Seriously- where do I start??

[Fekko]

Our (late) mum was very ladylike - polished, well dressed, neat and very pretty. Always well turned out but not vain.

Not to put too fine a point on it - I'm pushing 50 and am looking more than it! Happy to throw on jeans and a shirt and my trusty converse trainers. I'd love to look 'effortlessly glamorous' (but not like I'm trying too hard).

Where do I start? I feel like such an old baggage! Do I throw out my wardrobe and start again? Get my colours done?

It depends on your lifestyle. Are you wanting advice on casual weekend clothing or work stuff?

I had my colours done years ago. It was okay but not life changing. It confirmed I ought to keep away from dark colours near my face. I now know pretty much what suits me and what doesn't. I can't do 'harsh neons', dark colours or anything in the autumn spectrum. I'm coolish toned so can wear baby pink but apricot and peach wash me out.

Why not swap jeans for neat cigarette trousers - slightly cropped? Fitted cardigan? Nice ankle boots instead of converse, ballet pumps, brogues?

Invest in quality- cashmere jumpers for the winter? Nice bag? Good wool coat that works with jeans or dresses?

And be well groomed. Good hair cut, always clean and conditioned, colour if necessary, make up? (Try Bobbi Brown for a free make over.)

I like the look of Mint Velvet (but don't buy much!) and The White Company (but not the droopy dresses) and basic plain stuff from Boden.

Go to uniqlo or cos for some well fitting ankle trousers and quality tops. 6 weekly hair appointment, regular manicure, regular eyebrow shape and tint. Good skincare routine (hylaraunic acid and rose oil). Book a clean with the hygienist if you don't have regular ones...will make you feel 100 x better. If you like trainers, check out air & grace, great quality, super comfy and very stylish and last ages compared to converse/ vans etc.

You honestly don't need waste cash on manicures. It's quite possible to file and shape your own nails and apply polish if you want to. And not all eyebrows need shaping. I'm beginning to think all Mnetters have eyebrows like slugs or caterpillars! Not everyone has bushy brows that need attention. Mine are now getting sparse and I fill them in, not pluck them.

You sound a bit bitter polly....... there's nothing wrong with spending you hard earned money on yourself at a beautician if it makes you feel better. It's not a waste. I can do an excellent job on my own nails but I go for a mani every now and then as they do a great job, it's relaxing and lasts longer. And eyebrow shape and tint is not just for bushy brows, on the contrary. You should try it if yours are sparse :) makes a huge difference to your face.

I have quite fine eyebrows anyway - they don't need much maintenance. I don't like manicures but I had a hand rub (a sort of massage with salt) and that was rather nice. Sadly it didn't keep my hands as soft as a baby's behind for 2 days as promised!

I think I'm actually just a bit of a slob - maybe that's it! Dad was also very smart and dressed well. Perhaps it's a subconscious teenage rebellion going on a bit too long!

But I have friends who can wear the same as me and look a million dollars.

Hmmm Fekko, I'm a bit like you TBH.
Mum continues to be stylish as she approaches her 80's. My sisters take after her- they're referred to as the "Kate-alikes" as they are dark and willowy.
Me... not so much. The colouring, height and willowy-ness (?) genes passed me by.

I am starting to realise that buying quality clothing is not enough- I have to invest more into the things I wear all the time. Teeth, hair, nails, skins.

I've put on a peri-menopausal stone and a half stone.

Once I get that sorted out, I reckon what I wear will look effortlessly stylish .