How to look well dressed ?

[Whitesky75]

I’m in jeans and primark men’s T-shirts most of the time. My hair is tied in a bun and not always up to date with hair colour. You get the picture?

I work from home, but my job is very demanding. With 3 kids (2 in primary school), I struggle to
manage most days. My husband can’t do much at home as his work involves long hours and a lot of travel.

Ladies with 2-3 kids and a full time demanding job, can you tell me how you manage to dress well and look good ?

Good haircut
clean and tidy nails
good quality shoes and bag
dont worry about the rest

find a “uniform” that works for you. Mines at the moment is some wide leg elastic waist trousers (matalan have some really nice casual comfy ones) and t-shirt, I like the boxy cropped ones for new look, comfortable but very flattering because although cropped they hit right below the waist and with high waist trousers no skin on show. Some nice trainers, minimal understated jewellery (gold chain, small hoops, and a bracelet, maybe a watch). Once you find clothes that work for you get in different colours so you don’t always look the same.

make up- minimal but makes a big difference, a lick of concealer under the eyes, bronzer, blush, and eye brows. I don’t wear mascara day to day mostly because I think it looks naff as the day goes on and I’m too lazy to take it off at night. Find a nice sheer lipstick that is almost just a balm with a hint of colour.

get your hair coloured and cut and experiment until you find a quick easy style that you can do. Putting it up in a claw clip with a few loose bits at the front curled can look very chic.

I find this kind of thing is the most practical for day to day with kids, practical and casual but I feel pretty put together. I can get ready in 20 minutes and generally feel pretty good with how I look.

Ah, this is me. But I will look shit if I don't make an effort. I see women of all ages, shapes and sizes look good

To me, dressing well means classic styles (no big slogans, no obviously synergic materials, must be well fitting).

Good quality fabrics (mostly natural fibres), pleasant colours, good fit. Avoid trainers with a skirt or dress unless it's deliberately styled (or with frilly white socks).

I'm a size 10 with small boobs, but damn it I'm only 5ft 2. I may as well just give up now 🙄

Well polished or cleaned shoes. Once they look like they’ve changed shape to accommodate your feet they don’t look so smart. Maybe a shoe tree would be good?

Lol !!

Be slim

Have good skin

Wear navy, teal, mahogany, beige. No patterns really

Great hairstyle, manicured nails, subtle

WFH? Dresses.

If you can be bothered, accessories.
Even casual dresses make it look like you've made more an effort than baggy tshirt and jeans, are more comfortable, are only 1 piece of clothing to pick.
Not that there's anything wrong with baggy tshirts and jeans!

Casual pants and a nice top

It's quite easy to look "well dressed", it depends what look you are actually after? Pinterest is your friend for inspiration.

Wear clothes that suit your body shape

Colour your own hair, to stay on top of it

Oh I don't think many people appreciated my first post about height and size. I'm 5'3 and a size 18 ffs (I was a size 10 once for about a week but i still looked fat because of my enormous boobs) I wasn't body shaming anyone. I would love to look well dressed but I just don't.
Apologies @Whitesky75 it really wasn't very helpful or constructive.

it might not be your ideal body shape and weight, fair enough, but there are loads of plus size "influencers" (i hate that word) on instagram showing how larger women can dress well. You could look well dressed like they do - you won't look slim, but that's not the question.

Dont buy primark. Their garment its awful you can really tell its cheap and it will cheapen your look. If your budget tight, H&M do much better quality, makesure to read the label and better get natural fabric (cotton,linen,etc).

make sure your clothes are wrinkle free. You have to put clothes who is the right size for you and flattering for your body.

Learn about style, garment and what fit and flattering for you. So many fashion stylist in youtube you can find the style that you like and follow their tips.

makesure hair its tidy, does not matter the colour as long as its tidy. Nails are clean or you can wear gel. Choose natural colour gel for more elegant look. If you dont use gel then makesure its clean.

wear makeup. Not too much but “clean look” makeup.

and last thing the hardest part its get in shape. I’m not in shape yet. I’m size 16. But we can clearly see that body shape its really play a big part in achieving the elegant look. You will be much fell put together if you are slim.

1. Wear colours and shapes that suit you. Jeans and t shirts are perfectly sensible, but you can still optimise the look.

2. Make sure the jeans & t shirt fit. Make sure they are a good shape - so don't wear spray on jeans if you have fat legs or a high round neck t-shirt if you have substantial norkage. Wear a jacket or accessories to do the school run. Always do your hair and if you look better with makeup develop a speedy look you can do before heading out of the door.

3. Remember everyone else is busy looking at themselves.

My tips are make sure your jeans fit. Don't go for anything that's too long or short!
Find your "thing" for me it's Boho type tops. They tend to be that bit more formal than a t shirt, don't cling and hide my tummy...
Hair always clean,
I did paint my nails but bite them off again when I was anxious.

I also agree with bayalage and a decent cut every so often.

Also add some colour each morning, whether it's blush or tinted lip balm and a little mascara.

Makes a huge difference.

Surprised by the recommendations to wear neutrals. They can be very unforgiving. Beige can look stunning on people with brown eyes and black or tanned skin, but people who are pale or pink skinned mostly look washed out.

Thanks everyone! I’m very grateful for the responses, suggestions and ideas. Pls keep them coming.

I'm all 3 of those and I too never look well dressed🤣 I'm a sahm to a 22 month old who is energetic to say the least so much prefer to be in jeans and t-shirt too

You didn't say anything terrible, came across more like trying to be relatable to me, but good on you for coming back.

Well that's just mean!

Can I ask the brand you use?

You can nail this really easily given you are working from home and therefore mostly seen on Teams/Zoom etc.

1. Hair and make up. Regular cut/colour. Never leave the salon without booking next appointment. Will minimise bad hair days. Groomed brows. Light make up always - tinted moisturiser, mascara, blush and neutral lip makes a big difference on screen to define and lift you. You’ll feel good and look good and that will lift your mood and energy.
2. Use solid colour. A pink jumper, a cobalt t-shirt under a blazer, a navy cashmere sweater with a bold lip. You will be able to get away with bolder colours than you expect on screen. (You may well have jeans on underneath and out of shot)
3. A crisp shirt is always useful for making you look “done”. Gives structure and looks smart. White, black or light blue always useful. If you only have one, go white.
4. Choose earrings carefully. A mix of classic studs, tiny hoops and then a couple of options that may bring a discreet colour pop/add personality depending on role/sector.
5. Don’t forget your hands. Pop of solid colour on nails OR neutral polish. Avoid nail art.
6. Make sure your glasses look sharp if you wear them. Treat yourself to a new pair if not.
7. Avoid hoodies, slogans, pale/insipid colours, overly fussy prints, tops that are too revealing or asymmetrical. Anything showing a lot of flesh, close up is a bad idea for wfh as it gives an odd vibe. Or keep a fitted blazer/jacket nearby to throw on for meetings!

Consider your desk and background too - the more organised and professional you appear on screen the better you will feel. What is appropriate for your role?

Hair, make up, a few key well-cut pieces with classic jewellery will take you anywhere.

Dress for work and then change afterwards for home - helps keep some boundaries when wfh.

This is just fucking hilarious 😂

Levi’s Wedgie jeans, t shirts from all over but M&S relaxed fit are good, Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C serum and moisturiser and trainers are anything like Superga, Converse, Veja, Vans, Adidas, Nike.