HELP!

[WhatInTheWorld76]

I desperately want to be one of those stylish mums. Yknow, the ones who always look effortlessly stylish, comfortable in their own skin.
What do you do to always look "put together"? I'm overweight and I think a key obstacle for me is lack of choice in decent clothes. I prefer classic looks rather than on trend looks but I just wish someone would tell me HOW they look stylish all the time without an army of professionals to dress/make them up.

Where do I start?

Keeping it simple in terms of shapes and patterns, but going to a lot of effort to get a good fit and to maintain your clothes. That would be my top tip. Have fewer, nicer things (especially shoes and bags). Avoid dresses well above the knee unless you are sure that they really suit your proportions.

I'm in the process of losing the umpteen stone I put on during a bereavement, and I can tell you the thing that has most affected my look is the difficulty of getting clothes to fit well when you are bigger. Choosing slightly different styles and wearing control underwear has helped a lot. A light control body is comfortable and helps to smooth out muffin tops etc.

All that said, never model yourself on anyone. Genuinely try to choose things that you really like.

Have a peek at Pure Collection, Land's End, Banana Republic and White Company (for inspiration, at least) for that classic casual thing that Americans in particular do really well. I really think the stuff that works hasn't changed much since the 1940s:
smart pumps, slacks, simple jumper;
smock top, straight leg jeans, plimsolls;
blouse, skirt, loafers;
fairly plain dress, fitted but not tight.

That's a great start thanks I'll get looking!