I often look scruffy. What easy steps can I take to look neater?

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

I'm often at the school gate with unkempt hair, a down-filled walking jacket, old, bobbled top, jeans that don't fit, amusing socks from accessorize and scuffed shoes. I work from home most of the time. When I have to go to see clients, I wear dresses and try to look tidy (but still end up with ladders in my tights and looking a state) but when I'm running errands and on the school run, I feel really awkward and messy. It doesn't help that I'm about a stone heavier than I like, and my hair is greying because I can't dye it at the moment. What can I do to smarten myself up and feel less dowdy? I'm 5ft 6 and a size 12, pear shaped with a massive mummy tummy that makes me want to cry, so I have to try to hide it.

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

Bugger realised this is from june

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

In my humble opinion its not so much the length of the tops its that many of them look a little clingy round your thigh / tummy area which is your sensitive area. If you sized up a bit and wore them a bit looser they might look better. I love the jumpsuit by the way

[Bberrie]

Here are some possible reasons!
Has allergic reactions to dyes
Is experiencing financial difficulties
Has damaged hair
Doesn't feel confident with dying own hair
Has been advised for health reasons not to dye hair.
Hope that opens your mind a bit !

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

The original rash is a lot better, thank you, and I have been getting my hair dyed, but now I have perioral dermatitis!

[Spied]

How's the allergy?

[thethoughtfox]

Curling my hair with a wand takes less than 15 minutes. It looks even better the next days as the curls are bigger and looser. I can brush them into waves the next day with some dry shampoo or put into a ponytail. If you curl it all in the same direction but just curl the front pieces aways from the face, your pony tail goes into a gorgeous curl and looks very ' done'.

[Lardlizard]

I can swing madly from ott to scruffy !! Bit like my personality 🤣

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

Oh? Where is the thread asking about me?

[happyjack12]

oh bless you! it's easy done.

someone started a thread asking about you, hope you don't mind me calling you back! i loved your thread, you looked better and better as time went on.
Here's to noramality post lockdown :)

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

Things have gone horribly wrong in lockdown. I've put on a stone and counting.

[happyjack12]

come back @ferrisbuellersdayoff :)

[CandiceSucksCandy]

This is a good thread.
I've given up on thin tights as I always ladder them.
I always keep my nails neat, not always painted. I use at home gels, a gel kit is the same price as getting gels done at a nail bar. They don't last as long but they don't seem to damage my nails as much.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

@FeeFee832 I've got that bit nailed. Just need to look neater and stop getting fatter!

[FeeFee832]

Ah didn't mean about weight or anything. Just meant doing things like yoga and running and working on how you feel on this inside! That will make you feel better on the outside and shine through!

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

@FeeFee832 I exercise plenty - I just eat too much.

[mathanxiety]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3797652-thanks-to-s-b-i-m-finally-winning-in-the-pursuit-of-elegance

This thread might be worth a gander, @Ferrisbuellersdayoff

The OP has tackled a problem a bit like yours.

[FeeFee832]

Start exercising - will make you feel better! Good endorphins! Work on inner care first!

[mathanxiety]

Very nice.

[Everytimeiseeher]

Great thread @Ferrisbuellersdayoff thank you

[happyjack12]

like the outfit :)

[katplva]

I like the pink coat with that outfit OP. Good idea to copy take inspiration from professionals Could you post a photo of the outfit without the pink coat on too please?

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

Today I am in fancy dress as a Hobbs window display.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

Reluctantly returning the navy coat as you're all right. Would have been a bargain :(

[ILikeyourHairyHands]

Also, I may be alone here, but I never fasten my coats, it always adds bulk.

[mathanxiety]

The coat is the wrong length. It needs to be either longer or shorter. It falls at the widest part of your calves unfortunately. I suspect it would hang better if it was longer, with the extra weight of fabric pulling it down.