Rural/active life - how to look stylish and feminine??

[Selfraising]

I was hoping for some style advice!
I have recently started taking more care with my appearance. I've lost weight, my hair is the best it has ever been, I've got some nice new clothes which suit me. But - none of it works with my actual life!

I live pretty rurally. The nearest village is a mile away, and the nearest small town (where I work and kids go to school) is another 2 miles. We cycle the commute every day (unless it is icy or very very windy - and then we walk). So I shepherd 3 small children on bicycles about 6 miles each day. It is steady but very hilly, so it can be hard work. Also, it is along muddy country lanes or bridleways.

So you can imagine the state I arrive at work in! But that isn't really the problem style wise. I take 5 mins in the toilets to pull myself together a bit, change my top etc.

It's more that when I go ANYWHERE - that is how I look. Meeting my friends, going to the shops - anything. Also, at home I have a lot to do outside (mini smallholding) so again, don't ever look stylish or feminine.

Is there anything I can do about this?? I had thought maybe if I wore tiny shorts under a dress, and wear that with boots (DMs?) that might look nice and might work - but I really have no ideas beyond that. Footwear is a massive issue. My shoes just get wrecked.

Have a look at [[https://findraclothing.com/collections/womens/ Findra. They do stylish, technical cycling clothing. I love all their stuff, might not be your style.

findra

Earrings. Easy to pop in your handbag/back pack and will turn cycle into chic. Go for bright and big. I love mine and they make me smile.

Oh and as for footwear, what about these www.sorelfootwear.co.uk/p/womens-harlow-lace-1870351.html?dwvar_1870351_color=286

I have a pair and they are great for walking, the stables and I’ve worn them out for drinks (cleaned up!). Also have a great pair of biker boots which are robust but look great.

I am not rural but live in NE Scotland and in normal times have a 30 minute walk each way to work, usually in the rain.

This won’t won’t work in warm weather, but I wear a lot of shortish a-line skirts, with opaque tights, and either black Stan Smiths/Vejas, or DM Church monkey boots. Big parka over the top. The tights dry much faster than trousers or jeans. You could do the same with any dress/skirt, obviously.