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.

I think I mentioned Violeta by Mango early in the thread - they do some lovely what they call "flowy" shirts. They're lovely. I wear them tucked into a skirt for work or loose over slim fitting trousers or leggings with knee high boots for a more casual look. I too am busty and there's no gaping at all.

How does this style of skirt look on you? Might be an option.

I'm not sure about the waistline on some of those skirts.
The ones that sit high with flowy gathers seems to emphasise the hips instead of the narrow waist.

I have a similar shape to you op and find it a hard shape to wear in skirts but fine in dresses.

Wow definitely the middle picture! Amazing the difference small details make. Middle picture looks so much more now and looks really nice (disclaimer: I know nothing about fashion!)

I'm loving this thread and shamelessly taking advice from it for myself

OP you have a fab shape, I'm a 10 with a small chest and I would LOVE your figure!

Right. Here's the chinos with a crap belt (don't own nice ones). I'm taking back the two skirts and the scoop tops. I'm hunting now for skirts and tops that improve the appearance of my saddlebags and ludicrous boobies.

@StCharlotte I have one skirt like that but it doesn't fit at the moment. I generally go for knee length or midi, and these tend to be a bit too short.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm considering it all very carefully and having a huge charity/eBay clear out.

Chinos and boat neck look good. You can definitely get away with the line where you have it. Your torso looks longer and you can see your lovely waist.

Reference gapey blouses - I have a couple that only have a top opening, three buttons, which means the gape area is solid fabric. These seem to work, look smart like blouses but don't suffer the gaps.

I am a 14 and just bought a large size button through cotton top from Jigsaw and it's useless, just all gape.

I like that look too, very nice :) For gapey shirts, I just sew them up. No more gape. Important to leave enough room to get in and out of them without the opening the buttons 😁 but this method works well for me and my sizeable bosom

I can't find any blouses I like. I'm scared of looking like I'm 80 (I'm half that). Where is a good place to look for a decent (high street) belt?

Next is fine for belts.

Uniqlo do half button shirts. I don't think I look eighty!

The gaping shirt has been a problem for me too, with shirtdresses as well. I just sew a straight stitch on the machine from the 3rd or 4th button down to the 4th or 5th down the placket, then to wear put them on over my head. It works very well, no more gapes and flashing bra. You can also buy tape from the sewing shop which does the same thing.

Gap do good cotton shirts/blouses.

Oasis or Zara can be good for a decent shirt. H&M too.

I tell you what you don't want to do if you want to have any money left, and that's use the John Lewis personal edit tool on their website. I've just bought a few things to replace what's been/being sent back.
www.johnlewis.com/women/personal-style-edit

Do your hair.
Wear a nice coat.
Clean shoes
Manicured nails.
Eyebrows done + concealer

I think a shirt dress with belt would suit you very well too.

www.thokkthokkmarket.com/en/tt01-cap-sleeve-midnight-gots-fairtrade/woman/t-shirt/plain/a-2878/

Saw this t shirt and thought this shape might be good on you, OP.

That's very kind, thank you!

Thinking of getting a couple myself!

I'm definitely turning up to school less scruffy this week, though the stylishness will take time (and trial and error). Here's today's efforts in the photos. No idea what socks to wear with brogues!