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.

I have:

1. Cath Kidston backpack in London toile, battered
2. Osprey suede slouch bag, teal.
3. Osprey mock croc shoulder bag, navy, in photo. This is my main bag at the moment
4. Russell and Bromley pink/multi tweed handbag, from 2005!
5. Small purple and navy cross body bag
6. Billy bag felt shoulder bag, purple from about 15 years ago
7. Little Moose shoulder bag, in photo

And a few novelty Lulu Guinness bags, evening bags, summer bags etc.

I'm planning to get an awesome navy coat next winter, since I've missed the sales boat this year. I'm reluctant to book a personal shopper session when I'm still not at my ideal weight, but I also
realise that this may never happen, or still be a long way off, and I want to look good in the meantime.

Sorry about the email demand in the links for Zulily, Ferris.

I have a handy email address which I use exclusively for that sort of situation.

I have one, too, but I am being grumpy and petty (not at you). I'll look again when I'm less churlish.

What about this?

This is the same coat in grey to show the shape better

Where do those pocket flaps fall on you?

I like the double breasted look - it divides the coat visually into three vertical panels, always nice if you have a wide part you want to minimise.

I also like the wide lapels - they add dimension to the upper part of the coat and balance your width at the hips.

OP re your hair when you're free to dye it again go for it and then Bleach London pearlescent shampoo is fab if you want to refresh your colour without dying your hair again. £6 from Boots (I assume you're blonde). Makes you look like you've had it done without spending time and money every month!

@mrsMGE I'm not blonde - that would be a lot easier! I may go blonder when I'm older, and upkeep will be less arduous.

Whooops, sorry Ferris - made an assumption based on what you've said about your eye brows 😊 Agree re less upkeep! Love your pink coat, btw. I personally find that simple clothes, clean cut and classy colours work best, plus a splash of colour. Smart black flats are key for me for running errands. I buy from Dune Shoes or Aldo and they tend to last very well even with my amount of (clearly heavy footed?!) walking. I think this is what gives you that smart, crisp and sharp look. Zara, Debenhams and Zalando are my choices for clothing. It's not everyone's preferred style though so don't change your own style if you're more vibrant!

Here's the navy coat I've ordered to try on at home.

The pink coat looks lovely on you

The navy looks too big, it seems to be overwhelming you

I sized down

I still think you’d suit shorter coats. The navy coat does look too big (possibly the sleeve length is part of this) and it seems to cut off at an unflattering point on your calf. I think a mid-thigh length coat would be way more flattering. I drew a line on the grey coat pic to show what I mean - you might even need to go a bit shorter, you’d want it long enough to fall past your upper thigh/hip, finishing at the thinnest part of your thigh - probably mid-way to your knees.

The navy coat looks too big/bulky.

I think the fabric's too thick and bulky, you need something with a bit more movement. Wool/cashmere blend is best for longer coats, pricey though!

How on earth can you dye eyebrows at a bus stop...?Lol

The coat is the wrong length. It needs to be either longer or shorter. It falls at the widest part of your calves unfortunately. I suspect it would hang better if it was longer, with the extra weight of fabric pulling it down.

Also, I may be alone here, but I never fasten my coats, it always adds bulk.

Reluctantly returning the navy coat as you're all right. Would have been a bargain :(

Today I am in fancy dress as a Hobbs window display.

I like the pink coat with that outfit OP. Good idea to copy take inspiration from professionals Could you post a photo of the outfit without the pink coat on too please?

like the outfit :)