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.

PS I didn't rtft but you look great in that jumpsuit.

Take the shape of that jumpsuit and translate into separates and you're sorted. I'm sure that will be a perfectly simple task

Thank you all for the nice comments about today's jumpsuit. I usually hide my upper arms as I hate them but this jumpsuit was on sale and I thought fuck it I'll try it. It's definitely a special occasion sort of thing - not for the school run!

Also love the jumpsuit!
What I wore today was way too much like the young woman dressed to look middle aged.
Time to cull.

It'd be grand on the school run on a really hot day though. You have lovely arms!

It's horrifying @idblowjonsnow - I'm realising that what I think passes for smart means dressing like my mum!

The jumpsuit skims rather than clings, shows your waist - is the waistband a bit below your natural waist? - and comes in a wee bit below your widest bit and falls from there.

It's not made from bulky material. I think this is important. Chino pockets and waistbands are bulky.

Incidentally I picked up a pair of men's jeans during the week. I used to wear a pair of DH's (when he got too fat for them and I got too fat for my own) and they were lovely so I thought fuck it I must try that again. It might be worth trying on a few pairs. The waists tend to be higher and they're cut straight at the top and they have lovely deep pockets because men have big important things to keep in their pockets.

Oh stop keeping your 'good clothes' for 'special occasions'. Honestly that jumpsuit would be fine on a summer's day.

I never leave the house without a bright pashmina and jolly lipstick on. Greet people with a smile and you'll always look fabulous!

Ps: love the jumpsuit

Stick with the skinny jeans, show a bit of ankle then add a bright colour not-patterned top. Brogues or the white trainers are fine.

See here, these looks would be great for you I’m sure:

pin.it/hcxf5qkijlbthj
pin.it/ewace4rkrmh2nc
pin.it/4ak2g7aqlq767j
pin.it/mfks3p2itazt5z
pin.it/jpytryhopji6k3

This video is great for seeing how you can play around with how you wear stuff: pin.it/izqcu2a3pcsuqk

I know I'm behind on the thread but I loved the photo with the fuschia coat and boots. I also really liked the buttoned trousers on you. Also, the blue coat which was in the photo next to that.

I think you've got a really great figure - it's just all about finding the right clothes. I know someone's said this already but you might find Styled By Suzie on fb helpful.

Cor blimey missus! That floral jumpsuit looks wonderful on you

You could easily wear the jumpsuit with a denim jacket over it for the school run when the weather gets warmer.

Love, love, love the jumpsuit. Where's it from?

Floral jumpsuit is from Hobbs.

Get the jumpsuit, it looks really good on you and makes you look slimmer. Get a few in different colours and patterns to see you through all occasions.

The jumpsuit is bloody stunning. And the boots you tried are lovely!

The jumpsuit is definitely staying. Sadly that particular one doesn't seem to come in other colours, and it's crepe, so I'd feel weird wearing it down the swings or in the supermarket! I'll look for similar shapes.

OP your figure looks cracking in that jumpsuit, buy it you could dress it down with denim jacket & flat sandals (subject to the length).

You should take that as an example of what suits your figure & try to find other things like it. Perhaps a plain colour would be more everyday?

It's very expensive but I'm definitely keeping it. It'll need taking up as it's sweeping the floor even in heels.

OP those boots are fab. They'll give a bit of an edgy look to your combos and look versatile

Yes the boots are also much more on trend than your previous footwear - details like footwear make all the difference between an outfit looking current or dated

I can decide between the boots above or these

@Ferrisbuellersdayoff the first boots are much smarter and look great with the outfit you have on in the pic. I love your coat