Where am I going wrong?!

[imlovingangelsinstead]

I've read a lot of the looking expensive, dressing well threads but despite following lots of the things mentioned I still feel a mess! Where am I going wrong?
Im 40, very clean, I mainly buy from uniqlo, bit of hush and Boden mainly. I live in converse and jeans. I need my clothes to be practical because I'm a sahm. I Have my hair coloured regularly, brows done, wear nice perfume yet still never feel put together! My nails aren't manicured but are kept short, filed and neat. I wear makeup each day but never feel it looks great and my hair never looks special because I need it back off my face. What else could I be doing to help?

I've had the same dilemma, OP, and add into the mix I have a job I can potentially get grubby doing, so need to have practical washable clothes.

What's helped me is to have a bit more colour. I was dressing in all navy, grey and black - and felt dowdy. I've started to go neutral with a splash of colour, and I feel loads better. So today for instance, I'm wearing dark navy jeans, navy long sleeve top, navy boots, pink cashmere jumper (£15 eBay bargain!) and a pink scarf with a touch of navy in the pattern. I'm a 12 top 14 bottom too. I'm in my late 40's and feel the most put together I've ever done.

When I'm working I take off the scarf and put an old jumper on.

I just realised my love of converse might be a problem for me, too, though (will look for loafers later).

Personally, i think it's difficult to look put together in a t-shirt, unless you're a teenager.

I find that since my mid-30s, I look much better with a more interesting neckline - a collar, a cowl neck, turtle neck, or a t-shirt but with a cutout pattern around the neckline.

I can just about get away with a plain t-shirt under a blazer to give it some structure.

I also agree with other posters re: converse. Same reason -as we age, we need more structure to avoid looking scruffy and unkempt.

I need my clothes to be practical because I'm a sahm

This always puzzles me. Do WOHP want to wear a corset and platform shoes?

I think the word "practical" may be your problem OP

I work FT but for myself and at home with meetings at clients once or twice a week. My clothes still need to be comfortble and hardwearing and easy to wash. But "practical" makes me think of fleece and leggings

Thanks everyone be this is really helping me! Maybe I mean comfy rather than practical - I'm definitely not a fleece wearer. I don't think I'm making any huge fashion mistakes if you know what I mean but maybe I am. I'm bending down a lot to play on the floor, on school run in all weathers etc so what I mean is I'm not looking to wear dresses and skirts and anything fancy as such.

I don't wear leggings and if I'm allowed to say it - no mum boots or anything.

Agree about Tshirts vitaminc - maybe I'm just a bit too casual for my age

I’m worried now. What are Mum boots?

What are Mum boots?

Boots that Mums wear. Don't worry, it's sexist and ageist shorthand to mean something that's out of fashion.

Oh god it never takes anyone long does it.

Well, what were called Mum boots a while ago (block heeled boots) are now fashionable again so it is just a way of saying old fashioned.

Get a tan. Makes pretty much everyone look better.

Invest in some smart flats rather than the Converse, ensure your nails are always painted and dress up plain outfits with gorgeous accessories i.e. a Hermes scarf so you always feel glamorous.