Where do I start?

[feckitall]

Here is a challenge...I'm 48..I have never worn make up and live in jeans, t shirts and fleeces/jumpers. I own 2 nice dresses and 1 pair of smart trousers. I wear provided uniform for work. I'm rather tomboy in personality.
I rarely go out but it would be nice to look nice when I do.
Also it might give a more 'professional' look at work as I aim for promotion. ability and hard work isn't working
Can anyone recommend books/sites that would give someone with no knowledge of what and how to use and what would look good. I have no real sense of 'style'
I can't afford to spend much so need to do it on a budget.

Hello! Hopefully people will be along soon to recommend some fashion blogs. You might want to start by looking in the internet/in magazines for looks that you like and then basing a capsule wardrobe around those. You don't need to spend a fortune.
I like to look quite feminine so, for me, I have little vest tops that I wear with cardigans in a range of colours, nice wool jumpers, some cashmere and smart jeans.
I also have lots of dresses to wear in summer that I accessorize with embellished sandals, smart wedges and a nice leather bag.
Also, think about jewellery. Just one simple attractive necklace can se off the plainest of tops. Do you like watches? Choose the prettiest one you dare to wear.
Don't wear trainers all the time and ditch the fleeces.
Get a lovely wool winter coat in the Xmas sales and some leather boots.
Just a few ideas to get you started..

Oh and buy some basic cheap make up and experiment! The mags are full of looks you can copy

Thank you Oly I really am clueless!!
I tried putting on make up once...it felt so uncomfortable and I felt more self conscious than without but as I get older skin blemishes/wrinkles etc are more obvious...

You could try googling style personalities and see which one you fit or would like to fit. Sounds like natural classic or gamine for you. Then buy a few pieces that form the baseline of that look and go from there On make up go easy - some light cover like a cc cream, mascara, brow pencil and lippy in a colour that's not too much for you.
Work uniform makes that end of things easy - good haircut, tended skin and nails. Going too far from what feels like you can make you uncomfortable and self -conscious. Not a good look-aim for the best version of you instead.

Ah crloss posted - exactly what I meant. Go too far and it's weird. Just work out a version of you that's smarter better put together. Often that's just details. Plenty of advice on line

cc cream??

Gok wan has a brilliant book that recommends rules about your shape and and clothes you should wear. It also has hair and make up suggestions too. I used it to completely change my style and it is now my bible.

Thanks for the hints..
I have very weak nails that are thin and break easily, even emery board rips them! So my nails don't often look good
I have short brown thick wavy hair...I do dye it to cover grey...wear glasses... I'm quite short 5ft2" and a size 12 (ish ;) )