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.

@MadameF you look great!

I really hate to say it, as I give the iron the swerve as much as possible (hang things straight out the tumble dryer and just give a quick once over on any creases), but you would look 100% more put together with ironed clothes. It's the small details like that.
I like the wide leg jeans too. As well as the jeggings.

Madame your body type is completely different to OP's. Irrelevant post.

@Sagradafamiliar it was a post for blue waves I would never have posted otherwise!

I meant the post where you said she would look better a stone lighter. You would've carried an extra stone very differently and you haven't 'been there' as you aren't similar so I found it a bit irrelevant.

Ok but a stone is a stone and it didn't suit me even if it was more spread out as I'm sort of straight up and down, the OP has said several times she would like to lose a little weight and I think her confidence would increase a lot regardless of the clothes if she did.

I'm not sure about that MadameF, confidence has to come from within, I spent the vast majority of my life as a 8/10 (in old money), and suddenly at 45 I'm a size 12, it's happened over the last 18 months and it's peri-menopause based, I'm tall, but it's apparent that I'm no longer the slip of a lass I once was, but I'm still as confident as I ever was, I feel great about myself and I look great, a stone either way hasn't diminished my self-worth.

OP may or may not want to lose weight, she's certainly not in the category where her weight is detrimental to her health, and she's not posted in any of the weight-loss forums so let's assume that she's asking about clothes rather than her body-shape.

For robust tights, get Falke (they are £££ but try eBay or TK Maxx) - they last forever and never ladder.
You sound a bit like me in shape and I like Gap Girlfriend jeans.
I got myself a slightly shaped "down" jacket (Bravissimo) for the school run.

I’m not the same shape at all as the op,but I do agree with @MadameF that losing a stone would by far have the biggest impact, I know this from experience, when I lose even half a stone my clothes just look so much better on me and I no longer feel the need to go shopping for clothes that will make me feel like I look ok.

Yes, but I think OP wants to look good in the meantime. She has already said in her opening post that she wants to lose a stone so you're preaching to the converted! Losing a stone takes a bit of time but you can still look better in between. And the Op isn't particularly fat IMO but equally still probably would be healthy at a lower weight.

OP Like other posters I think you would look really nice in some wide legged trousers. Something like palazzo pants/yoga pants in a jersey or soft fabric rather than baggy jeans.

You have a lovely figure; dress for how are now and feel good. If you want to lose a little weight (you don't need to) then fine, but focus on how you are today.

MadameF I hope you've left the thread now. Your "advice" is insulting and actually not true. It's hard to lose a stone and takes a lot of willpower and denial. Maybe OP does want to lose weight although she looks absolutely fine to me, but what's she expected to wear in the meantime- sackcloth and ashes for the crime of being a normal size.

OP from the pictures I've said it before but you look great with the long boots. They stop your legs being broken colour wise at the bottom and make them look really long. It has inspired me to wear my long boots more often. I think for you it's about proportions and elegance. Like me your shape looks best with sophisticated options and doesn't so much with super casual .

OP has a lovely hourglass figure - MadameF you have a completely different body shape and while you are very slim and yes you look lovely, the OP's hourglass figure is also lovely and she really doesn't need to lose any weight, she looks great as she is IMO.
Hourglasses are lucky as they can look amazing in the the right clothes regardless of their weight.

Great thread and ideas. Can anyone recommend their jeans please? I want higher waist, stretch, slim to skinny. I have several pairs that start off fitting well and then after a few hours I look like I'm wearing a sack as they're all baggy! Why do some jeans go baggy and others don't? What material should I be looking for?

I think you look great OP and really don't need to worry about your weight. Keeping off the sugary crap for your own health is always good, but don't stress about a few pounds.

I have a similar shape to you and one quick trick that I find that works for me is to do a half tuck of the front or slightly to the side, of shirts, tops and jumpers. In some of the pictures the tops and jumpers are stretched over your tummy and tops of the skirts/jeans/trousers which then shows the lumps and bumps of your clothes as well as your tummy. If you half tuck them in at the waist it will emphasise your good bit - small waist - and not your tummy.

Another thing I do, as I'm too lazy to sew up my shirts, is wear a cami vest under a shirt and then leave it unbuttoned from where it gapes at the bust upwards. This works well with looser shirts as it gives the smart and drapey look of a shirt without flashing your bra.

I* think Levi's are great jeans Littlemiss.* Try on loads to find the right fit for you, but I wear their slim cut ones. They have high waists and they stretch enough to be comfy, but not so much that they start to bag.

Ok I'm NOT hourglass so forget the jeans recommendations.

I think I'm a cello shape - pear with boobies.

OP, I think you look lovely and have a fantastic figure. I honestly think it's more about how you are feeling inside yourself. And I say that as a genuine ugly myself.

Another vote for the skinner jeans which I think really suit you.

I've promised myself a pair of LK Bennett trousers if I lose a stone. I keep eating chocolate, though

Great work OP

If you have a chocolate craving go for dark chocolate it helps with stress and has less sugar the high percentage you go.

www.hemsleyandhemsley.com/recipe/apricot-dark-chocolate-bumbles/ and healthier bars here bars are you an emotional eater does it provide comfort ?

Clothes boat necks really suit you and a soft flared skirt would look fab.
Also do you ever where trainers cocorose or Air and Grace lastly look at this insta page to see how accessories can change an outfit www.instagram.com/bettylovesaccessories/

Dear ferris, I did scroll along.. I don’t know If it’s the done thing but I think you’re ace and I’ll come for a drink with you.. pm me