Help me out of my rut please!

[TheSkyIsAwake]

I'm 26 on saturday and have never dressed like an adult really.

I live in skinny jeans and converse which to be honest I don't mind as it's comfy and I have 3 under 6's whilst working with children and young adults with additional needs so comfy works for me!

I need some inspiration of how to accessorise I think. Just enough so I look more like an adult (and rather shamefully so I fit in amongst the school gate mums more!).

I like scarves. Usually drape them around my neck though as I have no clue how to tie them. I like bags but again not a clue what is in or anything.

Can someone take pity on me please? I'm a blank canvas. I am willing to try any clothing/accessory combo.

In case it helps I'm about 5"6 and a size 6-8.

What jacket do you wear? A biker style or jersey blazer might be nice to throw on and you can get scarves that are in a continuous circle for easy styling like furry or print there are millions on ebay search 'infinity scarf'

Bag wise what size do you need? How much stuff do you normally carry about? I find a formal bag in a non-formal colour works for me, something like red tote or a classic slouchy brown leather like this? Have a rummage in TK Maxx and see what takes your fancy!

I usually carry around my phone, purse, diary, a5 notepad. I like bigger bags so that I can chuck a nappy and some wipes in if needed.

The red bag is lovely and I'm currently on eBay looking at scarves

Jacket wise I usually have a hoody on and often a gilet. I have just purchased a wool duffel coat from Topshop so I have a good coat (as opposed to the mud splattered parka I wear for work!)

There are loads of videos on youtube showing how to tie scarves - I like this one:

OP I dress just like you. But I'm 37! I've dressed like this for 20 years. Have tried to dress more grown up and mostly failed dismally. I find the following wearable, comfortable and slightly more grown up:
Quality leather biker jacket in black.
Woollen knitted hoodies / sweaters instead of standard hoodie.
Flat ankle boots for most of the year.
Wedge sandals with ankle strap in summer.
Thick, stretchy tube skirt once warm enough for no tights.
Lip stick.
Better quality t shirts (holy grail).

Where is best to buy t-shirts? I love h&m as they sell strap tops that actually cover my muffin top but all other t-shirts seem so short I have to wear a strap top on under them!

Also where can I find a skirt like the one you describe?

H&m are ok but too much elastane for my liking. They make me sweat, though hold their shape and colour well. M&S and Dorothy Perkins ones are 100% cotton and as a result lose their shape and colour. The m&s ones are too short for my liking. Boden too short and poor value: ie very similar to marks ones but more £. I'm not currently looking as my next shopping trip will be maternity clothes!

Skirts. I like cotton Lycra and just below the knee, or a little longer. Reasonably practical for getting on and off the floor with little children. I have one from Whistles which in retrospect was a mistake. £35 with a voucher code. The midi one was too long and the mini too short. I bought the mini. It might be be ok under bump later on. I've got one from h&m which is fine, and another from Speedway. Both about £7. In summer I also like those "vest dresses". Basically a very long vest top. They're not very forgiving, but size up with appropriate underwear and I don't care! I'm 5ft2 and 8-10 not pregnant. The skirts I wear with vest tops or skinny t shirts, then a fine knit jumper or my beloved Superdry hoodies. Some would add a belt but I cba.

Something else I thought of is a slightly more grown up bag. By that I mean leather. Mine is a hot pink Marc Jacobs one which I got on sale. I've also got a brown one which is from a leather worker in Italy. Once I'm on the computer I'll post links.

tube skirt and yes, I would wear it with trainers just like the model, though not a polo neck due to my huge boobs. here is the Whistles one. It's very "spanx" like, so it you don't find that snuggness comfortable I would definitely size up. you can get an extra 20% off if you buy a Grazia magazine.

vest dress though mine is longer than this, below the knee.

wedge sandals a bit like this, I have some really comfy ones in hot pink suede from Clarks a few years ago, and another pair in orange nubuck, from a market stall in italy. Get ones without the platform, just a lowish wedge, about 5cm, they are a good compromise between making your legs look great and being able to walk / drive in them. the ankle strap is essential for me.

pink bag. I got mine at Biscester for about £160.

brown bag. Mine is very similar to this.

ankle boots. Mine are flatter and have no zip. ALso a bit wider and you can turn them up to keep your legs a bit warmer.

Thank you! Lot's of ideas there. I'm making lists of what I need and I think my birthday money may well be spent before I get it.