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.

What about this one, which comes in berry or navy:

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-athena-wool-blend-coat/berry/p4751488

It has waist shaping and looks like the length might suit. Do funnel necks suit you?

Or this one?

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-evalina-coat-aubergine/p4505037

A stylish haircut can make you look great,'going gin grey can really suit some people with the right style
How about finding afew items like a nice tailored coat, in a colour not grey or black
A nice pair of shoes
Wear clothes that are to suit your shape not only do more fitted clothes look tidier colours and patterns can draw the eye from areas you feel conscious about.
Look at Pinterest or go into a clothes shop and ask to be given a few new looks.
Comfy fitted jeans are worth owning so spoil yourself!

I'm really struggling to find long tops I like. I'm thinking of something like this top with the cardigan.

have you tried "henley" style tops? Esprit are ususally good for these.for example:

www.esprit.co.uk/p/blouses-woven-998EE1F803.html#cgid=1239

Thanks @happyjack12 that blouse is really nice, but lots of lovely pp have suggested that I try tops that go to minge level, or tunic length, so that's what I'm looking for at the moment.

oh, you can get longer lengths, it was mainly the neckline / length of sleeve i thought you may like :)

@MotherFaffer I really like this outfit you linked to. I own those shoes in red, a slightly different version of that top, and suitable jeans, but can't find the jacket. Boo.

@Ferrisbuellersdayoff coat is boden blyford velvet coat, you might find one on eBay

I've been trying very hard to find long tops in the shops this morning. I don't think these are winners.

Who’s told you to buy long tops?! they look awful like maternity tops.

The consensus seemed to be that minge length or tunic length would be worth trying.

Not with a big bust. Hang badly

I know you don’t wanna hear this, and I know everyone else will criticise it, but you just need to lose weight if you don’t like your body shape. No clothes actually disguise what you are underneath, In the meantime you’re wasting money.

Get going with eating less and doing more - WW is good for self discipline- Then you can buy clothes you actually want to wear

I agree. I lost a stone last spring and have maintained that. I am trying to lose another stone now. However, I'll still have the same fundamental body shape and the same issues, just as a 10-12 rather than a 12-14. I have always had massive boobies and 'strong' thighs, even when I was a 6-8 at university.

I agree @Ferrisbuellersdayoff you're still going to be the same shape
I'm a 34K bust. If I lose weight I just drop back sizes so I end up a 32KK/30L which are even harder to find!

I'm a 30HH at the moment. When I was at my target weight four years ago, I was 28G/GG.

I've just fallen in love with this vair expensive coat.

It's the only place I never lose weight from! Even age 12/13 I was a DD, and they didn't stop growing

Same @ClientQueen they've been ridiculous since I was 14.

Also, I know a very good dressmaker, so my pricier clothes can be taken in if/when I finally stop eating chocolate all day.

I know nothing of body shapes or colours, but that is a lovely coat - and it looks like it fits well and is both smart, modern and cheerful!

That's lovely and you absolutely don't look at all scruffy!

The bust thing I empathise with. Never patterns or fuss on there. Try tonal with bottom half rather than contrast - one day you’ll just not care

Coat is good. Get a plain loose dark grey/navy sweater under it. Crew neck.