Please help with style overhaul! - 40 years and no idea of my style!

[Hanswurst]

Just that really! I feel like I need to have a style overhaul!
I’m 42, size 12 and pear shaped.
I live in skinny jeans, jumpers and DMs. I feel so boring, stuck in a rut and no idea where to start!
I would like to dress a bit more “classic” with a casual/cool twist if that makes sense? But every time I try google these sort of styles I get either images of either 20yo uber cool skinny waifs who would look good in a bin bag, or older, impossibly stylish women looking like they are about to go into a board meeting… neither Styles I endeavour to copy! I need something practical but nice/stylish/cool to go about my day-to-day activities…
On top of that, all clothes I seem to find are very muted/beige, which makes me look completely washed out! I suit bright jewel colours or high contrast.
Does anyone have any idea where to even begin??
I want to look stylish without looking like I am head of a business empire and cool without looking like I’m trying to still be 21 and a size 8, whilst at the same time dressing for my shape and colouring…
I feel it’s impossible!!

I've got a similar dilemma, we're a similar size / shape and I suit jewel colours as well. I'm gravitating towards dresses at the moment. Though dresses aren't practical for my work unfortunately. I've got a couple of nice bits from Mint Velvet but their colours are quite boring. I've actually found some nice summer dresses on Misguided and Shein.

I wouldn’t mind dresses some of the time, but I would love to know how to do a stylish boots/jeans combo!
Also stuck with what sort of bags/coat, etc

I've recently got this style of jeans, wear with boots or white trainers, biker jacket. I've went a bit mad in sales for a wardrobe overhaul 🤣

@OnaBegonia what shape are you if you don’t mind me asking? I like that combo with a biker jacket, that sounds like the kind of combo I’m after - a pulled together style that’s quite casual and cool at the same time!

I think you need to narrow it down to a few shops and key colours to start with. Are there any friends /colleagues/acquaintances whose style you like? You could ask them where they shop as a starting point. Then pick one neutral and three other colours that suit you and look for clothes in those colours at those few shops. Also, before shopping, go through your current wardrobe and get rid of any clothes you don't feel good in. You will then have an idea of gaps in your wardrobe. As basics, get a good quality white shirt, as well as white t shirt, plus a pair of dark indigo jeans in a shape you like. Also a pair of black or brown ankle boots. Personally I like Uniqlo for basics and Hush for a relaxed glamour look.

@BreakfastOfWaffles thank you, that’s some helpful advice!

If it's helpful, I am late 40's, pear shaped and have a reasonable clothing budget. I shop at:
Hush
Cos
Arket
Boden
Uniqlo
H&M

You can often find less expensive versions of their style clothes in Zara and M&S though if you want to start with a smaller budget while you experiment a bit.

@Hanswurst pear shaped, tall though. I think the outfit you have in mind suits most shapes tbf.

@OnaBegonia I’m tall too! I always feel like if I don’t wear skinny jeans I look like a sack of potatoes… probably need to change my mindset!

I was the same with skinny jeans, then my DD16 helped me do a revamp! She's got a great eye and I've just went with it 😀