In need of overhaul! Help

[GerrytheBerry]

Hi, I'm quite new here, I would really appreciate some help on how to get my thing back!
In the last 5 years I've had 3 children, I have totally lost my identity. I'm 36, I used to be quite confident and knew what to wear etc to make the best of myself, but I really have no idea any more.
Ds1 has just started in reception and most of the other mums are young and glam, I just feel like a tramp!
I have resorted to wearing leggings and jumpers and converse for comfort really, my hair is long and dark but I have grey coming through at the front, after having my baby 5 months ago I lost loads of hair and have a very small bald spot on top at the back (well hidden but I know it's there) so have resorted to wearing my hair up to properly hide it.
I just feel old and scruffy tbh and i really want to feel good about myself again.
Where the hell do I start?
What sort of clothes should I be buying for a start? I'm 5 ft3 size 14 with quite big boobs which make me look a bit frumpy I think, I'm fit and healthy otherwise.
I have been wearing glasses for nearly 2 years as I need them but absolutely hate it, I am due a retest and am thinking about contacts.
I don't want to look like I'm trying to look 20 but I don't want to look old either!
Please give me some advice, and a kick up the bum if you wish!

I feel the same OP! So I don't have any advice I'm sorry, but I hope someone does so then I can nick it! I'm a similar build to you by the sound of it. I'm working and despite my good intentions, I always end up grabbing something from the back of the wardrobe every morning and just looking scruffy and crap. Need to be better organized...

At the risk of sounding like a Mumsnet cliché, get your style and colours done! Quite literally changed my life.

What did u wear before? I lost my identity and realised I was wearing different clothes to the type I was comfortable in before ds I felt much better once I rediscovered my style and what I wanted to wear..a box dye for your hair is as cheap as chips and can make u feel so much better as does wearing make up each day even if it's just mascara

I don’t have children but realised recently that I’d got into a massive rut. Things that have helped me are: following bloggers who style I like on Instagram to get ideas for clothes & putting outfits together; watching makeup tutorials on YouTube to get ideas for makeup, tips etc, and getting my nails done every couple of weeks.

I do want to go for a cut and colour but with my baldy bit I'm a bit scared! I haven't been to a regular hairdresser for years.
Before I used to wear skinny jeans and nice tops, no reason I couldn't again I suppose but although I've got my figure back after the kids I'm left with a loose lower tummy which I hate!
I don't have any grand ideas about being an amazing style guru, I just want to feel nice I suppose.

If you like skinnies how about a high waisted pair to hold any loose skin in? New look are v cheap, m and s get good reviews (think they are called jeggings there), top shop if you have a bit more cash? If you find a pair you like, get 2 colours- blue and gray maybe- and wear with the converse (and jeans slightly rolled or turned up seem to be the thing), and then you just need a few tops- I'd buy super cheap with 3 little ones so you can chuck if get ruined! Add a bag you like, or a nexklase, or even a scarf (though I think scarves are over as a fashion thing, if it suits you it's still a look).

*Tanaqui that's helpful thanks, I am going to have a nip to the shops next week to try some out!

Definitely get a proper cut & colour at a hairdresser. It will make you feel loads better & they will be able to 'hide' your bald spot (which I'm sure is nowhere near as big or noticeable as you imagine)
Also wear a little bit of make up (if you can find the time) bourgeois CC cream you can just rub on like moisturiser and a bit of mascara
That would be a good start & then you could work on the clothes

Buy a nice jacket or blazer to go with your new look and high waist jeggings/jeans. Watch some you tube make up videos and try to have a quick makeup kit that you can do in ten minutes. Get the hairdressers to sort out your hair.