I've just seen the most unflattering video of me from last summers sports day.....

[saythatagain]

...it was horrendous and terribly disappointing to see myself so cumbersome and yet gawky looking. Ok, I'm tall 5'11"; I try, really try to always be 'upright' (fellow tallies will understand this). And yet, there I was, like a big boil on the face of sports day - slight exaggeration but all the same, I did look wonky and badly kitted out.
As someone who, like most people, having very limited/no funds, what is the best kind of style to go for.
Here are my 'vital' (ha ha) statistics: size 14, brown curly hair, long face with wrinkles.
I'm not being deliberately down on myself, I just want to look better.
Please help me!

Size 14 and tall.. I'd say the worlds your oyster! Bet you could wear tunics, leggings and boots. Wish I could

You see, on paper, it sounds ok but by God, I've seen the hard evidence.....it's just not nice. Im looking for great ideas, maybe from people who have/are in the same boat....anybody?????

Get a bloody good haircut. Instant no-effort improvement.

How's your make-up? More specifically, your skin tone? Makes a hige difference if you get a coupla products to even it out.

My actual haircut is good I think. I can do the smoothing out of it and feel good about that. It's more the style of clothes I think.
I see plenty of women looking like they've got it 'just right' in a stylish yet looking effortless way. Im not talking corporate (jeez no), glam or trendy...just comfy/stylish.
Its such a long time since I've really been bothered about how I look I have know idea even where to start looking.

Agree with Jaxx, you should try wearing tunics/dresses with leggings and long boots. I bet you would look amazing.

I am not quite as tall as you (5'9") and until last year I lived in jeans/top but had a moment a bit like yours and had to change something. While I may have changed one "uniform" to another I do look alot better. More "put together" so I feel more confident. Have a play around and hope you feel a bit brighter soon.

Hiya,
I'm 5'10, but unfortunately a size 18!!!
I live in bootcut trousers/jeans/cords, and try not to wear baggy tops - they just make me look huge!!!
I have long straight hair - I tried a short bob, but it didn't suit my face!
Also - I try to wear colours, not black.
Hope that helps!!!

Oh, I sympathise. I'm also 5'11" and often feel quite self-conscious about it. (It doesn't help that I live in a land of dwarves.)

Anyway, what kind of style do you usually go for? I have just organised my 'winter uniform', which mainly consists of a long tailored coat, that I will wear with skinnies, tunic tops or soft shirts, and heeled ankle boots. It looks pulled together without trying too hard, I think.

I'm 5'10 size 14 with dark hair I never wear leggings or tunics as they don't suit me at all for some reason. I tend to wear skinny jeans black/denim/grey occasionally red or white in summer, with loose but not baggy tops or shirts in various colours with a fitted jacket to bring me in at the waist. Usually on my feet I wear flat knee boots or ballet pumps. With some make up I usually feel good to go anywhere.

In winter I have a tailoured calf length coat which I wear over most things. Heels as well always make me feel more put together but I can't really wear them for work.

what about this kind of look?

www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/ie/en/zara-W2011/124501/548017/SWEATER%2BWITH%2BAPPLIQUE%2BAND%2BSEQUINS

I have this sweater except it s not a huge as the one on the model much more fitted and hangs nicely

static.zara.net/photos2011/I/0/1/p/3268/872/707/3268872707_1_1_3.jpg?timestamp=1315558253483

I wear it with skinnies (beige or black 'jamie' from topshop or oasis new skinny range which are fab ) or with boyfriend type cut jeans and converse/ flats
It s easy and looks nice but not over glam

Thanks for the advice/support. It is weird because I don't feel uncomfortable, I just looked awkward and really obvious, which of course you would at 5'11" wouldn't you?
It might appear that I'm 'fishing' for compliments by stealth - I'm not; I just want to look good...quite a tall order (no pun intended!)

It's fine to try and make the best of your appearance but you don't need to fret over looking awkward and obvious. To your eyes you may have done, but no one else would have been paying you anywhere near as much attention as you did when watching the DVD.

If you are looking to improve your appearance whilst spending little or no money, paying more attention to your hair (blowdrying etc, use of products), skin (moisturiser/body lotion and foundation/makeup), nails and the general tidiness of your clothes (ironed, no threads hanging/stains, matching and with accessories if you have them) will make a big difference. And make sure you look in the mirror before you leave the house, and throughout the day for essential repairs.

What product/s would you recommend to keep hair smooth? Leaving the house on a damp & pesky morning can give my hair a rather fetching candy floss look and thats only by the time I've reached the bus stop!

Definately use straightners after drying.