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.

The regular John Lewis personal stylist sessions are free and there's no obligation to buy. They're good at suggesting styles and colours which suit you & give you ideas for future shopping trips.

@DelphiniumBlue I'm not very fat, but I'm a lot bigger than I used to be.

Yes, I'm seeing the GP about the dermatitis. He's recommended hydrocortisone and changing my shampoo.

@CountFosco

Thanks for your advice. I'll chuck out the silly socks!

As for general health, it's really only the overeating (and maybe a few specialised core exercises for my tummy) that I need to tackle.

Do some exercise every day (in these mild winter days getting out for a walk is good for the soul and gets the blood going).

I walk every day and exercise several times a week.

Drink water rather than tea or coffee or soft drinks

I drink way too much full fat coke. Don't touch tea or coffee.

Eat more fruit and veg

This is high on my new year resolution list.

Drink less alcohol Stop smoking

Don't do either.

Drink more water.

@Iamthewombat

Also, ditch the bloody down jacket. Nobody, nobody, looks chic in them

It's not even one of those duvet coats - it's a Mountain Warehouse waist-length walking jacket

If it’s just for the school run you don’t want to spend ages dolling yourself up. So I’d suggest the following...

• Smart, clean casual coat (could just be a black puffa).

• Shoes or trainers that are not scuffed or dirty. Keep clean with a baby wipe or flannel

• Wear a hat (woolly but not bobbly!) if you don’t have time to do your hair

• Good skincare routine morning and night

• Quick make up - Under eye concealer if needed, quick smudge of cream blush and lip, if you wanna do a quick eye the a smudge of cream eyeshadow (I like Laura Mercier amethyst) and mascara is super quick and can be applied by the most amateur hand. I also regularly have my eyebrows threaded and died so I don’t need to touch them as they’re already ‘done’. Makes a huge difference

• A spritz of perfume

I do all this in less than 3 minutes if I’m at home and popping out on the school run. I’m sure few people would notice but it makes me feel presentable and I’m more co confident in my interactions with others as a result

• eyebrows threaded and dyed!

And I would second the John Lewis personal stylist experience- thought it was great 👍

OP you've had excellent advice. I'd second buffing your nails as you are avoiding make up and hair dye for the moment. And using hand cream and oil on your cuticles. I always notice people's hands - but you don't need to have gel nails done all the time (I know I don't have the time, I paint my own while answering emails lol). Filed and cared for is good. Simple jewellery as it looks like you've tried.

There’s been some great advice on this thread.

I’m in a very similar situation myself OP...making notes of all the tips!

I use extra virgin olive oil to cleanse my skin, not sure if this would be considered an allergen but may be pure enough to try.

Use a 10p size blob and massage in to skin, then wipe off with a hot muslin or flannel, rinse face. Always leaves my skin looking lovely.

Nail buffers are fab too, makes them so shiny without using a product.

I think you need a little shopping trip for some new boots, the current trend is hiker boots, so comfortable and practical but stylish too. M&S and Next have some nice ones.

A decent coat, handbag (leather rucksacks are in and very practical), trousers that fit well and nice hat.

I think you'll probably feel a whole lot better when you're able to dye your hair again, hope you can work out your allergy soon.

I drink way too much full fat coke. Don't touch tea or coffee. If you can cope with the headaches, I’d stop the coke. I think your belly will just dissolve without changing anything else, especially as you are already walking and exercising.

I think your hair might be the main thing that’s bothering you at the moment, especially if you are used to having it coloured regularly. Has your hairdresser said how long it will take to grow the colour out?

You've listed the problems so you know exactly what they are and they're easy fixes. It's not difficult to replace laddered tights The bottom line is that it takes effort. You've got to put in the effort to change the things that you don't like. In order to gather the energy to put in the effort you've got to believe that you are worth it. You are worth it!

Oh and there is an extract here on allergens in shampoo. This tread from a couple of years ago might help too

Doesn't have to be a smart jacket/trench coat. A good quality parka type coat with thick fur round the hood adds a lot of glam. Pair it with some good quality skinny jeans and nice boots. This look is comfy but stylish.

When I developed a rash on my scalp and around my hairline and eyebrows when pregnant I used this allergenics shampoo and it worked a treat.
Still working on not looking scruffy though.

I second marks and spencers jeggings. They are easy to wear,wash well, high waisted and look good with a sweatshirt or jumper and nice top or shirt.
I wear mine with trainers or ankle boots.
A good coat is definitely worth the investment. M&S have some great coats in the sale which cover a multitude of sins.

Loving this thread and trying out the olive oil cleansing tonight!

One thing I am trying at the moment is wearing all my clothes, not saving some for best. Most of my clothes can be worn for most occasions but I tend to mentally save my favourites and also probably the slightly more smarter clothes, usually for a non existent occasion. I figure you should want to wear all of your clothes or what is the point of them. I agree that coats and footwear are key in smartening up an outfit especially if it’s an outdoor occasion like the school run.

I had eczema on my face years ago and shampoo would make my face sting. Practically everything made it sting, I used savlon as a moisturiser for a while and it helped. It was just about all that I could use.
The eczema did clear eventually but I have no idea what caused it.

Not wishing to out myself but I do quite a bit of telly at short notice and some public speaking.
My absolutely top tips are - some of which have been mentioned already

1. Most expensive well cut coat you can afford. Once you pull it on you feel amazing.

2 simple hairstyles that work for wind and children. I have mid length hair, so tie half up and down for school but also for outside tv. Also if you enter a room and want to look polished I can release the clip and the hair looks brushed.

1. Really well applied but minimal make up for school run. I find beauty and boutique very good and use her four product fresh look for every day. It's a much harder job on tv. I have had to teach myself how to do it via you tube

I think I’d buy a cute, knitted hat for the immediate hair issue.

Pop to Uniqlo and buy a couple of pairs of their jeggings and some tops/sweaters and them throw away any bobbly shit.

The jeggings look great with trainers, boots, loafers or even flip flops. So long as you polish your shoes they don’t look scruffy and white trainers come up nicely with a baby wipe.

Stand up straight and walk with your shoulders back and use your gluts.

@absolutelyknackeredcow can you link to the make up/video pretty lease xxx

www.beautyandtheboutique.tv/natural-look-make-up-how-to/

@absolutelyknackeredcow thank you so much