Lost my way

[MonoClue]

Hi. I’m hoping for some inspiration to get me through the winter.
At the start of the year I gave up work to become my daughter’s full time carer. I gave up smoking at the same time and since then the weight has gradually crept up as my job was very fast paced and I rarely sat down or took a break.
I’m 5’7” and at the start of the year I was 8 stone and size 8. I’m now 13 stone 10 and a size 16. Ideally I would like to get down to a size 12 over the next year and up my exercise again. I’m struggling at the moment with a frozen shoulder and arthritis in my joints and neck.
I generally wear tunic styles with leggings and ankle boots but I’ve lost myself a bit this year.
I’m 52 and I caught sight of myself in a shop window recently and got a real shock when I saw this fat, frumpy old lady looking back at me (I’ve not seen myself in a mirror for a long time).
I’m booking myself a haircut later this week but in the meantime would you lovely ladies please help a lost soul find a couple of nice outfits, reasonably priced, that will make me look more put together.
I’m keeping my grey hair as I quite like the colour and I also wear glasses.
(If it helps my daughter says I look like Teddy from Gray’s Anatomy, except my hair is just below my jawline, and grey)
Thank you, thank you, thank you to anyone kind enough to help me out of this rut

OP you sound lovely, and I'm so down with keeping the grey hair - it's a statement nowadays! Teddy is clean cut and sophisticated whilst keeping it casual and chic. To copy:

Grab some staples to get you started - a biker jacket is a great piece that goes with everything, and you can go for a classic black simple one, a suede grey one is elegant and beautiful, or a brown for a more rustic chic look. Find one that is cut really nicely and flatters your shape. It can be worn over a simple dress, jeans and a t... anything! It really adds a sense of style to any outfit.

Jeans! Pick up a really nice fitting, modern pair. Try on different cuts and fits to find what suits you most. A well fitting, dark pair of jeans looks ultra chic and effortless and can be paired with a more casual top or equally a more dressy top.

Shoes - I often base my outfits around my shoes! Guilty! Some lovely patent chunky slip ons are practical and easy to wear. Go for a dark burgundy for a modern look that goes with anything but still says "I know what I'm doing here" They're comfortable yet sophisticated and put together. Then choose some confidence boosting shoes!! A bold pop of colour in a heel can make you feel much more "sassy" and fashionable even with a completely black outfit, or some black jeans and a white top.

Lastly - avoid "over 50" specific shops!!! They can have some nice pieces here and there, but if you rely on them, you'll only end up feeling frumpy and disheartened.

How do these sound OP? Throw us some "yes" and "no" for more suggestions :)

I’m definitely up for the shoes. I love a statement shoe! One of my favourite pairs of boots was a suede leopard print pair of Chelsea boots. I wore them to death. I can’t wear heels anymore sadly nor can I do ballet flats, but I do love a small chunky heel.
I don’t wear costume jewellery but I collect silver Charles Rennie Macintosh style pieces and love my vintage broaches as well.
I’m looking at biker jackets now. I’ll post a link if I see any I like.
Thank you so much for your suggestions.

Love this! And leopard print is coming back in 200%, so you can work on this. Just don't go too garish or loud with it.

Couple jacket ideas I love for a reasonable price (haven't gone for real leather as obviously that gets fairly pricey for a single item. Worth it, but pricey. Maybe a xmas pressie idea?)

PS for a casual chic look, these are the sort of burgundy chunky shoe I was thinking. With some lovely fitted jeans and a top or even leggings and a long top, orrrrrr even a floaty dress and fitted blazer. Swoon.

PS disappointed we don't have other participants in this thread, OP. Sorry if this is a bit of a dialogue!

www.johnlewis.com/dune-greatly-tassel-loafers/burgundy/p3733165

I never wear dresses. I buy loads, then don’t wear them.
My signature look was skinny jeans, long white shirt with a fitted white vest and my CRM jewellery and boots.
I’m struggling to feel the biker jacket as I prefer to keep my bum covered.
I do love the shoes you linked to and I like the colour, so they’re a definite.
I’m going shopping later this week for some new black jeans and will try the biker jackets on. Maybe one will choose me

I’ve got some gorgeous tweed jackets and a beautiful tapestry one that I can’t wear at the moment due to weight gain. I’m determined to get back into them

Skinnies and a long white shirt sound lovely - a really nice linen-blend shirt in a fairly masculine shape is a lovely thing on all sorts of bodies, I think.

@MonoClue love a tweed jacket - those loafers will go nicely too!! I'm rooting for you so much, I hope the haircut makes you feel motivated and better in yourself. Perhaps a little manicure (if you don't already) would boost your self esteem too?

I’m back 😀
So, I went shopping yesterday. (Shudders). I have to say I’m loving the super high rise jeans, very forgiving on.
I bought 2 pairs of skinny high rise jeans- 1 black and 1 blue. 1 pair of black cords and a pair of tartan cigarette cut.
I also got a lovely soft cream waterfall hem jumper and a tunic style jumper in a greyish lilac. Also a selection of soft flowery scarves.
The biker jackets did nothing for me at all, but I got a teddy bear coat in cream which I can switch up with accessories (thankfully I can still wear my leather gloves. I’ve got a selection of colours)
I’m waiting for the burgundy loafers to arrive but I also spotted these little beauties and couldn’t resist
Thank you ladies 💋

Sorry. Forgot to load the picture.
One other thing I invested in was this. My daughter road tested it last night and I have to say, we’re quite impressed www.argos.co.uk/product/6987385

Haircut. I’m really happy with it. She’s taken out loads of the bulk and given me a long swoopy fringe. I almost look like me again

Funky shoes and fab hair!