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.

And I was brave and tried a jumpsuit.

Darker socks. I don't like the hems on the legs of that jumpsuit, the rest is nice though.

Socks should match the colour of your shoes or trousers. The cardigan is a good length but hides your waist and would be better over a plain top - adding colour to an outfit where everything else is monochrome and plain. Look out for cardigans that are v necked or designed to be worn open, not ones that look like a jumper if they're buttoned up, unless they're quite fitted and you wear them over a plain t shirt or top. I think I prefer the shirt tucked in but I can't really see it under the cardigan! It's a nice shirt, I really like that second photo.

I love your coat OP!

I agree with Trinny and Susannah that a wide legged trouser would be good. Have you considered wearing them with trainers for a more youthful (but still stylish) look, like this?

I'm slowly working through what works and what doesn't. Here's this morning's attempts. I think jeggings are not my friends.

Two v-neck jumpers with smart jeans.

The jumpsuit looks good . I agree you need wider-legged trousers.

Love the jumpsuit, and the blouse tucked in with cardigan and belt combination. It's trial and error isn't it, a shirt tucked in or out can make so much difference.

The second jumper is a much better shape than the purple one. The boots look good with the jeggings - I'd try the jeggings, shirt and boots together. The green cardigan is much nicer closed.

The trainers look a bit shabby sorry. I think the jeggings are lovely on you actually. The cardigan and jeggings might look nice with your red shoes. You need black or navy socks with the jeans. They are nice and the trainers look better with them but still a bit shabby! I'd try the red shoes again.

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I think you look great in the picture with the boots. Long boots are your friend.

The shape of that jumpsuit, ie wider legs but in at the waist flatters you OP. I think that’s the silhouette you should be aiming for.

Try the Styled By Susie website and FB page. Really helped me and I paid for a style analysis which was excellent

Jumpsuit looks fab!

I loved the black and white shirt and think that plus jeans are ace. And the boots. And the jump suit. The jumpers seem too short. I think a long soft knit might work better.
But I love this thread and the revelation at wearing different shapes and how it affects the look. It’s amazing

Love the black and white shirt! Where is that from, if you don’t mind me asking?

I love that jumpsuit on you, it makes your legs look really long. Have you tried trousers in that style?
I think someone above said about balancing out tight bottoms with a loose top. Or the other way round. That's why I think the lovely spotty shirt works with those trousers. Have you worn that with the boots? And I really like your coat!
Can you afford a new pair of trainers, perhaps a black pair to wear with your black trousers? I can't wear the chunky trainers but have a plain navy pair that works. I really like your red shoes, but perhaps a bit chilly for this time of year.
But if I saw you on the street with your coat, black trousers and boots and a nice bag, scarf and hat, I wouldn't think you look scruffy. Quite the opposite!

Wow OP I think you have definitely lifted yourself up sartorially speaking
Jumpsuit looks good too

What are your own thoughts and feelings?

I think the leggings look good with the long boots but not so much with shoes and I'm not a fan of the v neck jumpers although maybe they would work better with a collared shirt underneath or a scarf?

I think ankle boots would be a key purchase and I'm not a fan of the pink lace ups as they don't go with the other colours you are wearing

Ironing your clothes would help achieve a sleeker look! Love the jumpsuit on you.

Pictures never show the true look, but honest you look fine,
You can always add a scarf to the coat to add a bit of brightness, long boots always posh up an outfit, even the leggings then get lost under the coat.
Finishing touches are important, and a hat can hide your hair in an emergency.

This has been a really interesting thread.

OP I think you have a lovely figure, great waist, boobs, lower legs and I do agree with a PP that I'd advise looking for clothes that don't accentuate the top of your thighs. I'd be aiming to streamline the area between your waist and your knees with either wide-leg trousers or a straight skirt, and balance the skirt up with your lovely knee-length boots. A skirt either just above or on your knee, or longer .. straight rather than bunching out at hips, and possibly sitting a touch below your waist .. to get a nice uncomplicated line and accentuate your nice curvy upper body.

I'm not sure how well I've explained what I mean although I can picture it in my head! If I can find a photo I'll link it.

Oh, also meant to say the jumpsuit is lovely and I think a wrap dress with boots would be perfect on you too.