Help me look like this woman I saw in the street!

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

Trudging along in the rain the other day in flat boots, jeans, and sensible knee length waterproof school run type coat.

Then this woman hoved into view looking fabulous with her bob in a beany hat, egg shaped woolen coat, midi length flared skirt poking out of the bottom of it, woollen tights and ankle boots. She looked like she should be in focus at the front of a slow motion shot whilst the background blurred out and a Jacques Brel soundtrack played.

She looked fab, everything was coordinated in terms of colour, she looked really cosy but actually fucking stylish, rather than me galumphing along.

So, I've decided enough with the jeans. I want to look feminine, chic, perhaps a little boho. Not like I've just raided the rails of White Stuff or Fat Face. I used to be so much braver with clothes but now I'm mid 40s, short and a bit fat, so this could be a challenge. I'm aware an egg coat would make me look like an actual egg. And I don't want to be the sort of middle aged woman who puts in pink highlights and wears zebra print DMs because they're "fun".

Any suggestions of where to get the type of clothes I'm on about? I don't mean necessarily copies of hers, it's more about being more original and somehow, oh I don't know, lovely.

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

I'm scared of the style consultation service from HoC, the lady who did my colours tried to persuade me that navy mascara was the way forward. I dread to think what horrors she'd unleash with clothes.

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

I would be happy at a size 12 sir. Its carrying extra weight and being short that's giving me the frump factor, my posture is awful too. I tried a nice tailored trouser suit and looked a little bit like Boris Johnson in a wig.

[Floisme]

She sounds great, I love women who have their own individual style.

I think it's as much about attitude as where you shop. To look like that you need to experiment a lot and not be scared of getting it wrong. I find I'm getting more adventurous as I get older.

I'm a bit short of ideas for interesting Boho other than Anthropologie? It's £££ but I assume they have sales.
And I second Tk Maxx - all kinds of looks there.

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

Just been looking on Pinterest. I think where I've been going wrong before is looking at plus size models, but of course they're all really tall, with slim arms and legs and long lustrous hair. Pinterest has far more real people on it.

A observation so far is that shoes make a real difference, nobody in the pics I like is wearing Fly London ankle boots or trainers.

[SirChenjin]

I'm sure you didn't Lois - although trouser suits are a hard look for anyone to carry off without looking very butch imo.

Hey - that's so true. I don't really do heels, certainly not for day to day wear, so it's chunky boots, converses or pumps - none of which really seem to feature in fashion shoots (or rather, not ones that scream 'fun crazy mad middle aged woman')

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

What about this?

I have good cool hair, but legs like cartoon hams.

[PreAdvent13610]

legs like cartoon hams all curvy and go in viciously at the ankle?
Wooly tights, shoe boots so those ankles are on show, but you are warm and cosy.
Go for it

[Fontella]

I'm aware an egg coat would make me look like an actual egg.

Love this!



Not laughing at you OP, but with you! I know exactly what you mean!

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

Lois, I like to think that you were wearing a Boris Johnson wig with your trousersuit.

[SirChenjin]

Pre - and what with those tights and shoe boots?

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

Thanks for the encouragement Pre.

So many dresses are too short! Is everyone in the whole world poncing about in mid thigh dresses?

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

Would these be flattering? Or really uncomfortable as they're high? www.jakeshoes.co.uk/item/vagabond/40291-wedge-ankle-boots-in-black/2FOV1#.Vqpo2PGvYTU

[PreAdvent13610]

A Dress!
I liked the one linked to, navy or grey tights and footwear to co-ordinate.
Enough layer to keep warm and a coat that suits YOU. It is the coat that is a bitch to get right.

[FuckyNell]

No no no to that dress. Kirstie allsop might like it though

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

Wedges are usually comfy I find. I'm not sure about those ones in the link heynonny The soles look really narrow. I have a pair in tan and a black pair from Debenhams, they are quite easy to walk in.

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

What about this coat?

Fucky, what's wrong with it? Too flowery and faux vintage?

[HeyNonnyMaybe]

This burgundy one is lovely! I think. I've lost all confidence since Fucky said I'd gone a bit Allsopp.

[ChishandFips33]

Can you dabble in trying clothes on in a charity shop? I've found my 'style' has gone in many different directions because I'm wearing clothes from charity shops I wouldn't have bought had they been £20,30,40 etc as I wouldn't have 'risked' it
Eg I've just bought a midi length floral skirt because it has hidden pockets It wasn't something I normally wear but it felt 'right' on and for £3.50 I'll give it a go trying to look like this

[DickDewy]

Intrigued, I googled egg shaped coat. Was it like this?

[SirChenjin]

Love that burgundy coat - if I hadn't bought 2 new coats this year I'd have it.

Shoe boots don't look right on me - they make my short legs look even shorter and I have thin ankles so they make me look like I'm standing in 2 buckets. I much prefer calf length boots with dresses.

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

I think you would really need to try that coat on, are you busty? It might make you look bigger. A more open neck version maybe?

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

Love the burgundy colour.

[secretsignal]

Try the 'personal style edit' on the John Lewis website. Takes about 5 mins, then they make 'personalised' suggestions from loads of different labels and also accessories. Some interesting ideas, some minging and hilarious

[Jinglebells99]

Aw loved your op HeyNonnyMaybe :D You write really well and made me lol.

[MartinRohdesBellybuttonFluff]

HeyNonny I have a pair of Vagabond boots and even though they're high(ish) they are surprisingly comfortable and light as a feather!