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.

It's a pity jigsaw is so expensive because you're never going to look like a muppet, too trendy for your age (if you're older like i am) but then you're never going to look dated either. Would buy 3/4s of my clothes there if I could.

OP, you're curvaceous but you're not fat. I think you should OWN your figure like a boss and tuck your top in and wear an expensive belt. Nothing too ott like a gucci buckle (think they're a bit over now anyway, finally, thankfully) but just a good quality belt.

I never used to tuck tops in as when I was younger that wasn't a thing but my daughter asked me ''why do you never tuck your top in?'' like that is so weird, and ageing.

The chinos and scoop neck tops are Jigsaw @theyearofthedog

Oh right, I mentioned jigsaw because the trousers somebody linked to are perfect. Contemporary but a more forgiving interpretation of the trends.

www.gap.eu/gap/true-soft-textured-v-neck-tunic-sweater/000473898.html?dwvar_000473898_color=000473898001&dwvar_000473898_fit=regular&cgid=gap#q=Wool&prefn1=gapIncDepartmentTags&prefv1=136&pmin=11&pmax=80&imagesize=&imageview=&hideinfo=&start=84

This shape over slim fitting/skinny/jeggings.

I think the top and trousers today are both nice on you but the line is at the wrong point of your body - are the trousers high enough to tuck the top into?

I quite fancy seeing that top tucked into your new pleated skirt.

I think you look great in the second skirt and also the jeans.
I agree with a PP that the tops are the problem. You are quite busty (like me), so a more structured shape would probably be more flattering.
I loved Jersey tops when I was younger (and skinnier), but they look scruffy in me too, these days!

OP, I have such curve envy! You have a gorgeous hour glass figure.
I have enjoyed reading this thread.
My first thoughts on your original post, were just that you need to get rid of the odd socks and anything that's bobbled.
I too think you'd look great and be comfy in jeggings and a fitted shirt. That tiny waist needs emphasising!

@Apileofballyhoo here's the old top and the new skirt (still haven't decided if I'm keeping the two new skirts as I don't know what to wear this on with and the other one is a bit too tight on my hips, so I'd have to lose weight to wear it.

@DirtyQwerty I'm not easily offended. I came here for help, and don't mind if it's hard to hear.

Unless you're going to tell me to empty that bin, in which case clear off

@dirtyqwerty what was it?

Nope to that top with the skirt, I think you need a lower neck with it.

My natural resting place is “scruffy” and a lot of my work/play is outdoors/under a hard hat or cycling helmet. I had long frizzy, curly hair until about 6 months ago when I had it cut much shorter and much more manageable. I instantly looked 50% less scruffy and continue to do so, as long as I keep on top of my trims.

UK size 12 is not large unless you're pretty short! Apparently fleabags latest awards outfit has been assessed as closest to a size 12 - shes as slim as anything but is tall with strong shoulders!
Sod off to those saying a 12 is large, it really just depends.

I like that skirt by the way.

"but I do want to to look like I've thought about it a bit!"

Ah right, in that case, go to a personal shopper with that list. Sorted.

I had a friend who always looked put together. I realised it was her knee high boots lol! Flat boots, with jeans and a long black coat. So now I own flat knee high boots ha!! I always wear my hair up but I know I look like I've made more effort when I wear it down. I always use tigi after party hair serum after it's been wash and I think that make it look less messy.

I've just ordered wide leg jeans. If they fit and look ok, I'll be on the hunt for ankle boots, which I have never owned! I'm tempted to take both the skirts back. I'm not sure about the scoop neck tops: I like them, but I see what others are saying.

Qwerty is right about the skirt being amazing on you. I wonder are you more a pear shape despite the generous chest. Any vest tops or cap sleeves in your wardrobe?

You definitely need footwear!

I think the button up skirt looks great on you.

I think the proportions look all wrong with the button up skirt. It makes you look like you have the shortest torso ever with legs that go on for days (but not in a good way). It's not you, it's the skirt. It's also the wrong season for it. Difficult piece. I like the second skirt.

To balance another view, I think you look great in the bottoms, you have a lovely shape which doesn't need hiding imo.

Wide bottom jeans are hard to style with footwear unless in the summer.