HELP! I need a MAJOR makeover. How do I pull it off?

[AviatrixMama]

I'm in my mid-late 30s. I am an engineer and wear a uniform for work so I basically shower, dry my hair, put on my uniform and go on with my day. When I get home I just put my pj's or whatever comfy clothes I have and take care of baby and housework. Let's just say that I've basically let myself go. I want to be better for my husband and also be a good example for my daughter. I don't want her to have a frumpy mum!

I don't wear makeup and I always wear my hair in a pony tail. The reason for the haircut was to get it cut short enough so that I cannot wear it up. I've started to get used to that change. I don't necessarily need to be all glamorous or anything but I just want to look polished. I need some advice on how I can gradually make these changes so I don't just go from frump girl to rock star (not really sure what the opposite of frump girl is ) overnight.

I figured I'd start with my hair and then maybe my wardrobe. Right now it is just full of frumpy clothes that are either too small or too big. I also still wear some of my maternity clothes even though I had the baby over a year ago . Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Eyebrow shape. Manicure. Natural looking makeup and a fresh new haircut. As much sleep as you can get.

First off, get rid of clothes that don't fit. They are of no use to you.

Then get some "nice" casual clothes to change into when you get home. I actually find dresses far easier to wear than jeans and the like.

Thank you so much! Yes, I used to get my eyebrows shaped all the time and realize it's been way over a year since I last had them done! I will do that this weekend.

I am very pear shaped and find it hard to find dresses that work with my body. It's almost like my top half is one or two sizes smaller than my bottom half. Is there a certain brand/shape/style I should be looking for?

Eyebrow shape and tint

High waisted jeans

Go to a make up counter in boots. Bare essentials (it’s called something like that) - they’ll match their powder to your skin and show you how to apply it

Mascara and blush

Vaseline

A nice coat goes a long way

Consider hair straighteners

It's almost like my top half is one or two sizes smaller than my bottom half. Is there a certain brand/shape/style I should be looking for?

Fit and flare.

Then you can get the bodice to fit and the skirt wont be too tight.

I would say chuck everything out that doesn’t fit and is past it’s best or that is just frumpsville.

Go and have a look at Unfancy blog and use the stuff on there to plan a lifestyle appropriate capsule based around the gaps in your wardrobe.

If you are pear shaped then most flattering is wider leg trousers/jeans and a fitted top, skater dresses and tights or a- line tunics and leggings.

Yep fit and flare skater type.
Shirt dresses with a full skirt can work.
Wide legs trousers are fab but it's hard to find any at the moment.
A fitted but not tight top.

Be realistic about the hair. Would learning to style it in a nice pony be a better option?

Thank you! Just started looking at unfancy blog and I really do love the idea of a capsule wardrobe as that is basically my work outfit (uniform)! I was reading about the 333 wardrobe. Love that concept but was trying to narrow it down as I don't need to buy anything for work.

Also, I agree with it being hard to find wide leg trousers. Seems like skinny jeans is so big right now but it's horrifying on my body type! It just seems to accentuate my pear shape even more.

You are one of the 9% of female engineers in the UK, and are setting a wonderful example to your daughter already :).

In terms of style – wide-leg trousers are very much coming back in to fashion, particularly ankle length or slightly cropped ones. I recently bought some fab cropped slouchy trousers from Topshop, and they had quite a few non-skinny styles, including wide legs:

www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/category/clothing-427/trousers-leggings-4075710/wide-leg-trousers/N-8c0ZqgqZdgl?No=0&Nrpp=20&siteId=%2F12556&geoip=noredirect

M&S sell jeans in bootcut, boyfriend, relaxed skinny and straight cut shapes. Pairing them with a fitted top or slim fit t-shirt would show off your small waist.

I agree with the above posters who mentioned fit-and-flare dresses. Or you could achieve a similar silhouette with separates by wearing an a-line skirt with a top tucked in, or with a cropped top that meets the waistband of the skirt.

I'd get some straight leg or boyfriend jeans and roll them up as the weather gets warmer.

Example from Sainsbury's

I recommend ASOS own for some basics like long sleeved t shirts, or Uniqlo. Even just having a well fitting jeans and t shirt collection to change into will help.

I just wanted to say that I had my hair cut short recently - really short - and dyed a very light blonde (I'm very pale skinned so this looks highly distinctive). I went to a very good salon where they do edgy cuts and told them that I did not under any circumstances want a mumsy pixie cut.

It's been brilliant. I have had long hair most of my adult life, and while it would look great if I spent 30 minutes on it, most of the time I just shoved it back to get on with my day. Now I can fall out of bed looking like a rock star!

It feels really defiant too. Like I am sticking two fingers up at the gender relations that meant I was too scared to depart from a pretty, girlie style until now.

You are one of the 9% of female engineers in the UK, and are setting a wonderful example to your daughter already

Thank you. I do tell her everyday that she is beautiful AND smart and to never let anyone tell her she can't do something because she is a girl.

I have thought of boyfriend jeans and just ordered a pair of straight jeans to see how they'll fit on me. Last night I cleaned out my entire closet and got rid of at least HALF or more of my clothes. I can't even describe how good it felt! I feel ready for a fresh start. I even found stuff in there with tags still on them. Some were so worn out I just threw them away and the ones in good condition I am donating to those in need. I even looked at my wedding dress and the thought to get rid of it crossed my mind as well but I kept it

whiskowl I like the idea of an edgy hair cut. I've been thinking of doing something asymmetrical. My most recent cut to have it short so I can't wear it up totally looks mumsy. I even brought in a picture and she cut it to the length but the style was not the same and I should've said something but I didn't. I think the salon I went to is just stuck in that mum cut phase. I'll look for a new salon.

You could do with going to a really great hair salon in the city and asking for a consultation. That way, you'll get a cut and colour which suit you.

Which celebrity do you resemble? Are you thin, average or overweight? How old are you? What's your colouring? It's so hard to advise when we can't see you.

Agree with those who suggest you look at hair and clothing first. Then start with a simple grooming regiem like nails filed and polished weekly, eyebrows done. a touch of mascara and eyeliner and some lip balm. some mineral foundation on your T-zone. New clothes.

Boden is great for pear shapes but can be frumpy if you're not careful. Hobbs is good too as is Karen Millen. Might not be your cup of tea though so try Uniqlo and Baukjen too.

Can I just say that it's fantastic that you're an engineer too. v jealous.

I would say I am a little overweight. I'm working on losing some weight but I am also trying to get pregnant again. I am 12.5st, 5'4" tall and 36yo. My hair is dark brown, I have brown eyes. My heritage is Turkish so I look very Mediterranean. I used to color my hair black but realized it really washes out my skin tone and just wasn't a good look for me. My natural hair is an ashy brown so I get it colored to have more warm tones to it.

I've never used foundation as I thought that was more to cover up blemishes. I've been very fortunate to have decent skin tone and hardly ever breakout. Mineral foundation on T-zone sounds doable though but I probably better see a consultant so I get the right color.