A Bob is actually an incredibly unforgiving style in my opinion (but then I’m a naturally curly redhead which might influence me) but even on others unless it’s JUST been “done” it doesn’t look tidy or “together” and the length means you can’t tie it up.
My mother HATES That I’ve kept my hair long but I honestly don’t suit it short and brutally honestly in a longer length you can use quick and easy “updos” to make it look like you’ve made more effort than you have!
Butterfly/claw clips are a lifesaver for this. Pic attached is how I wear my hair ALL the time at the moment the only exception is I use a barrette to secure as I even sleep with it like that.
Dead easy to do just brush back into a pony tail, fully twist the pony tail lift and secure with clip.
Other styles I’ve used are Gibson tuck (looks impressive but dead quick and easy to do), French plait (can do the night before), french twist, chignon (using a hair loop - dead easy!)
But even with a bob you could using the top half/crown of hair do “updos” on a smaller scale with smaller accessories to tidy it up.
Even a half ponytail which you could even plait would be tidier.
“Can't do varnish for the time being” I have allergies/sensitive skin and this is occasionally true for me too. What you CAN do is keep them trimmed and filed and you can use a “buffer” which gives them a healthy shine without polish.
Wardrobe wise having core colours, a “palette” is a good idea.
As a redhead there’s a lot of colours/shades I simply can’t wear as they make me look bizarre! So I stick to “autumn” colours which I know suit me - deep reds, browns, dark greens, navy, I struggle in summer months as I don’t really suit pale colours though, so I end up wearing dark colours bottom half and white, cream and pale blue on top half.
I’m blethering on... point being now when I shop I stick to my core colours as I know they’ll “go” with what I already have.
A classic trench coat makes even jeans and jumper look smart I agree. I have one, but I also have a “puffa” jacket because quite honestly sometimes where I live (west coast of Scotland) you NEED a WARM and WATERPROOF coat with a hood and zipper!
Re shoes - you need at least 2 pairs on the go at once for foot health if nothing else. Also means they last longer. Sweat etc wears them out quickly they need a good airing.
I always have - a pair of trainers, a pair of pumps and a pair of good boots at any one time. I’m on a tight budget these are not expensive/high quality shoes usually “primark specials” but they last me because I’m not wearing the same ones all the time. I have flat sandals and flip flops in summer too. I can’t wear heels any more.
I only wear plain black ankle socks now, far easier than faffing trying to pair up and easily replaced and always look tidy. Opaque black or navy tights for when I wear a dress or skirt in colder months (which is pretty much all the time but for 2 weeks in August here!) again just primark ones but they wash well and rarely ladder and even if they do cheap enough not to worry about.
When I’m out and about/back when I was working I always carried in my bag:
Spare tights
Emery boards (saves the tights if you can file broken/chipped nails straight away)
Gum - for quick breath freshener
Spare cheap stud earrings
“Spare” basic make up that stayed in my bag in a SMALL makeup bag - tinted moisturiser, small concealer wand, powder compact, neutral colour eye/cheek/lip makeup, mascara, sample size of fave perfume (go to make up counters as if you’re a new customer 😉)
Small travel pack of wet wipes (or just a few wipes from bigger pack at home in a “sandwich bag”)
“I drink way too much full fat coke.” Actually awful stuff! Incredibly harmful to the stomach - it’s basically acid! Leeches calcium from your bones, dries you out and the caffeine? Wow! Don’t quit cold turkey! Caffeine is VERY addictive both physically and psychologically, wean yourself off. But do try to get off the stuff.
I’m also very pale and fake tan doesn’t work on me - makes me look jaundiced! So you’re not alone there!
Like me you can’t do crew necks due to large boobs - they make me look either matronly or manly!
Disclaimer to ALL the above I have NO idea what’s in fashion, I decided ages ago I’d stop worrying about that and wear the colours and styles that suit ME.
Style and fashion are 2 different things.
Sometimes something is in fashion which also suits my style and I’m able to stock up, but otherwise I stick to what suits me.