Where do I start? Refinding my sense of self

[BobbinsBoo1]

I've kinda let myself go. Being at home with the kids and being skint meant I've hardly bothered to focus on clothes/hair/style or anything like that over the last 10 years.
I'm now going back to work so money will be slightly less of an issue. I loved clothes and shopping and deciding on what outfits to wear but some where along the way I lost the enjoyment.
Now I want to start sorting myself out. Where do I begin? I live in hand me down clothes (have some lovely friends and family who pass on stuff to me so have been lucky with that) so have no idea what kind of colours and styles I like any more.
I plan to have my eyebrows done and going to pain my nails. I bought new bras and threw out all my old ones which was amazing after wearing the same ones for years
So any tips, ideas or suggestions on how I start sorting myself out and finding my own sense of style and being comfortable with how I look/dress?
Where do people shop for nice clothes that will last nowadays?

Maybe start with you?

How do you want to look? Do you want clothes specifically for work or otherwise? What sort of budget? Do you want to buy often or keep things till they fall apart? Indoor or outdoor lifestyle. Town or country? Formal or informal? Glamorous or ... crunchy?

Would you prefer to concentrate on jewellery and accessories? Or shoes? Or clothing fabrics? Or tailoring? Do you want to stand out or blend into the background?

And is there anything else that needs to be considered in your dressing choices?

Is there a celeb/well known person whose style you like and could emulate?

Look at magazines for ideas.
Try John Lewis personal shopping.
How old are you?
I’m early 40s and buy quality stuff at LK Bennet sale, Boden, White Company, Hobbs and Reiss.
They are expensive but if you buy one or two items a month then you will be able to build up a collection fairly soon

Get a good haircut it will make so much difference and go from there!

Also thoroughly recommend taking care of yourself day to day, little steps like a facemask one day, yoga for 20 mins the next, etc etc. Although it might seem inconsequential, these things add up and sends your body the signal that you care about yourself and once you start caring more and feeling better you will naturally find you gravitate towards clothes you love again and that inspire you.

Hair.

Don’t start with the eyebrows if you’re not happy with the rest.

Eyebrows are very dominant the way they are done now and it will throw off your whole look. Go for something blander at first, and then see what bits of you you want to emphasise. It’s much easier to add than to take away.

Start with the hair, then add some nice tops, then shoes, make up and bottoms.

You can get away with boring trousers/chinos/skirts if the rest is fine.