Fashion. Where do I even START? Can I have some help, please?

[ThePoorMansBeckySharp]

Right. I am ready to stop looking like a dowdy, middle-aged old bag. I take good care of my skin, hair is passable if I can be bothered to blowdry it, weight is not TOO bad, need to lose a few pounds and tone up.

What the hell do I wear? I have stuff for the rare occasion I go out at night but I have NOTHING for casual day-to-day wear. I look like I have completely given up - just end up wearing bootcut jeans with converse and a jumper. I used to take pride in my appearance but now have NO idea. I'm 38, 5 foot 5 and a size 12.

What do you do all day? Do you prefer jeans/trousers/skirts? How much walking do you do? How much time are you willing to give to your appearance?

I suggest this on every single thread like this, but getting your colours analysed (by House of Colour, Colour Me Beautiful etc) really helps as a starting point. Then if you're buying anything new, it's in your best colours, and will make your outfits look pulled together without any efforts once a good proportion of your wardrobe is within your palette.

A few accessories can really help pull an outfit together, even just a bracelet or watch and a necklace. And a civilised handbag of some description, rather than just a change bag or shopping bag or whatever.

Have you not got a mate who can take you in hand ?

I think you could just smarten up your basic look of converse and jeans etc.

I think blazers make you look pulled together, so a blazer could maybe be your biggest change paired with simple tops cut in the best colours and shape for you, don't focus on a fashion top but a flattering one.

This blazer is fairly casual and also the whole pic shows you a blazer, t, jeans combo which looks good. Just change the heels for everyday flats! www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-S2012/189502/680010/JERSEY%2BBLAZER

Try a different cut of trouser. Bootlegs are flattering for pear shapes etc. but aren't a very current cut if your a different shape. Try a straight cut or skinny jean or tapered chinos like these www.wallis.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33058&storeId=12557&productId=4972712&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=209314&parent_categoryId=209166&pageSize=20

Converse are classic and easy so no need to change I don't think. Could try superga?

Nothing wrong with jeans and converse, but I would suggest thinking about your tops. People notice them more and cos they're by your face they make more impact. Try to find tops with a shape and style that flatters you. Maybe get some cotton blouses or jersey tops that have some pattern or embellishment on them.

I always go for a range of neutrals and then get some accessories with a bit of color to brighten them up.

Also think about 'finishing pieces' like a light weight jacket or cardi. They can take jeans and a tee shirt and really smarten them up. Belts can also have the same effect.

I'd start with a list of what you need, eg jeans x 5, tops x 10 etc then think about color and style