Ideas for the fashion clueless

[YesIveNameChanged]

I need to update my wardrobe, but I have no idea where to start!

I'm 26 with two young dc's and after years of being pregnant or bf'ing and generally just buying bits from charity shops because they would fit I now have no idea what I want to wear or what would look good.

I'm 5ft 10 and a size 12 bottom and 10/12 top. I need clothes that are practical (school runs, playgroups etc) but also stylish. I don't really like wearing heels because I feel like lurch towering over everyone and I walk everywhere. Skirts are ok but I have very prominent veins in one leg that developed during my pregnancies and I feel a bit self conscious about them.

At the moment I live in skinny fit high waisted jeans and non -descript tops and rarely any accessories.

I have some vouchers to spend at John Lewis so could really do with some guidance on what items I should be looking at. Would love to get into the summer months feeling good about what I'm wearing and how I look.

I love scarfs. They jazz up anything. I find the small (silk) neck tie ones best around children to avoid them wiping their nose on it! John Lewis is great as they'll show you different ways to tie them
I also love irregular choice flat shoes, sometimes stocked in John Lewis.
Another way (and my sisters favourite) is just to put some red lipstick on but go to department store and ask advice on with shade of red suits your skin tone. The wrong shade can make you look pale and ill.

Perhaps have a look at Pinterest for a bit of inspiration?
Or some style blogs?- there's another thread talking a out style blogs and freebies but it mentions some blogs worth checking out for some outfit inspiration!

I second Pinterest... You can search for 'high waisted skinny jeans' and you'll get a whole load of inspiration.

I'm a similar age/size to you and am also trying to be practical yet semi stylish!

I tend to throw on a pair of skinnys with some kind of stripy top/marl effect t-shirt/blouse add a blazer and a chunky necklace and wear with small heeled boots/Nike airs/brogues or loafers.

It's a bit of a uniform but it's easy in the mornings!