I look so mumsy, need style advice pls!

[Buttercup443]

Hello ladies,

Can you please share some advice on how not to look mumsy and in my case always boring and old beyond my years.

I live very rurally now so no need for high heels and tulle inserts.

I have 4 kids and quite a few animals, I ride regularly.

Been told by DH and friends that I look old and dowdy beyond my 35.

I regularly wear jeans, a long sleeved shirt or jumper, I prefer neutral colours, no frills or appliqués.

I'm a size 8, 5"6, 32DD, slim waist. Could wear sexy stuff but feel it's not befitting a mother of four at 35. I dread to think others will think lamb/mutton if I do..

What do you ladies wear on a daily basis that makes you feel you look well put together?

I am glad if I can find matching undies

Please share your style tips with me.

You can't possibly have a big bust if you are a 32DD . Unless you are wearing the wrong size of bra. Please get over to the bra intervention thread and get some expert advice .

If you look pale all the time, you are wearing the wrong colours . Unless you are ill or housebound , which you clearly are not .

Personal shopper day at john Lewis is a good idea . They are very variable. I'm had a great one and a terrible one ( very nice but useless ) in the same store ( several years apart ). They were both charming . They are not on commission and you don't have to buy anything . If nothing else it will be an education and a day away from the chores. Can you take a friend for a second opinion ( a tactful and kind one ) ?

"what used to look cool now looks cobbled together" . This is a sign that you got away with styles and colours that were not your best when you were younger . But , like most of us, 15 years and several kids later means we have to make a bit more of an effort to find out what's right for us . Once you find it you will feel ten years younger I promise .

Thanks wannanewone,

Kr1stina, I will try and find that thread is it in Style and Beauty?

I just don't know who I am anymore and I dress like that, too. I'm hanging onto my old stuff, haven't updated anything for years except the odd special dress for the races or wedding. I scrub up well for a special occasion but my day to day outfits look frumpy and thrown together. I will try and see a personal shopper for colours and ideas and do a make up consultation.

Feeling a bit down. I've not let myself go but I just look so boring and I have nothing in my wardrobe that would make me feel good about myself.

Thanks so much for the great input everyone, really given me good ideas where to start x

I think a 32DD can be a big bust if it's on a small frame. I'm 5'3" and 32DD and because I am very short waisted but longlegged I look (frankly) like a pair of tits on legs and buying dresses (and bras) is a nightmare.

I agree with people saying about colour - I bought a Colour Me Beautiful book from a charity shop years ago and now I can at least chuck on any clothes every day and they look coordinated (though I was gutted to find out that I shouldn't ever wear black).

I'd start with a funky new haircut, a bit of makeup to give you some colour and maybe some new boots and a new quality coat in the sales. I buy tops and t-shirts cheap in Primark and H and M because I don't work in an office so can't justify expensive things which will supposedly last longer and I'd rather have a wide variety of styles in different colours than a few 'quality' ones in neutral shades.

Anyway, good luck, you may actually start enjoying the makeover process which is when it can begin to get expensive!

This will help you on the bra front. There are lots of threads in S&B, just search "bra intervention" or start a new thread.

There's a new 'Personal Style Edit' function on the John Lewis website that might help you. It asks you your height, various questions about shape and colouring, preferences for particular styles of dresses and trousers, as well as lots of other things, and then selects clothes for different occasions that might suit you. I had a quick look last night and it threw up a couple of new dress shapes I'd like to try. I did find though that the edit was mainly black and navy when I was hoping for some new colour suggestions.

Change simple jeans to ripped ones or leather trousers, choose trendy blouses, good knitwear in winter. Add some accessories, e.g nice watch. Don't forget makeup and hair.