What do you wear??

[Oligodoodle]

I have totally lost my way with clothes, and it’s getting me down a bit.
I’m mid 40s. Life consists mainly of family days out and working from home, so clothes need to be practical and comfy.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the toilet mirror yesterday while out with the kids and I looked so awful - leggings and T-shirt.
People in similar situations, where do you shop? I get totally overwhelmed by online shopping. I need to go to one website and buy some basics, but don’t know where to start. Small budget, size 12, average height and proportions.
Thanks!

Jeans, nicest quality jumpers that I can afford....dresses when I need to look a bit smart, generally midi length teamed with boots.

I know which colours suit me and which cuts...I'm a bit bigger than you at size 14 but my top is 12...I'm a pear with a small bust.

Do you know what sort of cuts look good on you?

Oh and in summer, nice cotton dresses and sandals...or linen shirts or a t shirt with shorts.

I do actually have a pretty good idea of what cuts and colours suit me. I’m small busted so need round necks rather than v’s.
I don’t own any dresses. That’s a good idea. Then I can wear them when it’s too hot for jeans and too cold for shorts, instead of leggings.

Where do you buy from?

To be fair, I think it's easy to get into a rut when working from home. I've tried to smarten up a bit and bought a couple of oversized shirts to go under jeans (still in skinnies with stretch). Shirts in a variety of colours from French Connection.

Over jeans obvs.

Bin leggings unless you are exercising and wear jeans or casual trousers.

Little things like not chucking hair in a ponytail or bun (give it a 30 second brush / use a clip to tie half of it back), stud earrings/bracelet/watch, slick of lip balm, spritz of perfume, can make you feel a bit more put together. Hand cream before you get out of the car (more likely hand gel nowadays...you can set moisturising ones).

I’m similar age.

I like Hush joggers when I’m at home.
GAP denim dungarees
Jeans (still wearing skinny but like mom jeans too)
M&S combat trousers
Oversized T-shirt’s (at home)
Lucy and yak trousers.

I don’t own many dresses either as I don’t really go anywhere where I feel the need to wear one, I walk a lot and I don’t socialise very much 🤣

Dresses with trainers are super easy and comfy

Alway add earrings, lipstick/lipgloss

Girlfriend jeans with a t shirt

Denim or biker jacket or blazer to look finished

Dresses or jumpsuits all in one dressing is so easy, could wear trainers, or sandals

I like casual dresses (Weird Fish and White Stuff are my go to).

I’m similar age/size/lifestyle to you , and I had a similar moment in the mirror earlier this year. I wanted to try a few less expensive things to see what worked for me. I’ve actually found H&M to be a great place for basics that are still casual enough, but a bit smarter and trendier , and fairy inexpensive. I agree with the others who say spend 5 extra minutes on hair, basic make up and jewellery. I went with a tinted lip balm, mascara, eyebrows done and having my hair cut into a better shape, lots of highlights , and a few sets on sparkly stud earrings(I have a 1 year old too so nothing he can grab!) makes the absolute world of difference to how I feel! Good luck shopping, it can be a daunting prospect!

Oh I also picked up a black soft jersey blazer jacket when doing the weekly shop in Tesco which has been fab as comfy and practical and slightly more structured too.

I agree with binning the leggings and wearing earrings. Also perfume and nail polish. Ironed clothes make a difference too.

I’d have a look in the Arket, cos and & other stories sales for some good jeans and basics.