Help me choose! Makeover!

[bananallamas]

Right. My DD is nearly 12 months and it's time for me to sort myself out! I have been feeling shit about my appearance since she was born. Although I've been very lucky not to struggle with my weight (I'm back to my previous weight) I feel like a deflated balloon. My boobs are small and saggy from breastfeeding. My hair hasn't been cut since March and I'm getting some greys. My clothes are old and shit because I always feel like there's no point in making an effort because I get covered in snot/food/milk etc anyway. The only new clothes I've really had since pre-pregnancy are nursing tops and bras which are all pretty ugly.

So... where do I start? Sales will be on soon. I have already ordered a couple of pairs of skinny jeans from topshop and a pair of mom cords to wear with tops tucked in because I know these all fit me well. I have maybe another £300 to spend. What look should I go for? I do need to be fairy practical (baby only naps in the buggy so I walk miles). I work PT in a smart/casual place. I want to look like I'm stylish but not too try hard. I don't really know which shops to look in. I'd like to have a bit of a uniform where I don't have to think too hard and can just throw stuff on. Tempted by a capsule wardrobe but don't really know what I'm doing.

I'm 32, tall, shoulder length mousy hair, size 10-12. Please help!

...anyone?!

For me I would worry less about the clothes and focus on hair and makeup but that’s me personally. I can go out in joggers (hush though) and a fun jumper with good hair and makeup and feel miles better than a smarter outfit with minimal makeup and bad hair. I also focus on having a very statement pair of trainers at the other end.
For capsule work wardrobe I tend to go to Uniqlo. It’s sort of 80/20, 80% is meh to me but 20% is amazing.

This is the type of thing I love from Uniqlo: www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/tops/shirts-blouses?quickView=418395

I forgot earrings!

Start with your hair, if it hasn't been done since March then treat yourself.

Get some highlights and a good chop. Since your hair is shoulder length you could get it cut into a fashionable long bob with curls in. A good hair do makes you feel and look a million times better. Much more effective than changing your wardrobe. Or if you don't want to get your hair cut, spend a bit more time in the morning styling your hair. Straightening it or curling it with the straighteners and investing in a volumising mousse can make a big difference to your hair.

For clothes, I go shopping rarely, but when I do go I pick fewer high quality clothes, use the sales as an opportunity to browse around. You don't even have to go too high end (Oasis, Warehouse, Next etc), they all look much higher quality than Primark, New Look etc.

Also, get a bra fitted. I was wearing the same 3 hideous bras on rotato for around a year, they were unflattering and I'm very sure they were the wrong size. My boobs were near my stomach!! Then I went to get properly measured, told the lady I wanted perking up and more cleavage on show and I feel 10000000 x better in every outfit.

I'd prioritise hair and bra before clothes, but you are right, take advantage of the sales!

I agree -- get a lovely new haircut and colour.

Then try on your new trousers when they arrive, and see how they look with your existing tops. If you need new tops, take your most stylish friend shopping with you, and ask their advice.

Get new boots in the sales too. Russell & Bromley, or Office.

Thanks for all the ideas. I think hair would make a big difference. However I am a bit scared of getting a "styled" cut and then never having enough time in the mornings to do it properly (I had a fringe a few years ago which I regretted almost immediately as I had to straighten it every morning). But maybe I need to start making time!

Should I get my hair coloured and if so what is the most low maintenance/low cost way of doing it?