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.

[mummmy2017]

Your jeans need to be longer legged , a few inches more would stop the half mast look.
Or add some boots over top.
Primarks leggings look like jeans £5, they would cling more and show off your shape.
Try some silky shirts with a belt, open neck with some jewellery showing, add a vest top underneath, for warmth.
Please see yourself as slim, I would adore being as small as you are.
New bras are a pleasure, and make you feel good .
If you get some wool tights, you can do short boots , they are on sale everywhere, a little heel will make you feel good.
Sort outfits, with shoes to wear, so you can grab and go.

[mummmy2017]

Your skirts are fab, your tops are the problem.

[babysnowman]

OP look at Snag tights, they really are great quality. They span a wide range of sizes and you can choose to suit your figure eg short/ tall, curvy/ straight up and down. They don't fall down either!

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

@mummmy2017 the model wearing the chinos on the Jigsaw website seems to be rocking the half mast look .

I tend to avoid shirts as they gape and I don't like the ones at Bravissimo. What is wrong with my tops (not being defensive - genuinely want to know)?

[mummmy2017]

I tend to do the same as you and wear t shirts, but yours are making your gorgous figure disappear.
I'd love to be as slim as you are, have you tried a slightly more fitted top?
I know the model looks good in the trousers, but that is more of a summer look, ankle grazing trousers lengthen your legs, and give a more finished look.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

This is the only blouse I own @mummmy2017

[Supersimkin2]

OP, first skirt is lovely. It's meant to pouf at the hips.

Good legs so you've won the trouser war. Make sure your trainers are clumpy enough to make your ankles look thinner - a fine trick.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

Here

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

How about this top?

[Tryingtogetitright]

Hi, afraid I haven't read your full thread but noticed your comment about your hands. Mine used to be awful til I switched from liquid hand wash to soap. They never crack now, they used to be red raw. Might be worth a try. You look like you have a great figure by the way!

[mummmy2017]

In the words of Gok , great Knockers in the green top.
Yep add a vest under the shirt tuck it in and add a necklace.
You really have no idea how nice you look.

[Supersimkin2]

Thumbs down from me to the green top with the trousers, that clingy-all-over look smacks of old skool and not in a good way. You always need a balance between tight and loose - generally one tight, one loose - for clothes. Grazia shows you how.

It's about dressing, not about showing off your body. When you're well dressed, the body naturally takes all the attention anyway.

[RidgedPerfection]

I am not a big fan of the tops either; I think they make you look a bit old - fashioned and matronly. Much prefer you in the blouse and you have the figure to carry off more "adventurous" tops.

[Bluewavescrashing]

I only lose weight off my bum

xingming I hate you! 🙂

I've recently begun recovering from a long term illness. At my worst I was in bed most of the time. Dragged myself out to do the school run when DH or friends couldnt help.

When I started to feel better these things helped me feel more human:

Shower every morning, wash hair every 2nd day
Rough dry hair with hairdryer (I'm lucky I don't need to style or straighten)
Simple earrings
Lightweight foundation, mascara, lip stain
Hand cream

Clothes--soft jeggings, long line simple jumper. Or a comfy dress and tights
Ankle boots and a good coat.

Dressing better does give me more confidence now. I still need comfort as I have joint pain etc but am reasonably presentable.

[HarrietThePi]

Op I think you'd look nice in jeggings, Sainsbury's ones have always fit me well so I'd suggest trying those. I think your tops would look smarter if they were slightly more fitted. Or a shirt if you wanted something a bit looser. Then a nice jumper or cardigan over the top. I can't wear heels but boots are my go-to smart shoe for this weather. A nice coat. Doesn't have to be too expensive, just try on a few and see what looks good. Hair, just make sure it's brushed. I put serum through mine to stop it frizzing too much. A nice hat, worth finding one that suits you. I tend to not wear make up, if I do it's very minimal. I try to take care of my skin. I also don't wear nail varnish but try to keep my nails clean and trimmed. Pluck any random eyebrows and that's it really.

[HarrietThePi]

Re jeans. I once saw a YouTube video with Alexa Chung (I think it was her, or someone very similar) and a French woman discussing the perfect jeans, and they both agreed that the best looking jeans are not at all comfortable. That was a bit of a light bulb for me. I'm a size 6 usually so not large (except in France where perhaps I am obese) but any pair of jeans that has looked really good has hurt to wear. Jeggings for me are the perfect inbetween. Perhaps they might not look as good as an amazing pair of jeans, but they are pretty close, and a million times more comfortable.

(Disclaimer: I'm sure some people out there have jeans that make their arse look great without making them feel like their internal organs are being crushed and/or giving them camel toe)

[MadameF]

@Iamagree thank you I know what European sizes equate to in UK sizes.
Zara, H&M are not French brands and I'm not talking about fast fashion French brands such as Cache Cache and Pimke which also have vanity sizing in France. In IKKS, la fee mataboutée I'm a size 38 but 34 in H&M, Cc etc.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

I don't know how to dress at all. FML.

[MadameF]

@Booksandwine80 yes, you are right, I am horrible. Fortunately there is a lot of good advice on this thread for OP (who looks fab in a lot of the outfits posted)
Inès de la Fressange always advises am that a necklace should never be worn with earrings. I agree.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

I'm standing on a floordrobe in my bedroom at the moment with no clue, really. I think I'm stuck in about 2001, sartorially. I have never, ever been stylish. I am good at smart and formal wear, I think, but haven't a flipping clue about casual.

[Ferrisbuellersdayoff]

@MadameF I wear studs with necklaces, but not dangly earrings. I won't even wear glasses and earrings at the same time - I think it looks too busy.

[Callthemidwifeplease]

@MadameF get up 2 hours earlier what an unrealistic suggestion!!
Plus size 12 is slim!!

[MadameF]

@Ferrisbuellersdayoff
You are right studs are fin with a necklace, nothing busier

[MadameF]

get up 2 hours earlier what an unrealistic suggestion!!
Plus size 12 is slim!!
No size 12 isn't slim. I used to kid myself too.
And getting up early is possible if you don't work too early. And if you work early you have time in the evening.
You make time for things that are a priority in life.

[TheFaerieQueene]

I think that you need to look at less clingy tops. Zara have some fun ideas. Don’t be scared to do a bit off piste.