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.

donttellmetwice

I have a friend whose uniform for casual is the boots that go slightly over the knee, with leggings or jeggings, a smart tunic type top, classy jewellery and a great coat.

Sadly I'm too short to get away with boots that high, it is a very easy look and goes anywhere.

Have a look at Missus Smarty Pants (I don't know how to link but it comes up on Google search) It's useful for working out how to looked pulled together, based on your figure type. HTH

Just wanted to echo the comments regarding your amazing curves & boobs! I get that they can be a pain to dress, but they make for a great figure. I don’t think you look overweight, but curvy.

Could you ask a friend with good ideas / taste to help you? I have found friends are interested in this, usually, and know your style and lifestyle.

I think that style of skirt would look brilliant on you if it wasn't such a heavy fabric - if it was lighter/swishier with, say, vest top in the summer it would be ace.

Keep the button down skirt- ot looks great on you!

I have just conducted a scientific experiment to see if the scoop top is any good. See the photos for the results.

One scoop top and one boat neck in similar colours.

The internet suggests I may be a cello body type (Trinny and Susannah). I don't think I'm a classic pear, but I wouldn't say hourglass, either.

Reading with interest!
I think the burgundy top and patterned skirt look very nice on you, but the skirt needs a belt, and if it was a similar tone to your top, would perform the dual tasks of emphasising your very neat waist and visually lengthening your torso.

My friend wears a lot of wrap around tops And dresses and they are great, they give you a great Figure Even if you haven’t got that great of a body! I’m going to invest in some this year.

The second photo is the best combo imo. I read most of the thread and although you say you feel scruffy, you look great in all the pics. Many would give a limb for your figure. Do you feel less good about yourself generally because of the hair colour and make up ban atm? Because you really do look fab, and if you cut your hair regularly it must look pretty decent.

School playgrounds can be a gauntlet. I echo the poster who says you sound approachable as the very ‘polished’ mummies can be intimidating to a lot of us! Just be yourself, by all means get some new shoes if your current ones are falling apart. But there is no need to preen for the school run. A smartish wool coat (ie not a ‘dog walking’ type coat) is a good shout just because it gived a good impression of smartness with absolutely zero effort.

Btw, I have a similar waist/hip ratio and I like oasis cherry jeans for straight leg and oasis jade for super skinny.

I like the boat neck top. I think a long line boat neck jumper could be good on you.

Boat neck with 3/4 sleeves, tucked into skirt looks best.
the proportions in that are much better.....and not at all scruffy.

That's the look I would associate with Class Teacher/ GP/ insurance office.

God yes to the boatneck. I too am ample of nork and can't in any way wear a v- or scoop neck. I look like the prow of a ship. Boat neck is much more flattering.

You have a fabulous figure Op. I live in turtle necks and Joules gilet, and jeans, in the winter with various boots and always a scarf or snood. If you spend the money on the basics it does show.

Someone mentioned about a more silky type shirt - I am busty and wear the Wallis utility shirts a lot, they're drapey and can be tucked in too

Everything DirtyQwerty said

Funny, I think the photo with the top untucked looks best as it balances you out.

OP you have a super body
Photo 2 is the best in particular the elbow length sleeves
I also like the chinos and denim jacket look
Your scoop neck tops and long or 3/4 sleeves aren't doing it for you. I like the patterned blouse on you though.
I think you need plainer trousers and skirts and for the tops to be more of the focus to balance you out as your top half is smaller. I'd also love to see you wearing belts and trying ankle boots.
Also layering stuff up looks good as does rolled cuffs on trousers and rolled up sleeves.

I really like the boatneck on you.