Need a non mumsy hairstyle

[WheresTheCat]

I need help!
I have (just) shoulder length hair, and have an appointment to get it cut next week but hav eno idea what to ask for.

I need something which is easy to style (mornings are a rush!) but not mumsy. I'm finding that as I'm getting older (am 35) my face is looking severe so need something to soften it - but don't want to look mumsy!

Any suggestions?

Any style that is well-cut, well-styled and suits you is not going to look mumsy. Very few people look good with an 'in between' length, unless its really well cut/styled.

Either go up to jaw length, or properly short if you can pull it off, or grow it past your shoulders. And find a hairdresser who listens to you and knows your hair type - challenging I know!

Thanks swanfall - that's a really good point about in between styles, and I think that's what I'm struggling with.
It used to b longer and I had it cut into a bob which I hate - so I think growing it longer again would be best rather than going shorter.
Know what you mean about the hairdresser - my hairdresser of 6 years has recently moved and I am struggling to find a replacement!

Oh no, good luck in your quest! I've just managed to grow out a bob too and hated being in between lengths for so long. I find longer hair more versatile too as you can put it up in different ways and wash it less often. I had to style my bob every day to avoid looking like a loo brush!

Ummm - apparently shoulder length hair is THE most flattering length. Maybe don't rush to get it all chopped off just yet... beauty.about.com/od/photosmediumhairstyles/ss/medhairs.htm

It does look gorgeous on all those celebrities, and quite unique too when everyone else has long or short hair. But they have perfectly styled, super shiny hair! On a normal person with averagely nice hair and not much time for styling I still think it can look a bit drab and 'nothing'.

It looks lovely on that lady - mine isn't that long though, although it reaches my shoulders

I think I need to grow it a little bit longer, but agree re styling and stuff - in the morning I only have time to brush it!

don't have a bob - the most mumsy style imo. keep it longer or hack it all off. Just my view!

I'm in the same position as you OP, in the fact I'm looking for a new hairstyle. Mine is long and layered at the moment but as it's fine it is just hanging flat. I would really like a bob but am worried about the mumsy look. If it's a graduated bob and shorter at the back does it still look mumsy oh wise MNers??

makemineacherry - don't give in and cut it all off just yet - mine is long and fine and hung flat until I bought the Babyliss Big Hair thing and discovered sock buns! I don't think graduated bobs are mumsy in themselves, but they are everywhere and on a lot of mums, so they're kind of boring and becoming mumsy...

I hate the word mumsy, must stop using it! There are plenty of dowdy women out there who are not mums after all.

I've got a long, 'Mary Quant' style bob. Bit like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=gwyneth+paltrow+hair&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1320&bih=719&tbm=isch&tbnid=Je0ME7VVGQGEqM:&imgrefurl=www.dailymakeover.com/hairstyles/all_womens_looks/gwyneth_paltrow_mar_17_2009%3Ftid_ref%3D246&docid=7ARGH0Wnl2Z52M&imgurl=www.dailymakeover.com/appImages/galleryImages/all_womens_looks/Gwyneth_Paltrow%252BMar_17_2009.jpg&w=300&h=400&ei=kZAET4aXDMzp8QOk5t2lAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=303&vpy=347&dur=3554&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=111&ty=99&sig=115896618073486815472&page=1&tbnh=158&tbnw=124&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this but I part my hair slightly more to the side and I'm a brunette. Suits if you have straight, medium-thick hair. Takes me 15 mins to blowdry with the Babyliss Big hair in the morning and I have it coloured Dark Auburn for a bit of warmth and gloss, too. Colour is as important as cut.

I used to have long hair, but since I got it cut I have never had so many compliments.

My bob is shorter at back and parted to the side with one side longer than the other, but its a long bob I don't have it all graduated and layered at the back. hate that look.

See, I don't think I could ever do anything more than just blow dry my hair upside down because I can't be arsedI don't have time.
Do like that hairstyle though - very chic!

Thanks ConstantCraving
I'm also wanting to have a bit of a chop so have found your link very inspiring.

Colour might be the way to soften your look - I always find a few highlights helpful.

Also agree that inbetween hair is not the way to go unless you know how to style your hair properly. Personally I prefer past shoulders as you can have your hair up or down, with a few layers to soften.