I need a fashion overhaul

[Racingraccoons]

Hello,

I need some advice about changing my image. I'm going back to college (to undertake an access course) and I really want to look good.

I am a single mum so I have a low budget to spend on myself (and I receive no maintenance). My DS is 17 months old so I'd like to get stuff that are suitable for playing around with him too!

I currently only exist in very oversized tshirts and jeans as I'm not very comfortable with my post baby body.

I'm tall (5'9) and I am a size 16. My body figure is an hourglass (but I'm overweight and trying to rectify that). I'm blonde and I am fair.

Please help!

Thank you all in advance x

Suggest you try a personal shopping service at your nearest department store - Debenhams and John Lewis offer it. M&S used to. They can get you started on basics.

As a starting point: skinny jeans, blouses & ankle boots. You'll feel smarter & more put togrther but not overdressed in a blouse (god that sounds so prim as I type 😂) & if you go for the loose boho style that are around then they'll flatter & work as you lose weight too. You're tall so will look fab in maxi's & midi's. Check out ASOS & H&M. Also Zara - particularly as you are tall but be selective. Some of their stuff will barely survive one wash.

Good luck with the course! What subjects are you studying?

I'm the same height and also an hourglass. I've been trying to get myself out of the rut of sticking to skinny jeans and a top.

Recently I've been wearing wide legged trousers (cropped and full length) with a V neck tshirt or jumper. The top half needs to be fairly fitted but not clingy. I've mainly been wearing them with pumps or Converse.

Another way to dress up slightly is shirts/blouses with jeans and a blazer. River Island had some gorgeous blazers in the sale, and New Look normally do some good ones too.

It's taken me a while to realise that more fitted clothes are more flattering than trying to cover up an hourglass figure, we end up just looking way bigger all over.

I'd also have a look on ebay/last of the sale for a new coat (maybe something tailored as this AW is all about tailoring) and some new boots. You always look a bit more put together with a smart coat, no one can see what's going on underneath!

Jeans and a t-shirt sounds perfect for college and parenting.

Perhaps you just need to polish it up a bit. Get some on trend accessories. Could be really cheap from Topshop or Primark: a bag, necklace, belt etc. Get yourself a good hair-do, make time to style it. On trend trainers and boots for autumn winter. Have a makeup check if you wear it to think whether you need to tweak your look or your colours to look fresher.

Make sure those jeans and t-shirts fit well. No saggy bums, muffin tops or tents.

Thank you all for your input! I really appreciate it!

Edina - I am doing an access course to social science, in hopes of going to university to study Social Work x