How to look less shit with no money?

[IStandWithPosie]

I look like some kind of frumpy exhausted witch/schoolgirl hybrid. Im pale (apart from the purple bags under my eyes) with dark hair, it’s very long and thick and wavy. When it’s down I look like Iike a witch. I work a physical job so I always wear it up in either a bun or a ponytail. I am having it cut on Tuesday and I’m getting loads off it as it’s so heavy it hurts when it’s up. I’m taking it up to my shoulders. Can’t do anything about the colour as can’t afford to keep getting root touch ups. I’m short with a belly and small boobs. I can’t cope with underwired bras anymore so I wear the soft sport type ones that support but don’t lift up so don’t give a great shape. I wear converse look a like shoes with jeans and usually a long sleeve basics type top. Everything Is just a bit too small and very worn so my belly overhangs my jeans and I just look rough. I need to make changes but no idea where to start and also have next to no money to spend. I’m talking charity shop shopping here! I’m a cleaner so need to be able to move pretty freely in whatever I wear.

Help.

Same here, if you are happy to pm your address I have a few bits I could send- I'm mid clear out :)

Oh my goodness you are two very lovely people but I won’t take anything off you!! I wasn’t posting for freebies! Just for advice which you have all been fantastic with. Thank you both for offering but please don’t be offended that I won’t accept.

I recommend dropping into your local charity shops regularly.
I now rarely buy new clothes and have found great coats/dresses/tops even boots and bags in great condition.

A decent jacket/coat plus nice coloured leather bag will help you feel pulled together plus smart dark trainers rather than Converse (IMO).
And yes a little MUA make up can make a big difference.

No problem, best of luck with the shopping

Hair chopped!!

I went for a bob! It’s just above my shoulders with a light fringe and a bit of layering around my face. Will take some getting used to!

Post a pic!

I love the m and s high waisted jeggings. Those with a slouchy jumper, some lip gloss, mascara and trainers or boots. Perfect autumn outfit. Layer a long sleeve top underneath.

Shapewear from primark is really good- holds in your tummy for a more flattering shape.

2 long sleeved tops with the one under have it slightly showing- roll the sleeves up a tiny bit on the over top one. Then push up to your forearm. Looks very chic. And shows off the thinnest part of your body-
So wear a leopard one under then a dark grey one on top and just show a sliver of the leopard one. That with some high waisted jeans and some converse. Tuck your hair behind one ear. So French!

Hair sounds great OP. I bet it makes a big difference.

I buy pretty much all of my clothes from ebay - it allows me to get really high quality stuff that I'd never be able to afford new - but you need to know which brands and styles to search for, to avoid ending up with things you'll never wear. If I was you I'd go and have a child free poke around town, try some things on and decide which shops you like. After that you can set up ebay searches for anything specific you're after and wait for a bargain.

Primark have some nice jumpers and earrings atm. I'm apple shaped too so I avoid ribbed and mega cropped items and anything bodycon. I have a selection of pretty clips that I use to keep my hair off my face at work (also from Primark). I have a MUA eyeshadow palate which is really nice shades for when I go out in the evening. In the day I just use tinted moisturiser and some powder so I look less splotchy/greasy

Oh I can’t post a photo or it will out me. I should have posted this thread in a different username.

I’m definitely planning a trip to primark!

Scribble your face off before you post it?

Drink water for your skin and if possible try to get a bit more sleep even if it's just one day a week when you can get an extra half hour.

I had it tied up (old habits die hard! ) so it’s a bit bumpy.

Don’t forget your nails
All you need is any old handcream a cocktail stick clippers a nail file. And a buffer
Soak nails in handcream ( dab on each nail) when cuticles are soft gently push back with a cocktail stick Rub handcream in
Snip file. And buff
Viola. Decent nails

Top tip re charity shops - go for onesnin posh areas.

I used to live in Finsbury Park and would make trips to Hampstead to get all the posho big end stuff for peanuts.

If you live somewhere this isn’t possible look online and put in things like “NW3” (or other posh postcode) on eBay and have a look. You may get lucky.

Like your hair very much. So much, in fact, that I think I might just have to copy it!

Hair looks great, Op.

Thank you!

Hair cut and eyebrow shape always make me feel like a new girl.
Also - get dressed! Hanging round in your sloppy PJs all day is bound to drag you down.
Get a decent bra. Makes ALL the difference to your posture.
Sleep longer, eat better, drink more water.
Take five mins to put a bit of makeup on every morning. A quick of concealer / tinted moisturiser / foundation really makes a difference when you look in the mirror, as does a bit of eyeliner.
Go through your wardrobe And chuck out anything that makes you feel blobby / tatty. You can have the most loved jumper or dress that you wore all the time and always had a great time in, but somehow the next year, it doesn't have the same effect. I actually have different clothes for work and home - but when things get a bit too scruffy for work I move them into the home pile and get more wear out of them when looking smart isn't such an issue (eg bobbly jumpers etc). But there does come a time when it's not doing you the favours it used to.
Supermarket clothes are cheap and generally not bad if you don't have oodles of cash. Or if time is not on your side with regard for scouting charity shop bargains. Wait for 25% off TU at Sainsbury's and splurge your Nectar points. Something new always makes you feel better about yourself.

Get yourself a long line vest to wear under your short tops 👍🏻

Hair looks fab OP

Op i suffer with seoborhic dermatitis (spelling is atrocious haven't slept in days) and whats really helped me is dettol bar soap believe it or not. Also charcoal scrubs and avoiding moisturiser. You can get charcoal masks etc from poundshop. Also using castor oil in eyebrows on eyelashes etc where my dermatitis is really bad has helped heaps. Havent had a flare up for a while (touchwood)

Also oversized jumpers leggings and ankle boots are a fab easy winter style but can be dressed up or down. Ps hair looks fab ;)

Oh that’s good to know consuela! My sister gave me a charcoal face wash but Ive hesitated about using it incase it sends my skin off again so i’ll give it a try now! Thanks.

Gorgeous hair!!! Whit woo!!

Its a bugger to shift. If you get it in your eyebrows i find that a gentle brushing with a toothbrush and then castor oil shifted mine. Worked around the ears etc aswel.