Simple daily up-dos for longer hair?

[TammySwansonTwo]

Had a nice haircut recently - or rather it looked lovely when he was done but still looks crap when I do it as I just don't have the time or skill to style it properly.

I have little twins so can't wear my hair down much anyway and I'm sick of scraping it back in a messy bun, it doesn't look good. Pony tails look weird on me for some reason (maybe I don't have enough hair? I don't know).

Any ideas for a quick, simple up do that I can do if I'm leaving the house and don't want to look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards?

I should add my hair is past shoulder length

Can you do a French twist? I think they look nicest when they're a bit messy rather than air-hostess-neat. You need lots of bobby pins, and putting some dry shampoo in first to give it more grip can help.

My daily up-do for work was always a simple plait, bobble at the bottom, then roll the plait up underneath and stick a good few long hair grips in to secure it.

Can you french plait? If so that is very versitle and often looks better slightly messy eg

Or this

Can you do a French plait? My go to up do is a French plait going right to the end; tied with a slim hair band; then fold the plait up and under and secure with bobby pins (you'll only need two or three).

Thanks everyone - I will try some out! I'm a bit useless with hair but know it could look much better with a bit of effort. I just don't really know what I'm doing! I have ME which makes it hard to style my hair as my arms get tired really easily when I hold them up, so might have to do stuff in bits!

This is very easy but looks good -