What do people wear nowadays- help!!

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

Hi all. I very very rarely venture into the hallowed halls of S&B, as I am neither stylish nor beautiful, and usually don't care very much!

However! This week a friend and I are going for one of those makeover/ photoshoot things- I only agreed because it is a year since I had a haircut ( My usual, beloved hairdresser went on mat leave and I've been too scared, and busy, to let anyone else cut my hair!). I don't really have much interest in the photoshoot bit, BUT I thought it might be nice to have a semi-decent photo of myself taken before I hit 40 later in the year (I am not photogenic in the slightest, and most photos make me look like a right numpty )

So, hopefully it will be a fun day out with my friend, and it would be nice to maybe pay a little attention to myself again. I started a new business last year, and have let myself go somewhat! I only ever wear work clothes, which, given I am a vet, are not always flattering (or even hairfree/clean!) I rarely go out, but when I do I can look OK-ish.

Trouble is, makeover is during the day, and I have NO idea what to wear- what do people wear during the day other than workclothes??!! As an added depressive, despite promising myself that I would lose that elusive 10lbs and feel great and confident before the makeover...I haven't

So please help, Oh stylish ones! the friend I am going with always seems to be "on trend" and I don't want to look like a hideous troll. I just need some ideas of what is "in"/ available. I've tried looking through a few shops, but everything looks alien to me, I wouldn't know what to wear with what Wish I had time for a personal shoppery-type thing, but don't- hardly even have time to go to shops, work really busy, so would prefer to buy online if possible.

Is there any hope??

Och, we'll get you sorted!

What sort of colouring / size / hight are you? Good bit? Oh yeah, and budget?

Hi and thanks!! I am 5'8, size 12-14, red-headed and freckly. Trying to think of good bits...probably my shoulders!! Small boobs, big ass/ thighs (hate my thighs, also hate my pudgy-looking knees, which refuse to change shape, no matter how much/ what exercise I do)

Budget...I am a bit of a cheapo I never spend money on myself, it seems a bit decadent, somehow! DH is always urging me to "buy something decent!" (as opposed to cheap, under-my-scrub-top tops) But I guess I could spend a little more if it was something I might wear again and again, and felt great in!

How about something a bit like this? Maybe with wedge sandals? Is a good shape for you in any case.

Or perhaps your more the trouser y sort...

I like that, and I do like halternecks (and even have wedge sandals), but would I not look a bit dressed up for during the day??- possibly not, I just have no clue what people actually wear during the day!

I am normally a trouser-y person, I suppose, but am willing to try stepping bravely out of that mould!

Go out during the day.
Walk around somewhere where there are lots of people.
Sit in a cafe or something and watch people go past.
Note women who you think look good, especially if they are a similar shape to you.
Don't think "I can't wear that". You can if you like.

I'm with trills - damn good plan. Make sure you have some cake while you're at it

I must be having a wise day today - people keep agreeing with me. :o

love the idea of people watching for inspiration.

For daytime Id probably go for a nice pair of dark denim jeans in a flattering cut, try Gap, Top Shop or Oasis, and team it with a nice blouse and maybe a jacket/blazer. Zara or Oasis usually have lovely blouses/tops

Wedge sandals would be ideal (and comfy!), try Next or even Clarks for those.

If you really feel like treating yourself (and I think you should!) pop into Boots and ask one of the sales assistants to recommend a few basic bits of make up for daytime, even just a tinted moisturiser, mascara and lipgloss will make you feel so much more groomed. Those ladies are not as scary as they look! I know you are going to have your make up done professionally on your day out but having a few basics on beforehand will boost your confidence

Good luck

Paint your nails bright red! If I see someone who has had time to paint their nails then I think they must be a completely together, organised, cool sort of woman. Bright red screams confidence right?

For day time wear, I always admire women who can pull off 'casual' and still look cool. Boyfriend jeans, a nice t-shirt and ballet pumps or converses look so good on some people.

You sound like a pear shape so google 'pear shape' and there's loads of advice out there for what to wear to show of your shape. Pears are the sexiest

None of the above actually applies to me btw

You are all so nice! I was people watching at the school when I went to pick up the kids- people do wear those big floaty dresses during the day! Who knew?

Hoping the weather will be nice, thinking of a long skirt and more fitted top- quite casual, but covers my legs in a way jeans don't! Only problem is it seems impossible to find a long skirt that isn't frilly or flowery!

Might brave the make-up ladies, but can't really paint my nails, I'm afraid- they are very very short (for work- can't do fake nails either!) and I hate my fingers!

Not difficult, am I?

Hey! Good work

Mango are good for long, non-flowery, non-frilly skirts ATM

Oh, and short nails is good IMHO. Talons almost always look cheap and tacky to me, if you don't fancy polish (which can be lovely on short nails) how about buffing then? Gives a lovely shine and lasts way longer than polish ever does on me.

Why don't you buy:
A pair of white wide legged trousers with a candy coloured lace top, with a pair of wedges the same colour as the top. Oversized sunglasses and a silk scarf.

Then with the sunglasses and shoes buy a maxi dress and a shrug.

xx

I'm a pear too. I've just bought this m.dorothyperkins.com/mt/www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=5395877&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=226989&parent_categoryId=226988&pageSize=20

Sorry, rubbish at links on phone. Got it in navy too. Fits really well, and can be dressed up or down.

Like the idea of buffing my nails- now I think about it, I used to do that years ago, and they did look better!!

Quite like the Mango skirts- thanks! But the ones I like look very long! Not sure about that- very long skirt + wedge sandals + clutzy old me + glass of champers= head split open on the pavement Not sure how well blood would wash out of them...

I'm a bit scared of white trousers for similar reasons! For one, you can always see my pants (and DO NOT mention thongs to me!) Plus will wide legged trousers not make my wide legs look even, well, wider?? And I am so clumsy I would sit on something/ drop something/ bump into someone carring red paint.

I like the stripey dress, 40, but would feel a bit...exposed! And do they not say that horizontal stripes make you look wider (and believe me I feel wide enough already! A fact not helped by the 2 teacakes I've just wolfed )?

OK, been looking- what are your opinions on this skirt?

Really not sure, trying to think differently!! Would it look too dressy, or could you wear it with a plain black/ brown vest top, for example?? Do you think it would be slimming, or would I look like a marquee? God, I'm hopeless

I have a long brown linen (flared) skirt that I love, but it is too big and held up with safety pins , so not quite the effect I was after, but maybe something similar?

Yeah, they were maxi skirts, which are well maximum length skirts. Did you mean of under the knee? Mid-calf?

TBH the reasons you give are pretty much why I suggested dresses they're just so damn easy to wear, no faffing about matching tops to bottoms, just on and done.

WRT stripes - the horzontal-stripes-are-fattening-and-vertical-stripes-are-slimming thing is a total myth. I find horizonal stipes really flattering 'cause I'm a short arse, big of nork and slightly chunky ATM.

Oh, forgot to refresh...

Love that skirt, definitely not too dressy and really rather versatile.

Really? maybe I'm not hideously fashion-blind after all then!!!

Other option was maybe going to be tunic and leggings- maybe something like this? (although I accept that I will never quite look like she does in it!)

True bout stripes!
Am v ample of hip and those dresses are really flattering! I've got a loose jersey cardi I will wear with them to cover up!

Oh God, I've bought the skirt (gulp!) Showed it to DH, who said (predictably!) "Is that all the rage, is it?" (which is what he always says, and drives me crackers- he is 42, not 92 FFS)

I only bought it anyway, because I showed him the tunic/ leggings and he laughed and made some comment about me always buying black, even in summer, so I bought the skirt to defy him!

Now just worrying it won't come in time, and I'll be forced to dredge something up from my wradrobe of gloom. Or it will come and I will hate it, and look like a fecking eejit in it.

Why the hell would people do this shopping thing for FUN??!