to pull a look together.

Maybe a tiny bit more make up too - a blush and lipstick that enhance your natural cheek and lip colour can also make you feel a bit more finished without being ‘done up’.

It's the hair and the nails for me! And the basic grooming, top lip waxed etc haha!!

Hard to say without photos .

What is going on with your hair , do you style it, is it cut well?

Thank you, so much! I actually have a lot of shirts, but I don’t reach for them very often. I’ve just moved them in my wardrobe so they’re more eye level!

Modern isn’t really the look that I want to achieve, but I do appreciate the response!

So it's hard to tell what you want. You're dressing a bit classic (boring) and neutral (boring) but you're happy with it. You're young and slim, so could wear anything you want, but you'd prefer classic. So own it.

My hair is brunette and naturally wavy/curly. Length-wise, it’s at my collarbones. I keep it natural because it suits me best. I tend to wear it half up and half down, or with a hairband.

I’ll be getting highlights next month

You need to find what suits you in terms of shape, colours and lifestyle.

I recently did this. Im BMI 24 like you, but I am tall but I dont think that will make a difference.

I got -
4 fitted t-shirts (white, black, grey, navy)
4 short cardigans (beige, grey, black, navy)
jumpers (beige, cream, brown, grey)
high waisted wide leg trousers (beige, grey, black, navy)
high waisted jeans (light denim, and dark denim)
Assortment of belts
3 shirts (white, blue, beige and white striped).

Shoes - blue gazelles, docs or brogues.
Oh and a camel full length coat and massive scarf.

Layer up, make sure you have cuffs showing, and tuck jumpers in at front so can see belt and show off waist and bum.

I never have to even think about what im wearing anymore because it all matches and I just mix it up.

It's not just weight but proportions are really important, are you short or long bodied etc

It's a very "old" look you have there. I'm 60 and it sounds dull to me. Have you got a stylish friend who could take you shopping, try things that are not "classic". "Classic" doesn't suit everyone - a white shirt and a trench coat is very unflattering on me.

Grace Kelly sounds amazing v timeless and feminine - your description sounds a little more Sloane Ranger though. Grace Kelly was v about creating a strong silhouette whereas a cable jumper and Levi's is likely to do the opposite