Help. I don't know what to buy. Feel as tho' I have no style... Feeling low about it

[Papyrus02]

I'm 5foot 2 (approx). Have 2 small children, SAHM. Late 30s. I want to look more fashionable. No idea what to do. Don't have much cash.

Recently bought Clarks National Sugar in black. Which I liked in shop, but when I got them home realised they didn't go with anything I had. Meant to take them back, but then thought I need boots this winter( last winter I wore walking boots with baggy jeans, every bloody day), so I kept them. Wore them at weekend. They look clumpy. They cut my legs in half. I like them when I'm not wearing them! Might sell on ebay?

What should I wear? Need casual stuff, perhaps the odd smart item.

Thinking ankle boots? Any ideas what will go with the boots I do have. Thought I could go for longer skirts?

Do you mean these boots? They are very nice. I'd wear with skinnies or leggings rather than long skirts. What size/shape are you?

those boots would look great with black skinnies or leggings, go for black, same colour as the boots to elongate the leg. get ideas from places like pinterest, there are quite a few mnetters on pinterest and have been a few threads on here sharing links but here's mine, this is where i get all my style ideas from (although my budget is primark!)

I am the same height as you, also I don't always feel confident with my style.

I have boots just below the knee (plainish black) I would wear with dark leggings and a tunic style dress/top. At our height they are a little longer which I prefer. (Mantaray or Whit Stuff I like)

Or still on a boots theme, I wear a denim skirt of black slightly A-line (for work). On top I would layer casual t-shirt and cardigan with chunky necklace. Or a print long sleeved top.

I don't suit long skirts and I don't like ankle boots with any skirts but that is probably just me!

Above should read denim OR black A-line.

Those boots are nice, I would wear them with black tights and a fitted, just above the knee dress. I would put the walking boots away until the snow arrives too.

I see you are a SATM, so am thinking you are doing a school run too? So clothes need to be quick and easy as you don't have much time.

If I were you, I would have a good look through my wardrobe and get rid of everything that I didn't like and did not suit or fit me. Ebay or charity shop the lot. This may sound drastic, but if you are not wearing the clothes they are only taking up room in your wardrobe.

With the clothes that are left, see how many different looks you can come up with mixing and matching them. This will also show you the gaps in your wardrobe which you could gradually fill.

I'm not sure about your budget, but if you can run to having your hair trimmed or restyled and your eyebrows shaped (this really makes a difference!) this will help with a more pulled together look. I'm not sure whether you wear make up, but a slick of concealer, mascara and lip gloss also makes a difference. If you have an FE college near you, they are always looking for models for hairdressing and beauty treatments. The cost is very reasonable and the students are supervised, but they do tend to be slower than a regular salon.

If it is any consolation, I spend some mornings standing in front of my wardrobe not knowing what to wear either. I tend to wear separates which mix and match and have some dresses for the days when I really don't know what to wear (!)

Do you have black skinny jeans? They do jeggings in sainsburys very reasonably and they are great for everyday- keep their cour and don't bag at the knees too much.

You could also wear them with leggings and a tube skirt, that's a cheap option...h and m have them for 3.99. Put a baggy top, loose jumper with it to balance out the 'tight' bottom half and cover your belly and hold if your self conscious...

Yes...eyebrows waxed/ threaded will help you feel neater and I've recently started getting shellac nails done- you can find it for about 15 pound and lasts about 3 weeks. Make you feel groomed!!

Oooooh, thanks everyone.

I'm not sure about the skinny jean thing. I feel as though my legs are quite chunky - although I think they look chunkier because I'm short. I am losing the baby weight slowly, so perhaps they will look better on me soon. I'm a 8/10 on top, 12 on bottom. (Approx)

I have cleared out wardrobe - could do more. So much doesn't fit me. I think that is what has partly caused this crisis. Clothes either fall off me or are too tight.

I have started having hair done regularly - since summer and that has made feel better.

The boots are these ones - www.sarenza.co.uk/clarks-national-sugar-s149-p0000080959

Boots would look great with an above the knee skirt. Mid thigh is my narrowest point so that is where my skirts come to. A line are fine as long as you don't wear a long top - you need to see the narrowest area of the skirt ie waist or very close to it to be flattering. Knitted/jersey tube skirts are comfortable and flattering.